Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Photographic portrayals of violence: Investigate the ethical transgression or ethical reserve that a particular photo displays

Images containing violence are not ones that are appropriate for all viewers. This image was taken in Egypt during the 2011 protests. This image depicts 3 civilians attempting to avoid getting hit by sticks held by government officials. Other civilians attempt to avoid confrontation with the officers as seen in the upper left hand corner of the image where it seems that civilians are attempting to get away from the officers.

Government officials, including police officers and soldiers from the army are supposed to represent people of good, ethical standing in society. This image does the opposite for the officials shown in this image. The badges, uniforms and equipment are signs that these people are government officials. This image puts them in a bad light. Although the story behind this image is unclear, it is unknown who are the “bad guys.” In the image, the officers raising their sticks, getting ready to strike the civilians, seem like the ones that are in the wrong. On the other hand, since Egyptian society is different, these officers may simply be showing discipline to these civilians; the act of violence in this form may be accepted. From an American view, however, there is an ethical transgression by the officers pictured in this image.

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