[Leica] Kyle... photographers, ethics and Psychiatrists

["Birkey, Duane" <dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec>]

I had very mixed emotions last night when I looked at Kyle's photos.  I'd
never heard of people cutting themselves (in "developed" countries at least)
let alone see the scars of someone who has done it.   I found the subject
material of the pictures to be disturbing, in part because it makes me sad
and in part because I did not understand why someone would do that to
themselves.  I was shocked by the chalkboard writings and found it extremely
disturbing.

Thanks to perhaps a well meaning psychiatrist on this list... I do
understand a bit better some of the reasons why this happens and why she
appears the way she does, it gives great insight to understanding fthe
photos.

Like anything, the value of the images is in what it communicates to whom.
It's effect on other teens who are struggling with emotions will be
completely different than parents whose children are going through this.
It's effect on those of us who are saddened by it will be different than
those who enjoy cutting themselves or watching someone do it.  Its effect on
people studying psychiatry or sociology will be different than on those from
other walks of life.  

Obviously, there is a difference between documenting this and encouraging
it.  I did not notice any fresh scars on her arms...  One could argue that
by allowing a photographer to document her life and past scars that it may
give her an avenue of expression that reduces the need to cut herself. (but
I'm really not qualified to argue on this subject)  Some people do need to
"confess" or express themselves to others in some form, and then as they are
no longer alone, they can deal with it and move on in life.  

I don't think Kyle's aim here is to get rich off of it, I hope it's not at
least....  My guess is her psychiatrist (no offense) will earn more in one
session than Kyle ever will on this project. 

Either way, I think some of the issues and behaviors that face her
generation need to be addressed and even perhaps documented through
photography.   Kyle is far better suited to do this than the rest of us, and
whether we like the images or not and whether they ever see the light of
day.... it will certainly cause personal growth and development on Kyle's
part.  We can hope that it is for the better for Kyle' sake, but it could
also pull him to a "darker" side as well if he is not careful. Hopefully
though, Kyle's work, if he continues it at least, will help this girl and
others deal with themselves and the issues that trouble them.

I also feel deeply for those whose kids are going through this.  I can't
imagine the pain they are dealing with.

IMHO 

Duane