For example, there are still stories all over the news about the Syrian refugee crisis, although that subject reached the apex of emotional overload last year when the images of a dead, Syrian toddler washed up on a Turkish beach went viral.
Many news media outlets were criticized for televising those images, especially MSNBC and CNN, because the common line of thought is that the American people just don't have the stomach for that sort of thing. They might be right.
But, do you think images that are disturbing, shocking and even terrifying SHOULD be made public? I would like you to click on the link below. It will take you to a blog that I follow. The picture I am referencing is contained within the post. The post itself is interesting, and we probably will talk about it, but for now, you don't have to read it if you don' want to. The picture is disturbing--there is no question about that. You don't need to absorb the finer points of it if you don't want to. The question I would like for you to consider and write about is this:
Should images that evoke such visceral (this means "of the gut" as in--gut-wrenching) reactions be made public? What are the benefits? The drawbacks?
Click here for the pic: Be warned--it is disturbing.
This is the life that we are living. What happens in the world, even the most disturbing, I believe, must be publicized. I understand that some pictures and/or content is very disturbing, but this is what is happening in the world we live in. We cannot hide from the truth. Plus, these pictures are photographic evidence to support what news channels are saying. If there was no evidence how would we know it’s true?
ReplyDeleteThere are very few kids who watch the news, so why the controversy? To add, pictures carry an emotional attachment with them. You are more likely to feel stronger about a topic/idea if you see a picture that supports it. Why? Because then you have evidence. With this disturbing picture of the deceased Syrian toddler washed up at a Turkish beach, provides a stronger emotional attachment.
1. Because it is a child (which carries it’s own emotional attachment)
2. Because it is photographic evidence of the tragic event
No one should shy away from what is happening in the environment around us. Thank God nothing happened, but what if the bombing in Seaside would of killed some of the racers? WE LIVE IN NEW JERSEY!! If you ask me this is way too close for comfort. If the race hadn’t been delayed by an hour, there would be graphic, disturbing pictures surfing the internet and all over the news. Yes they would of been gut-wrenching, but this is what is happening around us. These pictures and tragic events will also go down in history, so why shy away?
Now for the drawbacks. An obvious one is that the pictures are very disturbing and some people cannot tolerate them, and that is very true. A lot of people do not want to see pictures of deceased people because it’s just something they would prefer not to see (which is completely understandable). Another drawback is that some people may go into shock. A picture as graphic as this one may change their whole lives. After viewing something like this they might even be scared to go outside because it isn’t safe. With all the chaos happening around us, this also is very understandable. Pictures like this change your viewpoint on something completely. They are the best evidence for the truth.
I personally (as if you couldn’t tell) would rather see a picture because this is what is happening. Yes it’s tragic, but unfortunately, this is a part of life. I mean, I would honestly rather it not be, but it is. I also am very curious when it comes to something that interests me, that is why I’d prefer to see a picture. In all, the pictures matter because even if you try, there is no way to avoid them. If you don’t think what is happening right now is going down in history you are wrong. These are the events happening in a world inhabited by us, so we must know what is happening in it.
Although sometimes heartbreaking and unpleasant, images of all kind should be made public. Putting these images in the media gets a reaction out of people before they even read the caption to follow. In one sense, this is a good thing. When people see a disturbing image, it captures their attention. When an image is that powerful and emotion-evoking, there is no need to put in a description so detailed and intensifying. The picture tells the story. Not only is this easier to get the message across, but people feel a closer connection to the news. When reading an article, it feels like you’re just being told what to believe, but when you can see the image yourself, the media stimulates a deeper connection. While putting these disturbing, depressing images in the news makes it easier and much quicker to tell a story, sometimes this could lead readers to the wrong conclusion. In some cases, pictures do need elaboration and if the picture is all that the reader has time to see, then they leave the article uninformed. Although images are a faster network of information, they can lead to much ambiguity. It is important that when controversial images are released, a detailed and accurate description follows. Overall, I think that these images are more beneficial to the media than not. Despite the fact that people may interpret the images incorrectly or evoke a visceral response, the image tells the story better than words can describe. Images are a direct outlet for information to be spread and they effectively create the response they deserve.
