Naeem Mohaiemen’s ‘Through a Mirror, Darkly’: America on the Brink and the Resurgence of Tricky Dicky Explored Through Art and Design

September 18, 2025

America finds itself at a critical juncture, facing escalating divisions and unrest. A newly released film, “Through a mirror, Darkly,” offers a chilling reflection of past turmoil, specifically the violent events of May 1970, prompting urgent questions about the nation’s present trajectory. The work connects that era of protest and conflict to the current political landscape, especially the second term of the previous presidency and recent incidents of political violence.

The Haunting Echoes of 1970

In May 1970, the United States was gripped by widespread protests against the Vietnam War. The situation tragically escalated with the deaths of six students – four killed by the National Guard at Kent State University in Ohio, and two by local police in Jackson, Mississippi. These events sparked a national crisis, raising fears of civil war or the erosion of democratic principles. The film meticulously examines this month of intense conflict, juxtaposing it with contemporary echoes of political strife.

The film’s release coincided with a period of heightened tension in the United states, notably the aftermath of incidents involving political activists. The parallels drawn by the filmmaker – Naeem Mohaiemen – are unsettling, prompting reflection on whether the nation is repeating patterns of division and unrest, and if so, what lessons remain unlearned from past mistakes.

A Look Back: the Kent State and Jackson State Shootings

The shootings at Kent State and Jackson State remain potent symbols of a nation divided. The events at Kent State, in particular, gained significant national attention, fueled by graphic photography and extensive media coverage. Though, the deaths of students at Jackson State, a historically Black college, received comparatively less attention at the time. this disparity in remembrance forms a central theme in Mohaiemen’s film, raising questions about whose stories are prioritized and why.

According to data from the National Archives, over 400 campuses across the country experienced protests and unrest in the days following the Kent State shootings. This widespread upheaval underscores the deep-seated anxieties and frustrations of a generation grappling with war, social injustice, and political change.

A Comparative Look at the 1970 Protests

Location	Date	Fatalities	Perpetrator
Kent state University, Ohio	May 4, 1970	4	National Guard
Jackson state College, Mississippi	May 15, 1970	2	Local Police

Memory, Memorialization, and the Power of Cinema

The film delves into the complexities of collective memory, questioning how events are remembered and who controls the narrative.It explores why the Kent State shootings have become an enduring symbol of protest,while the events at Jackson State have remained comparatively marginalized. The filmmaker also examines the role of cinema in shaping perceptions of war and political conflict, referencing films like Michael Cimino’s “The Deer Hunter” and its contested portrayal of the Vietnam War.

Did You Know? according to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, approximately 65% of Americans believe that political polarization is a major threat to the country’s future.

Mohaiemen’s work avoids simple answers, presenting a multi-layered exploration of memory, justice, and the enduring legacy of violence. The cinematic approach, utilizing archival footage, interviews, and fragmented narratives, creates a disorienting and thoght-provoking experience for the viewer.

Nixon, Trump, and the Use of Force

The film draws a direct line between the actions of President Nixon in 1970 and the more recent actions of a former president. It points to a pattern of deploying federal or national forces to quell dissent, raising concerns about the potential for authoritarianism and the suppression of political opposition. The film contrasts Nixon’s attempts to distance himself from the Kent State shootings by claiming state control with the previous president’s deliberate use of security forces for what the filmmaker asserts were political purposes.

Pro Tip: To better understand the historical context, consult resources from the Vietnam War era, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website and the kent State University archives.

The work serves as a cautionary tale, warning against complacency and urging vigilance in the face of political division and the erosion of democratic norms. It underscores the importance of a free press, historical accountability, and a commitment to social justice.

The Ongoing Relevance of Protest and Remembrance

The issues raised by “Through a Mirror, Darkly” remain profoundly relevant today. As political polarization continues to intensify and social unrest persists, understanding the lessons of the past is more critical than ever. The film encourages audiences to grapple with tough questions about memory, accountability, and the future of democracy. It is a reminder that the struggle for justice is ongoing and that vigilance is essential to protect the principles of a free and equitable society.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the central message of “Through a Mirror, Darkly”? the film explores the parallels between the political turmoil of 1970 and contemporary unrest, questioning how we remember and learn from the past.
• What were the key events of May 1970 that the film focuses on? the shootings at Kent State and Jackson state Universities, the widespread anti-war protests, and the broader context of political division.
• How does the film address the different levels of attention given to Kent State and Jackson State? It questions why the Kent State shootings are more widely remembered and memorialized, raising issues of racial inequality and historical narrative.
• What role does cinema play in the film’s analysis? The film examines how movies like “The deer Hunter” have shaped public perceptions of war and conflict, exploring the line between accuracy and metaphor.
• What is the film’s overall assessment of the current political climate? The film suggests that the nation is at a critical juncture, with echoes of past turmoil that demand careful attention and proactive measures.
• Where can I learn more about the events of May 1970? Resources like the Kent State University archives, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website, and historical accounts from the period provide further facts.
• Why is understanding historical protest significant today? Understanding historical protest provides valuable context for current social movements and helps us learn from past successes and failures in the pursuit of social change.

