Kevin Carter, in death as he was in life, will forever be associated with the classic example of the photojournalistic ethical dilemma. The picture, taken at a Sudanese feeding camp in the early 1990's, ran in The New York Times and provoked a critical response. Not just for the obvious poverty and chaos of the South African nation but also for the photographer himself. Why hadn't he helped the child to the feeding center located a mile away? Why did he continue to snap photographs despite the urgency apparent in the photos?Although he chased off the vulture before parting, he was always blamed for taking advantage of the situation by profiting over the unknown fate of a dying girl.
Posts
2 comments:
What a powerful picture - even more ominous with the vulture lurking in the background. Where'd this come from?
Hi Chelsea,
Thank you so much for sharing this nerve wrecking and horrifying photo. Though many people will probably wonder why Kevin Carter did not help this poor child. I can sympathize with him because I know living in War and witnessing bloodshed and unimaginable violence actually makes some people sensitised that they are blinded by the urgency and common sense.
My personal if I was the Photojournalist that getting rid of the vulture is not enough to take the child out of harm's way. I would have done more.
But I also think that when Journalist's are covering in a war zone that they not take sides and get involved in between rivaling groups or tribes. This is important for two reasons: not to show bias by favoring a side but a Journalist must also protect his or her life just like a soldier would. No photo is worth the loss of a Photojournalist life.
Thanks again Chelsea.
Cheers,
Nemat
Post a Comment