Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/10/09
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Jason, without seeing his photographs you have assumed that Ben's work in
the barrio is less than sensitive. That sir, you have no right to do. Well,
maybe a right, but you *could* be dead wrong. If so, your deductions are
completely off base. Some do not write exactly as they think.
Regardless, I would posit that Ben has every right to photograph and
describe those subjects as he sees fit. Where is it written that a
photojournalist must be sensitive? In fact, a journalist should present the
situation as he finds it at the time he is on the scene; no more, no less! I
submit that much journalism today is presented with an agenda, therefore
should be presented as editorializing instead.
Journalism, regardless of the media type, should present the situation, not
interpret it. That is the reader/viewer's job. Unfortunately, many schools
of journalism today inculcate the student with the notion that they can and
should influence and change the situation for the better (as they perceive
better).
I'll read whatever is posted in response, but I will not contribute further
to this thread.
--
Roger Beamon, Naturalist & Photographer
Docent: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Leica Historical Society Of America
INTERNET: beamon@primenet.com