Response to "Regarding the Pain of Others"

1.       What do you believe in with regards to the family of a deceased soldier whose picture (during torture or death) is telecasted or photographed; is it hurtful and degrading to the family? Or is it our “right to know” about these sort of events?

2.       If you are opposed to war photography and the displaying of violent images; should a law be placed to ban all forms of media associated with death and war?

3.       Is the slight control of war photography and the mass media that accompanies it a type of censorship? Is censorship justified if it is causing pain to others?

 

I would like to discuss question number one  that I asked from my thoughts on Susan Sontag’s “Regarding the Pain of Others.” It seems to me that she views these images as something that should not be put out there for anyone to see. I agree, it’s atrocious that a mother may have to see her son brutally tortured and killed online over in the Middle East. But in war and conflict there is always and most certainly, tragedy and death. I have a hard time seeing the "face of death" and the unjust killing of the innocent and brave soldiers, but I strongly believe it is our “right to know” what is happening in the world around us. I understand that it is gruesome and painful for the families of the victims to see these images. However, it’s the freedom of the press and media in the First Amendment that seems to make these images surface and sustain. Undoubtedly heart-wrenching as this may be, I think as it stands, the citizens of the world have a right to see these things.

The main reason I feel this way is because of how much violence and death we witness every day in the media.  Over time we have become quite desensitized as a species through the media. Whether it be on television, magazines, or in video games; violence is everywhere.  So is it so bad that some feel as if they have the right to look at these things? I agree that these acts of violence are impossible to look at sometimes, but it’s our right to look at them or not if we choose. I can turn the television or computer off if I become disgusted with something that I don't like or agree with. If it were to come to a point where these kinds of artistic and journalistic expression were banned or censured; then it’s simply denying us the freedoms granted to us to think and act like free people.

In addition, for us to turn our backs on the horrendous acts of war is like living in ignorant bliss. To stop looking at a picture and pretending it’s not happening isn’t going to cease or prevent it. Man has been brutally killing each other for hundreds of thousands of years as a species. It’s unfortunate that because of modern technology it’s being documented so vividly and voraciously and in return causing pain and suffering to the victim’s families. But to turn our backs on the deceased and censor the viewing of their demise is not only an insult to their memory and struggle; but it is simply taking away our “right to know” about current events; even the gruesome ones.

In conclusion, as hard as it is to witness sometimes, I believe we need to observe these things in order to grow as a species. My heart does most definitely go out to the families of the deceased and I pray for the pain they feel. But these images are ours to see and they have the choice not to view them if they so choose. To truly understand what it is to live as a human being, one must embrace death as part of the inevitable. As disgusting as these images are, it cements the fact that these things can and do happen. War is part of the history and evolution of man and will not end, probably ever. It’s better to know and prepare for what may lie ahead by examining our past mistakes.