SoiferI VtP Annotation: El Vado Neighbors: we are still here

The visual contrasts in this image are particularly fascinating due to the manner in which the caption points out a part of the image that otherwise would not have really stood out as being significant. The little noise/air pollution sign holds a great deal of social and health significance, yet is so small and hardly visible, particularly in comparison to other more noteworthy sights (mountains, cars, trees, buildings, etc.). But with the accompanying caption, this space attains a sense of danger and rather than appearing serene, a site of slow violence. Such indicates a metaphoric representation of how a problem that is significant and has the potential for dastardly consequences for peoples' health in the area is so understated itself. Even the owners of the stores there select to engage in business there because of weighing the costs and benefits, as well as the limits and politics of real estate that marginalize certain groups of people, forcing them to purchase stores in more environmentally dangerous areas.