November 7th: Journal Entry #11

Significance - So what? Why is this important?

This Radiolab episode addressed an ethical question which has plagued journalism since 1816, the year the camera was created by Joseph Nicephore Niepce, what pictures should be shown to the public? Naturally this question holds a great deal of significance when considering the fact that cameras are becoming readily available as a result of the mass production of smartphones. Throughout the world, individuals have documented and released horrific photographs; in turn, these photographs have informed, and won the sympathy of individuals who have no tangible connection to the events being depicted. One is often reminded of the nightmarish pictures taken by American photographers during the Second World War of Nazi holocaust camp(s). Elie Wiesel's words, although bold, cannot be compared to the pictures taken by American GIs for the human experience cannot be adequately articulated in twenty six characters. However, the human experience can be presented, in a uniquely compelling manner, by photographs. 

Perspective - Who does this affect? 

As I touched upon in my previous paragraph the ethical question of "what pictures should be shown to the public?" affects, practically speaking, every single one of us who has an electronic device. However, it is particularly significant to those depicted with the photographs, and those who have been tandiginably affected by the events depicted within the photograph. The benefits a photograph has upon society, especially within democratic societies, is simply profound. Photographs have the capacity to inform, and by extension sway voters; thus resulting in change. However those depicted in the photographs may be subjected to social, and psychological injuries if certain photographs were released of them. Ultimately, we are posed with a question akin to the trolley problem; is it ethical to sacrifice a few if it will benefit the masses? 

Evidence - What evidence do they cite to prove their point?

Jad & Lulu, the hosts of the episode Sight Unseen, interview several individuals of great, or little renown over the course of their exploration of the question "what pictures should be shown to the public?" Initially, the host Lulu interviewed Kainaz Amaria, an editor who was tasked with sifting through thousands of images taken during the January sixth riots. Following this interview, Jag interviewed Lynsey Addario, an individual who does not warrant an introduction as a result of her extensive contributions to the field of journalism. Lynsey Addario, whilst accompanying a United States medical squad in Afghanistan, took photographs of a young soldier who was killed in the line of duty. Subsequently, Lynsey was confronted with an ethical dilemma, 'is it ethical to release these photos to the masses?' The soldier's father, Todd Taylor, was the interviewed by Jag. 

At its most basic form, this episode of Radiolab was a series of anecdotes by individuals who have been profoundly affected by the field of photography, and this worked to develop a intimate connection between the listener and the content of the podcast. 

Connections - How does this connect to other fields or disciplines? 

This podcast was exploration of the ethics behind photography, which itself, within the context of political thought and within my very limited understanding of the field, is profoundly connected to the field of journalism. I find that the aims of both mediums, respectively, is to inform individuals of events and circumstances taking place that would've been overlooked. However the questions arise, what ought to be overlooked in the interests integrity and respect?