ninehillsRAMBLE in the JUNGLE
Disgusting picts
By Wanaku Verdzekov · · Global
Date note: Undated Facebook note, written between 2011 and 2014.
Tags: media-ethics, images, decorum
There is a moral and ethical reason why pictures of human beings in this state should not, must not, be distributed publicly.
The people sharing them might have good intentions. But there is a chance that other people will be so turned off with disgust that they will shut their blinds (eyes, brain, spirit… give it a name) and NOT pay attention to whatever the problem is.
Freedom of speech and communication in public space needs a minimum of decorum, even in dreadful times.
My two pennies.
May the ancestors intercede for the weary.
— Wanaku Verdzekov
Reading & grammar
Reading level: Gr 7–9
Understand
- What is the author's argument against sharing graphic pictures of victims?
- Does the author doubt the good intentions of the people sharing them?
- What does the author mean by "decorum"?
Grammar focus: modal verbs of obligation. Should, must and need express duty: "pictures… should not, must not, be distributed publicly." Must not is stronger than should not; putting them together raises the force of the rule.
Try it: Write three rules for posting on social media, using should, must and need to. Rank them from weakest to strongest.
Discuss: Should news outlets show graphic images of war? Argue for public awareness or for dignity and restraint.