What are your thoughts on the parallels drawn between the events of 1970 and the present day? How can we ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten?

How does Mohaiemen’s blending of staged photography and documentary realism contribute to questioning the authenticity of political narratives?

Naeem Mohaiemen’s ‘Thru a Mirror, Darkly’: America on the Brink and the Resurgence of Tricky Dicky Explored Through Art and Design

Decoding the Visual Language of Political Anxiety

naeem mohaiemen’s multi-layered work, Through a Mirror, Darkly, isn’t simply an art installation; it’s a meticulously constructed visual essay on the anxieties surrounding american political instability, drawing potent parallels between the present day and the Nixon era. the project,encompassing photography,film,and design elements,functions as a critical examination of power,surveillance,and the cyclical nature of political crises. Understanding Mohaiemen’s artistic choices requires delving into the historical context and the specific design language he employs. This article explores the key themes and techniques within Through a Mirror, Darkly, focusing on its resonance with contemporary concerns about democracy and authoritarianism.

The Nixon Haunt: Historical Echoes and Contemporary Fears

The core of Mohaiemen’s work revolves around the figure of Richard Nixon, or “Tricky Dicky” as he was famously known. But this isn’t a straightforward biographical portrayal. instead, Nixon serves as a symbolic depiction of a particular brand of American political maneuvering – one characterized by secrecy, paranoia, and a willingness to exploit fear.

* Watergate as a Precedent: Mohaiemen positions the Watergate scandal not as a singular event, but as a foundational moment in understanding contemporary political abuses of power. The surveillance tactics employed during Nixon’s presidency, revealed in events like the wikileaks CIA files (PBS Newshour, 2025), foreshadowed the expansive surveillance programs of the 21st century.

* The “Imperial Presidency” Revisited: The concept of the “imperial presidency,” a term often associated with Nixon, is central to Mohaiemen’s analysis. He argues that the concentration of power within the executive branch, coupled with a disregard for constitutional checks and balances, continues to be a defining feature of American politics.

* Visual cues & Nostalgia: The aesthetic of Through a Mirror, Darkly deliberately evokes the 1970s – the color palettes, the graphic design, even the film stock used all contribute to a sense of historical immersion. This isn’t simply about nostalgia; it’s about highlighting the unsettling continuity between past and present.

Design as a Tool for Political Commentary

Mohaiemen’s background in architecture and design profoundly influences his artistic practice. Through a Mirror, Darkly isn’t just about design; it is design, utilizing visual elements to convey complex political ideas.

* mid-Century Modern Aesthetics: The use of mid-century modern design – a style frequently enough associated with optimism and progress – is deliberately ironic. Mohaiemen subverts this aesthetic, using its clean lines and geometric forms to create a sense of unease and alienation.

* Surveillance Imagery & Graphic Design: The installation incorporates surveillance footage, wiretap recordings, and declassified documents, presented alongside striking graphic design elements. This juxtaposition highlights the insidious nature of state surveillance and its impact on individual privacy.

* Typography & Propaganda: Mohaiemen carefully selects typography that evokes the visual language of political propaganda. The fonts, colors, and layouts are all chosen to create a specific emotional response in the viewer. Consider the use of bold, sans-serif fonts reminiscent of Cold War-era posters.

The Role of Photography and film in Constructing Narrative

Photography and film are integral to Through a Mirror, Darkly. Mohaiemen doesn’t simply present images; he constructs narratives through carefully curated sequences and editing techniques.

* Staged Photography & documentary Realism: The work blends staged photography with documentary realism, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. this ambiguity forces viewers to question the authenticity of the images they are seeing and to consider the role of representation in shaping our understanding of political events.

* Slow Cinema & temporal Distortion: Mohaiemen’s films often employ the techniques of “slow cinema” – long takes, minimal dialog, and a deliberate pacing. This creates a sense of temporal distortion, mirroring the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of political crisis.

* the Power of the Gaze: The installation frequently focuses on the act of looking – surveillance cameras, hidden microphones, and the viewer’s own gaze.This draws attention to the power dynamics inherent in the act of observation and the erosion of privacy in the digital age.

Connecting to Contemporary Political Discourse: Surveillance, Polarization, and the Future of Democracy

Through a Mirror, Darkly isn’t confined to the past. Its themes resonate deeply with contemporary political concerns.

* The Surveillance State: The revelations about NSA surveillance programs (as highlighted by figures like Edward Snowden) and the increasing use of facial recognition technology have made the issue of state surveillance more relevant than ever.

* Political Polarization & Echo Chambers: Mohaiemen’s work speaks to the growing political polarization in American society and the rise of echo chambers, where individuals are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs.

* the Fragility of Democratic Institutions: The installation serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democratic