ReplyDeleteThere are drawbacks and benefits to pictures like the one above going viral and made public. I didn’t even have to read the passage under the picture to have a reaction because a picture can speak 1,000 words and that one sure as hell did. It is sad to state that pictures like this is what draws the attention, but it’s true. It is the gut wrenching and heart dropping pictures and articles that get the people thinking (finally) “there is something wrong with the world we live in.” This picture makes the problem seem so much more real than if it was just an article. Even though some may argue that showing these pictures is wrong, I disagree. Putting these pictures on social media shows that there needs to be a change. What is the point in hiding what is going on in the perfect world that we live in? These kids deserve justice and they deserve for the information to be spread on what is actually happening around us.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the status of our nation, I believe images that create outrage and “visceral reactions” should be out in the public or the media. People can make up bias stories, but images themselves show the real story. People take pictures to capture a purpose or meaning. No matter how disturbing or offensive it could be, everyone has the right to view it. If images get censored or removed, then people can’t visualize the story or news easily and it will stray people from the truth. People want to know the truth about the news story and what really happen. Images can easily help them out and support them. Without knowing that disturbing things (like the picture from the link) happen to people in this world, then no one can save them. This connect to a quote that I found in the blogger’s comment section.
ReplyDelete“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” - Edmund Burke
Without images, none of us would never know how bad conditions in some countries were. None of us would have known that people in Syria suffered way more than we thought because of the war or their poor economy. Thanks to images, people can make a difference in our world. No one wants to see things like that disturbing picture ever again. No one wants that anywhere. To prevent that, people (most likely the newer generations) have to make a change and fix the mistakes our older generations left them. The only setback about disturbing images is that it can really make people uncomfortable and sick. If young people see it, it can really mess up their life forever. In conclusion, disturbing images should be available to the public because it can get people educated on what is going on in the world, see the truth behind stories, and can provoke people to make a difference and try to changes our messed up world. The only downside is that the images can be too much to handle for some younger viewers.
If images that are considered, and/ or classified as “visceral,” then I’m thinking it is important enough that the public should be highly aware about it. Not that non- visceral things/ reactions are less important, but just because they are gut-wrenching doesn’t mean it should be hidden-- in fact it means it should be revealed to the public, for their sake. This is sadly, but truthfully our reality and the world we live in.And of course there are benefits and drawbacks to this concept and this idea behind making the important visceral pictures made public, so here a few of the major ones.
ReplyDeleteFirst, if something were to happen, leaving something/ someone behind to be photographed that was then labeled “visceral,” then you’re damn right it’s worth warning/ informing the public about. Could you imagine if it was all hidden? No one would now or be aware of the complete reality of what is really going on. All they would ever know-- all we ever know now for example-- is what the media puts out there and what the news tells us, which as we know is censored. We never get the full picture of what really happened. But, if we didn’t hold back and censor every little thing, no matter what the reaction may be, visceral or not, people would be more educated about society-- the true society-- in which we live.
Now, the drawbacks. The first thing I thought of when I saw the visceral picture of the little boy, for example, was his parents and his family. The picture of their little boy DEAD is up for all to see, and for them to see over and over and over and over again because you can’t hide from social media, the news, or even the public. That’s a huge drawback, for the families sake, ya know. Some people may want it to be known so it can be prevented or it won’t happen again, but some families might be very, very private. Another drawback is the kids that might see these visceral pictures. Although they should know the truth about the world and the society in which they live, some things are left unsaid-- or in this case, unseen. If little kids see this pictures, they might get the wrong idea and get scared or traumatized. Although the pictures are the hard cold truth, I think in this situation it is best that they don’t see them and instead, they should continue to think-- to an extent-- that the world is puppies and rainbows and unicorns and candy.
The world in which we reside in is one of constant horror and disappointing setbacks. Truth be told, the real world is not as glamorous as we hope it to be. We, as humans, are losing faith in ourselves and are becoming more ignorant to our worldly surroundings. And the only way to reinforce our humanity and see the harm that is invading our homes (whether it’d be here in America or any other nation) is to open our eyes and familiarize our minds to these pressing issues.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how disturbing certain images are, they should definitely be shown to the public. When news outlets put “parental controls” on what we nation see they essentially blindside us. Although we can still get the basic idea of the issues through the written news, it is not as powerful as a picture. Additionally, it does not always provide a clear representation of what is actually happening. News sources often sensitize their language and approach to a subject matter in order to convey the subject in a “family-friendly” way. It is a method that is meant to make the topic more approachable but rather than reaching its purpose, it actually makes the topic seem more trivial and common in the way it does not broadcast and exemplify the level of importance that it actually is. That is why it is necessary that these graphic photos must be released to the public no matter the reactions that it will evoke in people. In fact, if it is actually good if the public has a negative reaction to them because then it means that they can see and understand the full picture and can be able the interpret the horror and chaos that is happening all around them. And that is probably the main benefit to showing people these emotion jerking photos. Their blurry visions will finally clear and they will see the world as it is and not as they want it to be.
