Can Photographs Change the World?

 

Photo by Andrew Fazekas
Image Source: http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2014/01/10/aurora-sky-show-hit-and-miss/

This photograph has affected me personally by seeing such beauty in such a dark and cold place. Seeing images of the Northern Lights have made my number one thing on my bucket list is to go see them. I think they are so beautiful. The sky has always fascinated me, and seeing that it can make such beautiful colors is amazing to me. This picture inspires me to do well in life so I am able to go and experience the Northern Lights in person and not such see them in photographs. Also, to enjoy and appreciate the beauty in this world.            

I believe photographs can change the world. A photograph can show so much in one image. While looking at a photograph people can see so many emotions, feelings, and also see how other people live or other parts of the world they have not been too. A photograph can change the world by people seeing the hurt and the darkness in the world. Many people do not know what it is really like at war or in third world countries. By seeing photographs of these things can make an impact on how people see the world and may want to help with these issues. As Jonathan Klein said in his speech, “…since the beginning of photography, images have provoked reactions in people, and those reactions have caused change to happen.” Also, a photograph can show the beauty in the world. You do not know how beautiful any place can be until you see it, and many times that is from a photograph.

 Photographs can also change the world by capturing an image that can change history. John Nordell states in his video, “If a tree falls in the woods and there is no photojournalist to take a picture of it, did the event happen?” While things can happen that change the world, it is more believable through a photograph. An example is, if people did not have cameras or video cameras we would not have many or any pictures or videos of 9/11 terrorist attack. We were able to get pictures and videos of both plans flying into the Twin Towers, and them both collapsing. For months after and even years we see images of this day of the terror and pain on people’s faces. You felt their pain and you grieved for America and the ones who lost their lives or lost someone that tragic day.



Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Image Source:http://newyork.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2016/09/08/911-memorial-museum-unveils-iconic-ground-zero-flag/

 I believe this picture changed the world. It shows the darkest day in America. It let the world know what happened and the pain the brought to so many. Yet it shows we are America, we are a strong country, and we will stand tall and work together to keep moving on. We will fight for those innocent people who lost their lives on that tragic day.

In the article “These 6 Corporations Control 90% Of The Media in America”, written by Ashley Lutz, shows an infographic by Jason at Frugal Dad. In Jason’s infographic, he writes, “In 1983, 90% of American media was owned by 50 companies. In 2011, that same 90% is controlled by 6 companies.” The six companies consist of: GE, News-Corp, Disney, Viacom, Time Warner, and CBS. Many photographs that are taken by photojournalist will not even be published. One reason may be government censorship. Another way that images might not be published is by the photojournalist’s editors. Ted Rall writes in the article “Censorship of war casualties in the US”, that “Media consumers saw thousands of images of dead and dying combatants, both American and Vietnamese, 40 years ago. Most were supplied by war photographers embedded with US troop units. But today's "embeds" are required to submit their work to military censors for approval and transmission.” I believe this is a smart and respectful thing to do to for the families who have lost someone. They do not want to see their loved ones in a newspaper, magazine, etc. lying there injured or dead. Having censorship is a good thing even if some photojournalist want you to see more.