Final answer:
The argument between Frank and Ramón in 'Salt of the Earth' over the portrait of Benito Juarez is symbolic of the historical resistance and the complex Mexican heritage, paralleling the themes in Mexican muralism.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the film Salt of the Earth, the conflict between Frank, the Union organizer, and Ramón regarding the portrait of Benito Juarez in Ramón's house symbolizes a deeper disagreement about the nature of their struggle and the legacy of Mexican leadership against oppression.
The portrait likely serves as a reminder of historic resistance and the complex identity of Mexican heritage, which has been shaped by figures like Juarez and intense political and social conflicts.
The struggle depicted in the film echoes historical themes found in Mexican muralism where artists like Orozco, Rivera, and Siqueiros portrayed the sufferings and psychological battles against authoritative forces.
These murals often addressed the brutal history of exploitation, as seen with Orozco's depiction of the Mexican Independence, Rivera's portrayal of the exploitation by Spanish conquerors, and Siqueiros's work focused on the aftermath of the Spanish conquest and support for the revolution.
Mexican muralism was not only an art form but also a tool for educating and empowering the public on their history and current struggles.