Introduction
Albert Einstein is an outstanding scientist who gained fame for his physics discoveries and became a cult image. In addition to scientific achievements, a photo of Einstein, where he stuck his tongue out, gained significant fame. Today, this image is widely distributed and used in various fields – from art to sales. Although the photo is famous and attractive to many people, it could remain unknown because journalists doubted the appropriateness of its publication.
Photo’s History and Significance
Einstein is mainly revered as a scientist and great physicist. His assumptions about discrete wavelengths laid the foundation for quantum mechanics, and the study of electromagnetic force led to the use of nuclear energy; and one of his most notable achievements is mass-energy equality [1]. Einstein was born in Germany, but with the Nazis coming to power, he moved to the United States, where he contributed to the development of a nuclear bomb [1]. Later, as a teacher at Princeton, he created an eccentric personal image that he supported with unusual clothes [1]. Thus, by the time the photo was taken, Einstein had become quite a famous physicist with an impressive image.
There is a story behind the creation of the photo where Einstein shows the tongue. It was made in 1951, on March 14, at the celebration of the scientist’s birthday in Princeton [2]. Many photographers and journalists attended the party, so the scientist leaving was very tired by the end of the celebration and asked photographers not to take pictures anymore [2] [3]. However, when Einstein got into the car, UPI (United Press International) employee Arthur Sasse again asked him to smile for a photo [2] [3]. In response, the physicist showed him the tongue, which is captured in the picture. It is noteworthy that Sasse’s colleagues doubted whether the unusual photo of such a famous and respected person should be published [2] [3]. However, the scientist found it excellent and even ordered several copies for himself to give to friends [1] [2] [3]. Thanks to this event, the photo became famous and spread globally.
Admirers of Einstein and the photo itself were lucky that the physicist approved the picture. The scientist argued that it represents his position well, namely the rejection of authority [2] [3]. While the photographer could expect a magnificent or serious pose from a famous person, the latter did not justify expectations and was able to surprise [2] [3]. According to one more interpretation, the photo represents some form of protest against McCarthyism – a strict policy aimed at identifying people sympathetic to the communists in the 1950s [3]. Therefore, the photo presents the scientist’s free spirit and opinion about some events in the early 1950s.
The unusual photo and the destruction of stereotypes that it carries make the picture iconic. As a great physicist, Einstein can represent all the employees of the scientific spheres to the public. The image of science and scientists is often very serious, sometimes even boring. The photo of Einstein showing the tongue, in turn, shows the more fun side of the physicist and other scientists. The picture also reminds people of a significant proportion of creativity inherent in scientific fields, not only in artists, writers, and similar professions. Moreover, by demonstrating the versatile individuality of scientists, the photo can make science more attractive to the younger generation, which is looking for a sphere for development and building a career. Thus, the considered picture can play an influential role in the popularization of science.
Conclusion
Photo, where the recognized physicist Albert Einstein stuck his tongue out, is world-famous. It was made in 1951 and could remain unknown, but scientists liked it, and later it became available to the public. Einstein argued that the photo significantly represents his position against authorities. At the same time, the image breaks the stereotype of boring science and scientists, recalls their creative side, and is, therefore, iconic. Such qualities of the photo and its fame affect the attractiveness of scientific spheres of activity.
References
R. Stockton. (2017). The story behind Albert Einstein’s iconic tongue photo [Online]. Web.
Tekdeeps. (2021). We know why Einstein sticks his tongue out [Online]. Web.
Archyworldys. (2021). These photos that made history # 15. When Albert Einstein stuck his tongue out at journalists [Online]. Web.