This reminds me of Barthes' analysis of the photo of a black soldier saluting the French flag, which appeared on the cover of Paris Match. (You may have read my post on an earlier forum).

Her eads it as an attempt to give French imperialism a positive image at a time of political crisis (defeat in Vietnam and imminent defeat in Algeria.

In the light of this, I wonder how many african american men and women signed up for the armed forces whilst Collin Powell was secretary of state?