Controversial Pictures

Should the Media be Allowed to Portray Vulgar Photos in the News?

One of the most critical values that many westernized nations hold true is the freedom of speech. Granted this freedom, modernized countries are allowed to converse as they wish as long as they do not endanger a group or individual. Although many dislike the Ku Klux Klan and its history, the government does not and should not stop a group from expressing themselves as long as it is law-abiding. The apples do not fall from the tree with respect to the freedom of photography.

            Individuals from westernized countries have been increasingly sheltered from public information. Whether it is barring individuals to present their views on college campuses, or rioting when a presidential nominee is speaking, something must to be done to reestablish the open-mindedness of individuals today. With respect to newsworthy photos, images that are of relevance to the general public should be displayed, regardless of the vulgarity. Whether it is a dead body or children with guns, difficult images are the ones that provide the proper emotions of what the victims are actually going through. In order to fully understand the news and the arduous circumstances of the victims, images help ameliorate this task. The world must see the important events that are occurring in various countries, and if one finds a photo disturbing, he or she can either cover it or refuse to read the article. Regardless, it is the duty of the journalist to display photos that he or she thinks is relevant; and sometimes the photos may not be too pretty. However, it is the recent close-mindedness and increased sense of sensitivity by western individuals and societies that is trying to conceal difficult situations for people, rather than having people comprehend the situations themselves and make their own educated views on the topic.

            In essence, it is of utmost importance that photos that display and elicit the emotions of readers need to be shown. It is the duty of a journalist to display not only the appropriate written factual information, but to also illustrate with photos what is really going on in the situation. Perhaps the journalist should write “Disturbing images below” to warn sensitive readers? Perhaps other reforms should take place in order to shield younger readers from viewing difficult images? Regardless of these necessary alterations, journalists must inform readers with written and photographic content of newsworthy information; and that goes without sensitizing the news.