However, with every benefit there are drawbacks. Just think back to the Vietnam War when the public reacted negatively to the truth of what was happening in Vietnam. People do not like the truth because many times the truth is scary. And often times we shield children away from everything evil and scary, as they are completely and utterly innocent. I understand that whole-heartedly. But at the same time, what child watches the news early Saturday morning when they could be watching cartoons instead. We have early morning news and late night news for a reason. They are so adults are able to connect with the world around them and the pressing issues in it. Children should not have to wake up scared about the future. It is our job to protect them as much as possible. Yet, the only way to do that is to open our eyes and literally see what is going on with the world.
In today's society we are protected from everything "evil". The ignorant want to live in a world of false comfort hoping and praying everything runs smoothly...for them. Nobody cares to bring to light the terror and destruction in the world. They go about their day driving their cars to work hating their job and coming home to complain. When they see such terrible things that rip their heart out they distance themselves from it. It's almost unbelievable that a toddler can wash up on a beach like an empty soda can. So they block it, out refuse to accept it. And that...that is scary. Have we become a people so dead set on our own advancement that the thought of someone washing up in a beach can just be dropped from our memory?! Whenever the news covers something that is not on our home soil we don't care, "Keep that off the news I don't want to see that I have to buy my new car tomorrow how can I do that if I'm upset about the tv". We are so undeniably privileged and refuse to acknowledge our own fortune. It's disgusting. So yes the media should put out these disturbing images!!! Educate our public give something else the attention it is so desperately in need of, teach our people that the world isn't all flowers and rainbows. Not everything is about us. Sometimes for the greater good of humanity we must take off the blinders and open our eyes to the awful truth. Only then will real change occur.
ReplyDeleteOur world is becoming a harmful ball of hatred that never stops lighting on fire. We need to know the hard news. Yes, sometimes it's unbearable but if we didn’t know what would we expect to happen? If i didn’t see the news and how corrupt our world is I would think everyone was all good. We live in a little town in New Jersey that never has had major terrorist attacks or beheading of journalist on the street but we have our own tragic that's just as important as the gruesome stuff. We help each other and grieve for each other but I’ve never encountered someone who has to say their family has washed up on a beach. It just opens my eyes to what can happen to anyone. The news reminds me that er have to make this a better world to live in. I don’t like the fear of going to the mall and there be bombs hidden but I’d so much rather know that it's possible then to live unexpected. Our world is so cruel. Even in little Mays Landing. I was at work the other day and someone started talking to me about how ISIS was in Jersey and they tried to bomb a marathon in Seaside Heights, but fortunately failed. A marathon. People volunteering to run 26.2 miles. Why do they deserved to be put through the pain of either dying or being close to hit. Publicizing is not honoring but if it is ignored people would continue to hurt others without a warning. As a teenager, I watch the news with my mom and dad in awe that we’ve come to this. Our entire nation is threatening each other. How is it possible that somewhere in this world there's a nuclear bomb that is capable of blowing up the world 7 times? I wanna know these things not keep them a secret. How could these horrible things happen to so many people who don’t deserve it. They do not deserve to be ignored. There's no way things should go and just vanish without putting up a fight. Publicizing it to a certain degree is essential. No one should be downgrading ones who didn’t have the chance to put up a fight.
ReplyDeleteWell, me being me- I’m an indecisive piece of shit and I think too many things. People can’t handle the truth. People don’t need to know everything. People are too sensitive and irrational and too crazy. But, maybe that is a good thing. I’m irrational and crazy (not sensitive, of course). For instance, all those animal cruelty videos made a lot of people want to become a vegetarian. Showing people the truth and how horrific it is will push people to want change and make solutions, while hiding it leaves problems unsolved.
ReplyDeleteBut knowing everything about everything and seeing all the bad could convince people we live in a world filled with bad. A society of people always living in fear and maybe they have a right to. Only seeing bad will bring little hope the same way it can bring change.
If you know every bad thing, it will set the scene for everything you encounter- we got trust issues.
