Your image - your rights

[Steven Sweeney]

While this thread was developing, I was constantly in mind of one of the iconic, Depression-era photographs that we

[Steven Sweeney]

Florence Owens Thomson was a Cherokee from Oklahoma, though she had been living in California for some time. Her husband

[Kimberly Dow]

Steven,

Thank you for sharing that story.

Not to argue, I agree with you totally, but - some of these intrusive photographs do make people take action. At the expense of the person photographed unfortunately. Take the Katrina victims for example. Reading about demolished homes or even seeing photos do not have the same impact as seeing a real live devastated person. Seeing them...brings the human side to any story and Im willing to bet it encourages folks to give money, volunteer their time, etc.

Im wondering how many of us would allow our image (taken at our worst) if it meant it would move people to help?

Just another thought on the subject.

[Mike McCarty]

Steven:

I remember that photograph, and your story brings to mind maybe the most famous of all depictions from that era: John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath."

I've watched that movie many times and I am still moved by it. One of the great American stories. It too portrayed the "Okies" in circumstances which were strained at best. Of course it was only a movie, and brought out at a time removed from actual events. Much different than the story which you convey.

Kim:

In the case of the Katrina victims ...

To my sensibilities there is a wide chasm between documenting the circumstances in order to gain public support for relief, and gross exploitation for commercial gain. What could be gained further by pointing a movie camera at a person wading in the remains of her life; while she is shouting, crying and cursing at the camera man to please stop filming. Does this compell me to give more?

In my cynical mind I don't think the media cares a tinkers **** about rallying public support. They understand that their actions do have an effect in that regard, but I believe it is purely coincidental to their purpose.

I heard recent'y that there have been three movies made about Amy Fisher. I suppose there will soon be a movie about the lost girl in Aruba. You could make a strong case that we are given exactly what we want, and deserve. I wonder ...