How Far is too Far?

Colleen Howard

ch960014@ohio.edu

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/449797081504278544/ 

The choices that each publication must make on a daily basis rely on the image that they would like to project onto their readers. Whether they want their readers to be more political in tune or they would like their readers to care more about the environment, the publication has to make decisions always keeping this in mind. They achieve this image through instances such as their content published, their stance on issues as well as the ads they choose to publish. However, an issue that each publication must face is the truth in pictures and the backlash of said images.

Retouched Photos

When it comes to including images in your magazine or newspaper as well as digital entities, the aspect that trails along with it is the idea that you're sending a message too. The idea that your establishment is OK with altering photos of men, woman and sometimes animals to get the ultimate look accomplished. However, people and certainly animals are not perfect.

The reality that we must all face. The only issue with this is nobody thinks wants perfection until they stop seeing perfection. Airbrush and other retouching tools make models look more pristine than they do in real life. The publications argue this point of perfection and making that look attainable through advertisements or fashion pieces.

 On the flip side, society wants the reality. The masses agree that we must see what is real especially in our news outlets. So what is right and what is wrong? The truth lays within the images and unfortunately that is up to both the publication and you as a reader to support what you see as right. 

Graphic Images

Another massive issue that continues to sweep newsrooms off their feet is the idea of how far is too far? Is it ethical to share an image of a brutal attack or a devastating natural disaster in the name of newsworthy and prominent information?

This is a struggle that many publications must overcome as they work through what they should share with their readers. Some argue that this is the truth and the public has the right to see and know what is happening. However, on the other hand this is graphic or could potentially affect that person or multitudes of people witnessing the image.

So how do we know when to draw a line. That is the ethical dilemma facing many publications unfortunately. The stark reality is that many of these images that the editor must decide to run affect the newspaper in a massive way.

They could be praised for their truth and harsh reality or they could see wild backlash over offensive imagery. So just as the retouched photos, it is up to the publication and the reader alike to decide what is too far for them. Is the harsh image necessary or too upsetting to publish? That's up to you. 

So, if the readers as well as publications take on the responsibility of their image and what they want to be associated with than the lines between what is right and wrong may just blur perfectly to meet the public's need.