While seeing the bad can be good, it could also do bad.
Like during the Nam war, when the media didn’t edit the violence-people freaked. Nobody wanted to be in that war and caused a crazy amount of hate to people.
People shift too much blame on a group when they see bad rather than creating solutions.
I have no clear stance on this.
The rash decisions people make can be good and bad.
We could uncensor all the bad things that go on, but we should focus too on highlighting some of the good.
People tend to forget we don’t just live in a world of hate. There is so much bad, but still so much good.
The bad things that happen, should be known. Censored, yes. Edited? Yup.
I really should do all of my other work and I’m very tired.
ReplyDeleteI do think that disturbing pictures should be made available to the public eye. They should be shown because people do not seem to understand the severity of situations without actually living through them or seeing them. There comes a point in every CHILD’S life the rose colored glasses are lifted and they are confronted with reality, whatever the situation may be, I think it is time for adults to be exposed to the same harsh realization.
Although there are people who cannot handle the heartbreaking or sometimes infuriating images, there are also people who can look at them and decide to make a change. For example, most of our class hasn’t known about half of the topics until we discussed them together and like this picture ,if we are any type of human, it has us feeling some type of way right?-A type of way that constantly reminds us that WE as a generation need to do something about this. Of course there is always a flip side.
The flip side here happens to be the group of people who would take the pictures out of context and react to it inappropriately. Those people are the people who ruin and tarnish the name of a peaceful protest, standing up for what you believe and ultimately a possible revolution against the senseless violence in our world.
It rapidly becoming easier to find out news around the world. You can't seem to get away from it on social media. We watch videos of people getting murdered, we watch videos of animals getting murdered, we watch disgusting things because twitter doesn't censor it. A child… a child washed up on shore as if he was like a garbage in the ocean… its sickening. Although these images and videos are gut wrenching, they need to be seen. Some people need to realize this world isn't all rainbows and butterflies and sunshine. Its harsh, but its a wake up call for some. The more these images and videos are seen the more aware we as people become. And then its up to us what we do with that information. A Lot of times we see this stuff, and just keep scrolling. We might think “wow that's sad” and then move along and forget about it. But how could you forget about that? About something so terrible and so heartbreaking. Stuff like this makes me sick to my stomach. But honestly, I dont know what to do, I dont know how to help. Being a 17 year old female I have like no power and I wish so badly that I could do something, but I dont think I can. And Ive thought about it for a while. It sucks.
ReplyDeleteWell for one the picture is a disturbing reality showing what's going on in Syria. Since this is true, the truth should be publicized no matter how graphic and disturbing it may be, this is real life. This would cause much awareness and for all the Americans who don't care and are sitting on their lazy ass which is most there are people who do care. I'm not sure what we would do about it I do not see the government intervening and stopping the death of all these Syrian children, which is something I've been praying for a lot lately. I'm not sure if there is any real benefits except it gets the news out. Most people will probably look at the picture and gasp and and say something like well I'm so glad our country's not like that and move on with there life which is the sad truth not until something like that starts happening here will people ever protest or do something.... Drawbacks would be the local news twisting the coverage of it in their favor, people would complain that it's too disturbing and say it should be removed, which are people who like their eyes and ears protected from everything which are people who like to live in ignorance and then there's also the people who simply do not care. Personally it hurts my heart and when I get out of high school and college I want to go too Africa and feed the hungry children and I want to journey anywhere where there is Syrian refugees and help them. I believe I was brought here on this world to help....
ReplyDeleteWe see gruesome images on a daily basis. With the internet it is very easy to scroll upon these sort of pictures that are hard to stomach and we can’t overlook them. Pictures such as the Syrian baby washing up on the beach should not be available to the public. It’s better if people don’t know about these things because it only stresses them out. It would be easier to go through our everyday lives without seeing pictures that are hard to stomach.
ReplyDeletePosting these pictures could be a good thing too because they raise awareness of things that are going in our world. These types of pictures lead to change. They spark emotions that make people comment or blog about the picture. As a younger generation, we need to see that this is a problem and that it will be our job to come up with a solution to it.
On the other hand posting these pictures will bring out other types of emotions. For example, a parent could see the picture of the Syrian baby and visualize her child in the picture instead. That will either enrage the parent, or the parent will just stress themselves out over it. I understand that we should know what’s happening in the world we live in, but I believe it’s better to live stress free than to have to worry about the things in the pictures we see.
