Where Do We Start?
The World is Going To Burn By Malik Moonsammy
A mother solemnly looks on, her head titled like a wilted sunflower. One that can’t feel the Sun’s warmth anymore. A man stands behind her, at attention and at her service. His arms wrapped around her like wings of a trusted guardian angel. He is firm in his grip but soft in his caress.While she looks away from the camera, he stares deeply into its lens. There is not a scowl in sight, but there is a tempest forming behind those eyes rapidly. A picture’s worth a thousand words but this one dares to ask but six; “How could you let this happen?”
When Mamie Till came to identify the damage done to her 14 year old son, I wonder what did she sense first. Did she hear his labored heavy cries, muffled only by the dark, damp, termite-infested barn that he was help captive in? Did she feel every hit from that pistol all at once, Every boot stomp, Every pebble that glued itself to Emmit’s body as he was dragged across concrete. dragged across the same grounds that his ancestor’s once stood to be sold. How soon did the pain become too much to bear alone? How soon did she reach her conculsion? How soon did she tell the funeral director:
“Let the people see what I’ve seen.”
Emmit Till by David Jackson. 1955
The publication of Emmett Till's brutalized and disfigured body in 1955 served as a searing testament to the pervasive racial violence and discrimination faced by Black Americans. The image of the 14-year-old's mutilated remains shocked the nation, bringing into sharp focus the grim reality of racial injustice in the United States.
Till's murder, The visceral and unflinching portrayal of his battered corpse laid bare the depths of racial hatred and the rampant impunity enjoyed by his assailants.
The photograph galvanized public outrage and compelled many who had previously been indifferent to confront the pervasive dehumanization and brutality inflicted upon African Americans. It became a symbol of the urgent need for civil rights reform and propelled the fight for racial equality onto the national stage.
Till's image remains a haunting reminder of the violence and trauma endured by Black individuals, prompting reflection on the systemic injustices that continue to pervade society. It serves as a stark reminder of the enduring struggle for racial equity and justice, ensuring that the legacy of Emmett Till endures as a powerful catalyst for social change. It was also one of the first instances that the Camera was weaponized but in a different way that we normally see weapons. Weapons, by nature, end lives. Cameras, on the other hand, transcend life.
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies
Jocko Willink, a retired United States Navy officer who served in the Navy SEALs and is a former member of Seal Team 3, is no stranger to unimaginable horrors. He commanded SEAL team 3’s Task Unit Bruiser, the very unit that fought in the battle against Iraqi insurgents in Ramadi. A man who wanted to serve his country since he before he was in elementary school, same man who served his country for 20 years before he retired with both the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medal. Same man who started a podcast that has enticed millions of listeners well over half a decade now. Time after time, he has narrated in great detail his feats of strength and courage in times of war. Proven how far mental toughness can get you. What is possible with the power of will on your side. Lastly, but not least importantly, how important it is to love your country. Imagine the surprise that was in store for millions of listeners on July 15, 2016 when that very same man began to speak of his shame for his country. How his voice trembled as he narrated the accounts of My Lai. The trembling in his voice as he recounted how American soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade of the America Division, entered the village of My Lai in South Vietnam and proceeded to commence a brutal episode of mass killing, rape, and destruction.
How they began to systematically massacre the inhabitants, disregarding all rules of engagement and morality. Women, children, and elderly were not spared in the rampage. Reports later revealed that anywhere from 347 to 504 unarmed civilians, including infants and the elderly, were killed in cold blood.
The details of the atrocity only emerged over a year later, through the diligent efforts of one photographer named Ronald L. Haeberle.
My Lai by Ronald L. Haeberle 1968
. The initial cover-up by the US military was eventually shattered, revealing the true horror of what had transpired at My Lai.
The repercussions of the My Lai Massacre reverberated across the globe, igniting outrage and condemnation. The event not only significantly intensified anti-war sentiments in the United States but also damaged the reputation of the military and political establishment. The subsequent trials and investigations brought some of the perpetrators to justice, shedding light on the grim realities of warfare and its impact on innocent civilians.
The My Lai Massacre, much like the Emmett Till funeral picture, stands as a haunting reminder of the darkest aspects of conflict, exposing the depths of human cruelty and the failure of leadership. It serves as a stark lesson in the importance of upholding ethical conduct, even in the midst of war's chaos and confusion. As well as the importance of documenting what’s happening in front of us.
When The Past Becomes Indistinguishable From The Present
As photographers, we carry the immense responsibility of capturing the world around us, the good and the atrocious. It is our duty to document and photograph the realities of society, even when they are heartbreaking and repulsive. This obligation is rooted in the profound significance of bearing witness and acknowledging the suffering, while also keeping the memories of those who perished alive.By documenting police brutality, war crimes, and global genocide, we immortalize the harsh truths of our world. We capture these events not to exploit them, but to confront the uncomfortable and honor the lives affected. Through our lenses, we give a voice to the voiceless, forcing society to confront the injustices that plague our collective conscience.Photography has a remarkable power to ignite empathy and provoke action. When we capture images that depict the horrors of the world, we compel individuals to confront reality and become catalysts for change. These images serve as vital instruments in advocating for justice, accountability, and reform. Through our work, we weave a narrative that demands societal introspection, compassion, and advocacy for the oppressed. Our obligation to document extends beyond the present moment; it encompasses the preservation of history. Through our photographs, we create a permanent record that testifies to the atrocities committed and the lives lost. We owe it to the victims to ensure that their stories are not forgotten and that future generations remember the stark realities of the past. In the face of devastation and inhumanity, we cannot avert our gaze. We must capture the horrors of the world, not to sensationalize, but to immortalize the truth. Through our photographs, we honor the memories of those who have suffered, compel action, and preserve a testament to humanity's darkest chapters. In doing so, we uphold our duty as photographers and pay homage to the lives that can never be forgotten.
