Turtle
Veteran
I think CC and emraphoto have very good examples of where photography of those in unfortunate situations can change events by bringing things to the attention of a wider audience. I think those that argue against this tote an argument along the following lines:
I think this argument is flawed from start to finish. My counter argument would go something like this:
Some other issues:
I fundamentally believe that to be a better human being you have to understand things. You have to truly understand to be able to empathise otherwise it is just a cheap empty gesture without substance. Our understanding alters our ethical perspective and stance, which alters our politics, which alters our policies. It is impossible to begin to understand anything beyond your own personal experiences without some form of reporting. We are not born into this world with an inherent understanding of the planet and everything in it. We learn and some of the critics here perhaps take their own understanding for granted; an understanding which is a product of the very things they now condemn.
- I still see poor people and wars.
- Therefore nothing has changed
- Therefore photography of this kind contributes nothing
- Therefore it is exploitative because the victims as not benefiting and so it is not right that the photographer 'gets something' from it. Like a living.
I think this argument is flawed from start to finish. My counter argument would go something like this:
- Poverty is still with us. Of course it is and it always will be. did anyone seriously expect the eradication of these things?
- There are very clear examples of where photography and other forms of reporting have forced change. I can think of one in Afghanistan at one of the sites I have photographed for years where documentaries embarrassed the govt of Afghanistan so they put hundreds of drug addicts through rehab programs and improved foreign donations to rehab programs (but there is still more to be done). There must be thousands more examples. It does contribute to the debates that sometimes bring change.
- There is this assumption that in all cases the 'victims' benefit nothing. In many cases print and image sales lead directly to charitable contributions. They are also used for fundraising. This does improve lives because I have seen it with my own eyes on a daily basis. Many photographic subjects are glad to have a voice and be listened to. They are glad someone gives a damn. You might ridicule this but it does seem to matter to people.... many photographers actually do contribute directly by giving food, water, money etc where appropriate, or by directly helping (like getting medical assistance)... and indirectly by hiring people in the local economy to drive them, interpret, fix for them etc
- If the status quo is maintained even with documentary photography, has anyone asked what would happen if coverage stopped tomorrow. What evil and selfish acts WOULD be perpetrated on an increasing basis because the eye of the camera need not be feared. I would argue that the status quo is partly a product of the positive contribution of documentary work, whether visual or literary. Remove that counterbalance and duck for cover!
Some other issues:
- If its OK to photograph these issues when a pro, because thats serious and a 'real cause' then how to non-pros develop the skills needed to do such issues justice. They have to start somewhere.
- Poverty is every bit as much of the human condition as wealth and everything in between. You will not improve anything by hiding it 'out of respect.' IMHO thats quite patronising to those so affected because it is one step away from treating everyone with equal respect. It reinforces a lesser status somehow and for those who harp on about not photographing poverty, I suspect very few actively engage the people they claim to be protecting and do something to improve their situation.
I fundamentally believe that to be a better human being you have to understand things. You have to truly understand to be able to empathise otherwise it is just a cheap empty gesture without substance. Our understanding alters our ethical perspective and stance, which alters our politics, which alters our policies. It is impossible to begin to understand anything beyond your own personal experiences without some form of reporting. We are not born into this world with an inherent understanding of the planet and everything in it. We learn and some of the critics here perhaps take their own understanding for granted; an understanding which is a product of the very things they now condemn.
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