As Tim O’brien notes in his 1987 short story, “How To Tell a True War Story”, “If you don’t care for obscenity, you don’t care for the truth”. Plainly put, not everything in life comes censured or labeled with a PG warning. Horrible things happen, but those horrible things contain the truth and it is our job as human beings to dissect that truth and analyze it- as much as we’d like to, we can’t sidestep our humanity for the sake of not feeling sad. The Syrian refugee crisis, is, in a way, a war story; one told by millions of innocent people and heard by few. According to recent U.N. estimates, 6.6 million people have been displaced and more than 250,000 have been killed (half of them are thought to be civilians). So why do so many Americans remain oblivious to this global crisis, along with so many other pressing current events? The answer is simple: Because it’s not happening in America. Because it’s not our fault, so why should we feel bad? Because those people aren’t white. Because they don’t speak English. Because for us, the truth is optional.
ReplyDeleteIn America, we are granted the extraordinary gift of blissful ignorance; we have the ability to scroll past articles we don’t want to read, change the channel to something more upbeat and positive. We don’t have to care nor listen. But we cannot go blind; when an upsetting or “gut wrenching” scene is presented to us, we can’t hit the home screen or grab the remote to make it go away. The damage has already been done, the image has already invaded our retinas and etched itself onto the porous surfaces of our minds. For most people, seeing is believing. They could be told statistic upon statistic, fact upon fact, story upon story, but will refuse to face reality until they’re staring directly into its eyes. And THAT is why a picture is worth a thousand words. It speaks to us when we don’t want to hear, forces open our eyelids when we’ve glued them shut- be it intentionally or unintentionally.
One might argue that some images are just too gruesome to be shown to the public, that our sensitivities must be protected at all costs: “A picture of a dead toddler washed up on the beach? That’s terrible, I don’t want to look at that!” I’d agree that, yes, It’s terrible, but what’s more terrible? A dead toddler on a beach, or our refusal to recognize the reality of that dead toddler? Looking at the image and acknowledging its actuality, its stark truth, is the only way we can truly understand the humanity that lies beneath the conflict. The eyes are the windows to the soul- what better way to open those windows than through revelating pictures?
The thought of seeing a dead toddler on my television just drops my heart into my stomach. I would never want to see that or anything equally disturbing on any media platform. However, in our society, the people do deserve to see and know the truth in the news no matter how gruesome. We cannot live in a censored world where we are all controlled and oblivious of the reality we live in, we need to know. I say we need to know because if we do not, then there is not even a chance for change, the change we need to help the Syrian refugees, the change we need to end the murdering of African Americans, the change we need to salvage our country back together. If we are unaware, then nothing is resolved.
ReplyDeleteThe only issue with the publication of such visceral images and videos is actually seeing them. Normal, everyday citizens of the United States do not typically see images like these, therefore once they are exposed to them they are shocked and disturbed, which is the expected reaction. But if news networks were originally “allowed” to share graphic images, such as the Syrian toddler, then Americans would already be accustomed to this. But the question I have is, if news networks were originally allowed to share these pictures and videos, would there be less crime, harm, and/ or worldwide issues? Due to the fact that we would already know what’s going on and the severity that comes with them, could there be a better chance of mending and preventing all of this? However, we sadly will never know because we still live in a censored society that is apparently “protecting the public”. But little do they know, knowledge is power.
The world we live in today is definitely not what it used to be. Humanity is slowly deteriorating, our future leaders are taking us nowhere, and social media is the devil in disguise. Social media destroys reputations and opinions/judgements spread like wildfire. Although 7 billion people inhabit this earth, I believe at least less than half of them are the good ones. Everyone knows what’s going on lately, yet corporate news stations don’t tell us every single information. One might think they know the whole story but they don’t. A picture, without a doubt, speaks a thousand words. No matter how disturbing, shocking or even loving, and amazing it should be shown to the public. The public 100% deserves to know all the information. This way the public will get to see what the news stations hide. Yes, most people have a weak stomach and cannot take in the gruesome photographs but that’s unfortunately the world we live in so we must start to embrace it. Pictures show the world’s true colors. As disturbing as the pictures are, they showcase the facts. It’ll get the FULL story out there and to the public better than a news report from some news station. Revealing photographs will much more benefit the public, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI feel that everyone should know and see all the gut wrenching news. First, it allows people to open their eyes to see how unfortunate some people are. It allows people to see how fortunate they are. To live a life where you don't constantly hear guns, bombs, etc. is a blessing. I feel like so many forget how lucky we are because something doesn't go the way they wanted/expected. It brings awareness to everyone who sees it. It'll make people want to make a change. We will be able to see how cruel and heartbreaking some parts of the world are. And reality is, the world isn't all smiles and good. There's bad in the world, and it's good for people to keep that in mind. The only bad thing about hearing and seeing gruesome pictures and news- is that it's truly heartbreaking. Some people cannot bear it. And it will always stick with you- sometimes even scar you. But in the end it will allow you to value things in life and open up your mindset to change and make a difference.
