The civil rights movements of the 1950s and 60s relied heavily on the power of the still image to shock the conscience of the world. Images of peaceful protesters being met with fire hoses and dogs in the American South were broadcast globally, making it impossible for those in power to ignore the systemic brutality of segregation. The camera acted as a shield for the marginalized, bringing a level of accountability to law enforcement and government that had previously been non-existent.In the late 20th century, the transition from analog to digital photography further revolutionized our historical record. The sheer volume of images produced increased exponentially, leading to what some historians call the "digital dark age."
