Response Essay 1

Personally, I feel that disturbing images include content that is extremely upsetting or disquieting. I think disturbing pictures usually include extreme graphic content, such as the second photograph featured in the article by Ryan Pitt, entitled “APME Survey: Readers Balance Compassion With Privacy When Considering Disturbing Images.” This picture depicts the street execution of an Iraqi election worker. I find this picture to be particularly disturbing because it was probably one of the last frames ever taken of this unfortunate man, and it portrays his brutal death.

I do agree with Wally Rayl in Pitts’ article when he states, “Not being able to face reality is a major problem facing our society today.” I feel that sometimes people become engrossed in their own lives, and therefore they are unaware of the evils that occur around the world. Also, I think that people become comfortable in their own bubble worlds, making them unwilling to consider the fact that these evils could affect them, their children, parents or friends.

Unfortunately, we do not live in Candy Land, therefore we cannot sugar coat true events to make them appealing, pleasant or more tolerable. I think people need to be exposed to these images for a number of reasons, including a reality check. First of all, the pictures that depict true events need to be shown in order to inform the public. This idea agrees with an opinion collected in Ryan Pitts’ article that states, “They [journalists] believe it is their duty to inform.” Sometimes, journalists need to use graphic images in order to accurately inform the public. Another reason exposure to disturbing images is necessary is to not only spread awareness to the public, but to also implement pathos, or to appeal to the emotions of the audience. The viewers and readers need to be exposed to disturbing images in order to spark feelings of compassion. Quoted in Ryan Pitts’ article, Ed Roussell refers to the picture of the tsunami victims when he says, "I wouldn't put it on the front page ...but the photo should be used, especially to move individuals to reflect (and hug their own children tighter) and to help -- philanthropically, and otherwise." The publication of this picture, although it may be graphic, may help move people to action and send aid to try to piece back together the lives of the victims. One final reason I think these types of photos need to be used is to honor those who have fought for our country or for the common good. I think publishing pictures of deceased soldiers, in a general way, can be a form of respect because it shows that we are honoring their courage and services when we take time out of our day to read or hear about them. Supporting my opinion, Jim Slosiarek, a journalist featured in Pitts’ article, proclaims, "The photo speaks not just about a dying soldier but also to the comrades in arms that are trying to save his life. I think not publishing this photo does a great disservice to their efforts."

Although unsettling pictures need to be used for various ways, I do believe that there should be certain levels of censorship. Referring back to the first photo I talked about that involved the execution of an Iraqi election worker, I feel the photo exploits this man’s right to privacy, in addition to disrespecting his family. This picture shows the brutal death of this man in an intimate manner. I feel that pictures involving subjects on a personal level need to be censored because it crosses a line of respect for the individual’s life, as well as the person’s family. Also, I think censorship should be rated, much like movies are today. Pictures that contain extremely gruesome material and would be considered R-rated on the movie scale should not be allowed to be published. Kelly McBride, an ethics group leader, states in Pitts’ article, "Dead bodies are one thing, bloated, decaying bodies are another." This opinion makes one think about the purpose of the article. A picture of covered coffins containing soldiers get the same point across as a gruesome cadaver, but isn’t as graphic or disturbing, especially when considering young audiences. I think certain ratings should be established and a panel of people, as opposed to one editor, should decide on the rating, ultimately deciding if the image should be printed or not.

When considering journalism, particularly photojournalism, issues arise that challenge the threshold of truth people can handle. Certain elements of the materials used to inform the public need to be carefully thought about before they should be published. The media has a very important role in society because people attain information from its various sources, including newspapers and T.V. broadcastings. The media has the power to inform, honor, warn and scare. With this power also comes responsibility. This responsibility needs to exist to ensure that people and their families are not exploited through the media. A picture is known to be worth a thousand words, but we need to choose our words wisely.