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Visual media has the capabilities of offering something that words can't always express. Photography and photojournalists have changed the ways by which the average citizen interprets the world around them. Visuals provide the world with information that can be interpreted at a deeper level of understanding due to how easy it is to view and process an image. Visuals in the media can become ethical dilemmas in the case of disasters and graphic material that divides our understanding into what is and isn't acceptable based on facts and courtesy of viewers.
Some may argue that the world has the right to know the truth of every situation, no matter how heart-wrenching. There's also the argument that states how the privacy of the victims and the severity of the situation should be prevented from the public eye due to the effect it may have on viewers and victims.
Photojournalism offers the public something that words simply can't achieve in specific situations. Providing a visual creates an emotional tie between the event and the viewer, and this is something that shouldn't be overlooked. Having disasters and graphic material such as suffering individuals provides the public with the truth that happens in the world outside of our lives.
It's necessary to be aware of these events that occur in order to properly bring attention to deaths and disasters and provide the victims with recognition for what they've experienced. Providing the public with these types of visuals may help prevent those specific disasters from happening again due to the knowledge they've gained from the media.
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| Source: New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/24/magazine/what-does-it-mean-to-look-at-this.html |
When it comes to publishing these graphic visuals, it's important to establish the lines of what's ethical and what pushes the limitations of what's acceptable and respectful to place in the media. Too often has the media jumped on a story covering difficult events which later resulted in more harm than good for the victims and their families. The reasoning behind publishing these images should never be overlooked because the intentions of the media must be based upon respect for the victims and the best interests of the public.
Vividly graphic photos that made it in the news are a significant aspect of our history and shouldn't be overlooked due to their content. While there might not be a cookie-cutter list of guidelines to follow when determining what photos should be published for the sake of documentation and historical purposes, the victims must always be considered and recognized. Does publishing graphic images pose more harm than necessary? It's difficult to say depending on the situation and those involved. With each situation that arises, the most important thing a journalist can do is review ethical codes, determine the effect that the publication could potentially cause, and always take into account the victims and their families.
Amber, I appreciate your acknowledgment of the importance of journalistic and historical documentation of catastrophic events. There is a fine line between exposure and exploitation, and news organizations toe the line quite often. The best journalists can do is follow the codes and show compassion for trauma survivors. The worst is to use them as a prop for show and tell.
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