ReplyDeleteThe world is truthfully a messed up place. Photos like the one of the Syrian toddler should be made public because it opens our eyes of what’s really happening around us. News is news and it should be truthful, not kept hidden. Images or footage that news media is posting out publicly, are proof that there are horrors in the world that we live in. These images help us to be cautious and alert of our surroundings.
ReplyDeleteWords could just be words sometimes in news media. It can be edited to sound a little more/ less dramatic than what really happened. But when there’s images or footage, the real story is revealed. No matter how disturbing it is, we must realize that this is reality and these things are happening. The truth is what people want and what they deserve.
Images that “turn your stomach should definitely be made public, in fact the whole world should be able to view it. As for the picture of the child, it is truly heartbreaking that innocence must suffer for the actions of the guilty. I do not believe the picture was disturbing though, because disturbing for me has always been associated with a horrific fictional action, this child is not fictional and the actions that lead to this were very real. It is these awful pictures that truly bring to life the damage committed toward our brothers and sisters. We cannot turn are head away from such things that make us feel uncomfortable because as soon as we do, we become just as guilty as the ones responsible for the crime.
ReplyDeleteYes, pictures like these are depressing but just because it’s depressing it doesn’t give us the right to pretend that it doesn’t happen, and in order to truly make progress we need to finally be able to learn from the past rather than claim it doesn’t exist. I don’t like seeing pictures of drowned children any more than anyone else but if I refuse to acknowledge that it’s happening then I am just as guilty as those who lead to the action. To ignore it or not show it is to take away any lesson that can be learned from it, but then again it is easier to cover your eyes and pretend the world is perfect and nothing bad ever happens. Awful picture are the ones people remember the most and that is why people should be shown these pictures.
The only drawback I can see is that people would complain that it’s terrible and that they shouldn’t be subjected to seeing images as graphic as those. I believe that it is very selfish to think like that, because for as much evil as there is in this world there is also some good. Maybe on day someone will see this picture and say that they’ll finally make a world where this doesn’t happen but then again it’s just a theory. As for me I know that I will do everything in my power to make sure the world my children grow up in doesn’t have such an abundance of pictures like those.
Disturbing images although maybe scarring to some and just merely gut wrenching to others NEED to be made public. People need to see what is actually happening in the world they live in. Too often do I find myself in situations trying to have a conversation with someone anyone about things that are happening in society but their complete ignorance for any news whatsoever is appalling. When the question is posed as to why they have such a lack of knowledge often the answers consist of such as “I like to avoid the news because it's always negative”, “I just hate politics’, or I hate seeing how bad our society is deteriorating”. But the worst answer of them all is that of the news never actually tells me anything I need to know anyway. Now as much as I would like to say the news is insightful well that would be a lie. The news leaves out those images that really make a person think. There is a large category of people in the world who only believe solely what they can see and now I do disagree with living by that doctrine it is important to some. So, if you hear about a riot but you never see any images or video clips or anything from it people tend to push it to the side forget about it because they don’t know actually how it looked and or happened. One is affected less. The horrific image of the young Syrian toddler that washed up on the beach opened the eyes to many that now as a result would like to close them and not see such again. But that image did something, yes it leaves people losing all faith for any hope in this world but it may leave some questioning how to help. So showing these images informs the public of the true things that are happening but there's always the chance that someone may see a photo as this and be driven away by the news completely in return not wanting to have anything to do with it. There is no true answer as to whether or not disturbing images should be shown to the public but from my point of view the public needs to be informed. Ignorance is no excuse for the world around us.
