We looked at visual documentation in class this week. I was particularly interested in the story of Kevin Carter and took it upon myself to learn more about the story. I found an article in The New York Times about Kevin Carter's suicide (click for link:
NY Times Article ) and was intrigued to learn the guilt that he lived with after shooting photos like this one. I was interested in learning more about his perspective regarding the shoots. It seems as though he was deeply troubled by his work, but he still felt the need to pursue the field. Was it his passion for photography? Perhaps he wished to make public the injustices of the world? Whatever his intentions, it is clear that his actions came at a cost. Not only to the people that were the controversial subjects of his photographs, but also his own mental health.
For me, this brings into question what the limits are when it comes to trying to make a difference in the world and attempting to alleviate some of the unfairness and inequalities. The limits are different for everyone, but when considering ethics, I feel as though there should be some sort of standard. I have to admit that I was horrified when I read that he actually waited and watched the child struggle, and to worsen the blow, even waited for the vulture to spread its wings in preparation of an attack. I cannot understand how one would actually wait for this to happen instead of helping this child who was so clearly in need. This to me does not just put into question ethics, but also moral character.
Regardless of these thoughts, this picture clearly did have an impact and showed the need in South Africa. Though potentially unethical, it does seem as though for the general public to learn about situations they need a certain amount of shock factor. Kevin Carter, surely provided this.
Clair asked whether it was ok to stage suffering. And as horrible as this picture is, and as horrible as Carter may have felt while he was taking this picture, I feel as though the only way to really get people to understand and want to take action is to show pictures like this. Maybe people are frustrated that Carter took this picture instead of taking the child under his wings and getting him fed/help. How can he just sit there and watch a child die without doing anything about it? However, simply describing situations like children in Africa starving to death, doesn't make enough of an impact as images do. Through images, we are forced to see things we do not want to see. Yes, this image is disturbing for a lot of us, but I personally think that for most people, it is images and real life experiences that really touch us and make us want to tackle the injustices of the world. Simply reading or hearing about things is much easier to ignore and forget about. It is, like you mentioned, the "shock" factor that gets people wanting to take action.
ReplyDeleteIn class Clair showed us this photo and I was instantly mortified. I thought, who in their right mind would wait for a perfect picture of suffering. Why not just feed the child?, why not scare the vulture away? Why wait to for a perfect picture of suffering. Another student in my class mention, well how else are we able to bring attention to the wealthier people to do something about these causes. Should we stage our suffering for money, to search for a savior to donate their wealth to save this poor African child?
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