“The

Problem We All Live With”

“The Problem We All Live With” is a 1964 oil-on-canvas painting by Normal Rockwell depicting Ruby
Bridges on her way to a white elementary school on November 14, 1960 (the school integration
movement). She is escorted by four deputy US marshals as a result of violence and threats against her.

“Ruby Bridges”

What is the artist’s argument in this image and how do you know (specifically, how does the image relate
to race relations in the South)? Clearly state what you believe the artist is attempting to say, and then
analyze specific examples from the text to support your assertion.


10 minutes