Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Up Close and Personal
Last Friday we watched a really interesting video on the work of James Nachteway. James Nachteway presented photographs that he had taken over the many years. As we watched his photographs from the many conflicts I found myself somewhat disgusted. James was able to travel across the world to these warzones and capture the reality that we sometimes forget exists. Being a citizen of the U.S allows us to be sheltered for the most part from the horrors that others experience. We don't have to worry about famines or genocides. Being sheltered from these horrors is something we should be grateful for I know, but we forget that there are people who live with these issues everyday. Countries that are ravaged by wars usually fight for the betterment of their people right? It'd be ignorant of me to say this plainly because there are obviously times when war is justifiable, but are the reasons for which countries war over the most worth it? From the photographs we were able to see people revolting, civilians injured from as a side effect of these wars, people dying of hunger. Do they think these wars are worth it? I feel as though when we discuss war we seem to forget the people who are possibly affected the most.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
I like this post a lot because it gives a different point of view that is not usually seen. James Nachteway using his photography to expose the types of horrors you mention (famine, civil war, genocide, etc.). Through his pictures, the world, and particularly Americans, can see some of the terrible things around the world, perhaps causing us to support the people who need help. Ultimately, he explains that is the reason he became a photographer.
I think his photography is also very humbling. When I saw the terrible hardships others endure, it made me thankful for everything I have, and how much our country does for us, no matter how much we choose to ignore it. Our ignorance, as you say, is a blessing, but through this photography, we can start to see how good we really have it.
I like how you said that because of our situation in the US that we are usually sheltered from these outside things happening in the world. I think people have a slight idea as to the fact that these things are happening but for the most part know that they cannot affect its course in any way. Like Michael said, the pictures are very humbling and eye opening.
War is idolized in the Iliad as a honorable testament to a mans legacy as a warrior. In contrast, Nachteway's photos show the casualties and detrimental effects of war, famine and other such catastrophes. After seeing these photos, I felt that people who die in war are lucky. War destroys villages, towns and countries. Those who die war do not have to rebuild or struggle with the aftermath effects of war. People who survive have to live in these inhumane conditions, because their country is in a state of chaos and disaster.
Franklin, you're right when you say that individual civilians are often forgotten when wars are declared. However, I believe that is necessary, to an extent. Obviously I don't condone the killing or mistreatment of civilians but lets be hones, when war is declared, civilian casualties are inevitable. Say the United States was to declare war on Sudan in an attempt to put an end to the genocide in Darfur. The war would be on behalf of bettering the lives of those in Darfur but there is no doubt that many of them would be put into harms way by American interaction. That fact would have to be ignored if the USA was willing to go to war.
I really like this post, you were able to relate the photographs from many wars to how the US is sheltered. I also like how you were able to connect that the US is somewhat oblivious to the majority of problems these wars pictures are encompassing. While there are clearly benefits of the US being oblivious to these problems it can also be bad for the citizens of the US because if a war were to actually be held on US soil many citizens would not be ready for it.
I agree with you that we are extremely lucky and priveleged not to be in the middle of these undeniably depressing circumstances. I also agree that these photos effectively captivate the lives of unfortunate and unlucky people. Overall, i think you make a good point that we are extremely sheltered and lucky to live in world we live, one that is completely unrelating to the lives of the people in those pictures.
the only way to know would be to ask them. They've felt repercussions first hand. I wouldn't ask your average american if the Patriot Act or the DHS was worth it, they'll probably say no because they haven't been affected by it. You should ask someone who was a victim of a crime and the patriot act or the DHS helped solved it. The only way to dig in on these issues is to be a part of them. Hopefully none of us will have to be.
Post a Comment