Final answer:
Pictures of presidents and other political figures carry significant symbolism, portraying the presidents as national decision-makers and emblematic leaders, often elevated above other political participants due to the powerful and enduring nature of their images.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of the pictures of presidents and two other people is rooted in the enduring image and symbolism they convey in American history and politics. Such images elevate the stature of presidents, symbolizing their roles as the decision-makers and representatives of the United States.
When considering Mount Rushmore, the monument itself is a direct representation of the high regards in which presidents are held, singling out George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt as paragons of leadership. The endurance of their legacies is contrasted against the incumbent, highlighting the historical importance of their presidencies over time. News media often reinforce this portrayal by focusing on the president's visibility, displayed in images like the State of the Union, diplomatic meetings, and national ceremonies.
Individuals such as vice presidents and secretaries of state, though significant, are often pictured with less distinction than the presidents, underlining the unique position of the presidency as a symbol of the nation.
To future generations, these images contribute to a collective memory and criteria for how symbols or memorials to historical figures are assessed could include their impact on national identity, public perception, and how they have encapsulated the cultural zeitgeist of their times. Photographs of figures like President George W. Bush at the 2001 World Series after 9/11 serve as iconic representations of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.