When you look at various countries and their laws referring to press and the freedom of speech, it is evident that photographs can change the world. Censorship, as explained by Professor Nordell in this video, can devalue images that have the potential to change the lives of thousands of people. He begins the video by asking a simple question: “If a tree falls in the woods and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?”. This simple question explains perfectly that images can change the world. Countries who do not allow freedom of press and speech understand perfectly how powerful images are, and because of that knowledge they do not allow these images to be seen. Even some countries who allow freedom of press have leaders that blur these lines in favor of the administrations agenda. Ted Rall explains this in an article titled “Censorship of war casualties in the US” published on Aljazeera.com. In this article he explains how the Bush administration banned images of fallen soldiers coming home during the Vietnam War. This was done so Americans would support the war effort instead of fighting against it after seeing tragic images.
Images can also be used to change people’s minds about serious topics. Evidence is found in a video where Jonathan Kein or Getty Images says, “A simple act in 1987, of the most famous woman in the world the Princess of Whales touching an HIV infected baby”. This is a strong representation of how a single image can change the views of millions of people just by showing them a respected person doing something unprecedented at the time. This is also shown in an interview with Alexander Zemlianchencko on The Voice of Russia Radio. In this interview they talk about how a photograph taken of Boris Yeltsin dancing ultimately aided him is his bid for reelection. They also talk about how photojournalists compose photographs as well as their instinct of knowing immediately if a photo will be powerful or not.
Photo By: Jim Davis
Image Source: http://archive.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/10/28/yes/
This is an image that has affected me personally. Although its contents are not what some may consider serious, it captured a time in my life that was full of happiness, triumph, and fortitude. This image illustrates the 2004 Boston Red Sox after the Won the World Series for the first time since 1918. This drought was explained by the infamous Curse of the Great Bambino. This photograph affected me, my family, and the entire baseball community.
Photo By: Scott Goldsmith
Image Source: https://www.politico.com/gallery/2017/01/2017-trump-inauguration-day-photos-002396?slide=93
This is a photograph that changed the world as a whole. It depicts a huge change in not only our country, but around the world. Donald Trump becoming The President of the United States lead to the rise of the populist party across the globe. It broke the chains of career politicians and gave middle-America a voice. Not only did he win in dramatic fashion, he beat one of the biggest names in politics today.
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