ReplyDeleteThere’s so much violence and hatred and fear going on in the world right now, and it’s honestly come to the point where my mind gets so jumbled I can’t grasp it all at once. It’s sad to say that this is the world we live in: where people feel neglected for preferring to use one public bathroom over another. Or where people of color are constantly looking over their shoulders in fear that a police officer will come up and shoot them. Or where millions of Syrians are trying to flee from their country in hopes of a better (safer) life. This is what we wake up to every single day. And it really sucks. But it’s also important.
ReplyDeleteI believe these gut-wrenching pictures should be made public. This is not some disney fairytale. Not everything is rainbows and sunshines. This is the real deal. There are people swimming thousands of miles just to be free. There are people living in tents because their home is currently being used as a war zone. There are actual people dying and suffering. A picture lasts forever. The little boy lying on the sand, dead. It’s not altered. It’s not staged. It’s a piece of memory-- from one eye to another. Hiding this stuff doesn’t make it any less true. It’s real and it happened. And you must find a way to accept it. It’s kind of ironic. We’ve been exposed to so much violence and yet we are weak. We can handle the idea of war, but we can’t fathom a dead boy on the beach. The media has manipulated the truth and geared us to thinking one way, so much that when we see a glimpse of the “real” truth, we get scared and shy away, don’t know how to act. Because we’ve never been exposed to that kind of stuff before; it’s not what we like to see, it’s not what we’re used to seeing. But it’s important. It exposes us, shows us the other side of the story. And we need that. Forcing someone to look at the pictures is not our job. We can only leave it there and let them decide for themselves. To know the truth, or to not, that is the question.
Images that are visceral should be open for the public to see. Obviously there are exceptions and awkward circumstances but for the most part, if something is very visceral, people know going into the website or news paper or what have you, that they may see something disturbing. Knowing this they can then make the decision themselves whether they will see the image or not.
ReplyDeleteThe benefits of allowing people to see these images is the they can make their own opinion of the topic. If people do not see images themselves then they cannot make a personal connection, get feelings towards the image, or decide for themselves about the topic/image. If people are able to make their own opinions about these type of images, then the only bias they will have towards it is their own. Bias could be good or bad but your bias counts more than anyone else's bias.
Now on the other hand a huge draw back of allowing people to see some images is their judgement. If people that have bad judgment see these they may think they can handle them but in the end not really be able to. However, the pros out weight the cons, everyone should be able to make their own opinion and if a few people get scared on the way then that is their own fault.
Images can say a lot in a positive or negative way. Regardless of the matter heartbreaking images should be made public for people. People may see a picture and already understand the logic behind it where others understand a story by it being told to them. There’s a lot going on in the world that we live in and the events that have been taking place lately have been devastating. We see what’s been going on in the world through images that have been shared globally. Images that maybe weren’t meant to go public usually do because there’s no privacy in wrongdoing. The truth eventually comes out.
ReplyDeleteViolence is a part of every country’s culture. Rarely is there ever peace within the U.S and other countries. Images of people that have been killed at war surface the web and other disturbing images as well are out there. Some that are even worse than this. I believe that there will never be no peace because there’s problems that arise, and with problems come violence. There’s rarely any understandings. If there are than another problem quickly follows that one. These images can really impact someone mentally. All countries have contributed in this act of pictures that have been made public, and as long as the media is involved the public will continue seeing heartbreaking images.
I am extremely undecided with this question. I feel like there are certain, viable reason as to why the news should broadcast or show horrid occurrences happening in the world we live in. But, then again, a lot of use do not want to know. We do not want to see a dead child washed up on a beach, we do not want to view the next innocent live that was stripped from this earth. But if we are not informed of these situations, the world just becomes more unaware and disturbing and shocking events will continue.
ReplyDeleteI guess if I had to choose it would be yes. Yes these images that cause such gut-wreching reactions should be made public. Honestly, no matter what, bad things happen. And people need to make themselves aware of what happens in the world.
I am extremely undecided with this question. I feel like there are certain, viable reason as to why the news should broadcast or show horrid occurrences happening in the world we live in. But, then again, a lot of use do not want to know. We do not want to see a dead child washed up on a beach, we do not want to view the next innocent live that was stripped from this earth. But if we are not informed of these situations, the world just becomes more unaware and disturbing and shocking events will continue.
ReplyDeleteI guess if I had to choose it would be yes. Yes these images that cause such gut-wreching reactions should be made public. Honestly, no matter what, bad things happen. And people need to make themselves aware of what happens in the world.
