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Great link and suburb photography, I often wonder how the photographers have the balls to shoot some of those shots, the translator in the stretcher for instance, wonder if he was asked first?
Of course these are not political forums, and pictures only depict a moment in time... but still, it angers me to see how the "world" continues to finance invasions, murders, massacres... and pretend that it's all in the name of freedom, liberty, love and happiness.
One of the pictures, showing an Afghan girl severely burned from "white phosphorus" (napalm). Napalm is forbidden in warfare, so the chemistry was changed just a little bit, and given a new name. Of course we all know that the Taliban have no access to such weapons... and the "liberators" are not willing to give up their illegal weapons, because the rules do not apply to them.
Sorry for venting out, but this is something that I simply can not be "polite" about. We all have a finger of responsibility in the current affairs, and the least we can do, is being honest about our feelings and opinions.
Without the brave broadcasters, photographers, on the front line presenting what is happening in the world - I think it would be a poorer place.
At least we see what is happening and not just listen to propaganda.
Where would we be without folks brave enough to go out and get this kind of image?
I for one put strict limits on what I am willing to do to get a picture..
In fact I was reading a great photo blog from Florida (dang, I can't find it now) where the photographer visited a scrap yard run by a pair of gun toting Rattler wrestling Harley driving rednecks. He got in there, talked to them, got the pictures, and got out alive.
I wouldn't personally be up for that, let alone Afganistan
Look, I'm an old man. I shouldn't be expected to put up with this.
Without the brave broadcasters, photographers, on the front line presenting what is happening in the world - I think it would be a poorer place.
At least we see what is happening and not just listen to propaganda.
Regards. Barr1e
Yes, it is good that images/reports get to us, but most of it has a slant of propaganda... if not entirely made to fit a propaganda agenda.
It can be subtle, and it can be obvious... and what is obvious to one person, can be invisible to another one.
For instance, the caption under the picture reads:
.......she was severely burned when a white phosphorus round hit her home in the Tagab Valley, killing two of her sisters during fighting between French troops and Taliban militants.
In my eyes, this goes towards indicating that the incident was unavoidable... the round "hit" her home... as if it was some kind of an unavoidable accident, and for people who don't know better, they might draw the conclusion that the round was fired by the Talibans. And another thing in the text that strikes me... it may not be intentional, but the result of the media brainwash... French invaders/occupiers are honoured with the title "Troops", while the Afghanis, who may, or may not, be talibans, but they are volunteers in a fight where they are fighting to defend their country against an invading force, are called "fighters". Quite a bit better than the "insurgents" or "terrorists" or other less reality reflecting labels they are normally given in the media. Why not call them for what they are? Patriotic troops (religious nutters or not... they surely fight for what they see to be right, and doing so on their native grounds, should grant them some rights of respect).
Anyways, the pictures are good, but we have to be careful not to fall for the captions, even the most innocent looking ones can carry a subliminal message. After a while people become immune towards the horrors of wars, no matter how horrifying the imagery can be. I still feel sick to my stomach when watching images of children blown to pieces in the name of westernized concepts of "freedom", while I know many people who won't even blink an eye coming across the same images.
Sometimes I wonder if it's me that's gone mad... or if it really is the world at large that's out of it's mind.
Yes, it is good that images/reports get to us, but most of it has a slant of propaganda... if not entirely made to fit a propaganda agenda.
It can be subtle, and it can be obvious... and what is obvious to one person, can be invisible to another one.
For instance, the caption under the picture reads:
In my eyes, this goes towards indicating that the incident was unavoidable... the round "hit" her home... as if it was some kind of an unavoidable accident, and for people who don't know better, they might draw the conclusion that the round was fired by the Talibans. And another thing in the text that strikes me... it may not be intentional, but the result of the media brainwash... French invaders/occupiers are honoured with the title "Troops", while the Afghanis, who may, or may not, be talibans, but they are volunteers in a fight where they are fighting to defend their country against an invading force, are called "fighters". Quite a bit better than the "insurgents" or "terrorists" or other less reality reflecting labels they are normally given in the media. Why not call them for what they are? Patriotic troops (religious nutters or not... they surely fight for what they see to be right, and doing so on their native grounds, should grant them some rights of respect).
Anyways, the pictures are good, but we have to be careful not to fall for the captions, even the most innocent looking ones can carry a subliminal message. After a while people become immune towards the horrors of wars, no matter how horrifying the imagery can be. I still feel sick to my stomach when watching images of children blown to pieces in the name of westernized concepts of "freedom", while I know many people who won't even blink an eye coming across the same images.
Sometimes I wonder if it's me that's gone mad... or if it really is the world at large that's out of it's mind.
Sorry again for the venting/ranting...
With my many years I think I know what is right or wrong, and I do get the point you are making. Rant away - thank goodness we have freedom of speech.
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