Kids don’t watch the news. And the news is depressing, but maybe that isn’t the entire reason behind kids veering away from it. As the media progressed and exposure grew, kids began to lead lives different than anyone who lived prior to them, or grew up in a different world. Everyday we find ourselves submerged in our own filth, or struggle perhaps. We see things we shouldn’t and feel things we might not be ready for. Everyday, a dance among dirt and weather and goosebumps and fear and guilt and anxiety. The news is depressing. Right. Some kids think the world might never be bright again. So the news never really helps much.
ReplyDeleteDespite it’s gray tone, the news yields some importance. Of course it helps us gain awareness about what really happens to normal, everyday people...to the average person. Viewing the war stories that sympathize the “opposing” side helps us maintain empathy, forgiveness, and ultimately our morals, whatever they may be. You just gotta move past the initial shock and take it for what it is, reality. I think the news reminds us, maybe excessively, that, generally, good people exist but bad people win And, while this is pessimistic to assume, I believe that it is partly true. It reminds us not to trust anyone, which could be good and could definitely also be bad. Further it reminds us of our humanity. We all make mistakes and we are all flawed. The news brings that to light whether in gut wrenching stories or heart warming stories. One thing, or person or movement or group...one whole anything can not be all good or all bad.
It serves its purpose. We chose to feel frightened by the news. Some accept it as humanity, say the numbers haven’t changed, but what we see has changed.
we live in a society in which parents want to shelter there kids from the wrong doings of the world in order to somehow "help them." This is wrong. There are disturbing things that occur in this world everyday and its understandable to not want to hear about it or see it but its wrong to not be aware of what other people in the world are going through everyday. As Americans and more general as people of this earth if we don't try and make change or help those who need to be help or mourn with those who need to be mourned with then we aren't being aware of the bigger issue in this world. the issue is that society is harsh and uncaring and unjust. the benefit of these type of things being made public is we all should know what is going on around us and we all need to know these things so that we are able to understand why and how we can try and make these things better.
ReplyDeleteThe drawbacks of these things being made public are the fact that people have to see the horrific things that people do. Nobody should have to endure these thing nor see these types of things. The news has it benefits and drawbacks but I believe that knowing what's going on around you is very important part of society.
In modern day society there are many things hidden from almost everybody the in the society and is shunned. It sad and outrageous that we would would witness someone's child wash up on the seashore. Things like this hurts to see and what is even worse is it doesn't get the publication that it needs to get. I feel like things like this happen way too often and we should seriously find a solution
ReplyDeleteI believe that images that evoke such visceral reactions in fact, should be made public. It allows people to witness what actually happens in the best way possible. If people weren't to get exposed to the actual image, they wouldn't understand as much as they should and or could. It may have a negative aspect on some people but I think people would rather see the whole picture rather than half. The world should get to see what goes on and the reality of images that may not be the best to look at but the truth at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, that image broke my heart. But am I angry at the news media for making it possible for me to see such an image? No. These images need to be showed to the world. The world needs to understand what's going on around them. If we are unaware then there is no way for huge issues to be addressed. Id rather understand what civilization is turning into no matter how scary because if I chose to live unconscious to the evils of this world Id have a deathly slap of reality waiting for me in the future. And that goes for everyone in this world.
ReplyDeleteI see how people can think these kinds of images shouldn't shown to the public. They might say it is too much for people to stomach, too much for them to handle because they have enough to deal with in their everyday lives. Although when you think about it while those people don't want to see those images because they have enough to think about in their everyday lives and shouldn't see it because it doesn't effect them, the people who are in those images don't have the privilege to not see those things. I'm sure the child that washed up on the beach wish he could ignored those images too but he couldn't because he lived it, every second, every hour, every day until his unfortunate passing. So for people saying their lives are too stressful to be bothered with these images, what if it was happening here? What if that was your child? People seem to not care because its not happening here. This is reality sorry to break it to you but that's whats going on and it needs to be known because a nations, or persons, or regions problems don't usually stay there but spread and effect a lot of people. The world needs to stick together and help each other out but unfortunately instead we have to stick to violence to solve issues. I wish i didn't have to see that image, but i did and i don't regret it because it educated me about whats happening in the world. it was heart breaking but eye opening and if everyone can see the world for how it really is and face reality and not be selfish with just their problems then we can work together to make the world a better place even if it may never be perfect. We cant just be educated from being in school but be educated about the world, as George Santayana once said "A child educated only at school is an uneducated child".
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