Latest update May 10th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 28, 2018 Letters
DEAR EDITOR,
The visual impact of a traumatic image is not only discerned and internalized by the viewer—it is immediately shared, passed along, and broadcast online. While a picture may tell the story, media caution should be exercised when the image is too gory
It is not to be overlooked the role played by the mainstream and social media in how members of society are kept informed of events that may directly or indirectly affect them.
However, a recent incident resulting in a catastrophic loss of lives, albeit that of reputed career criminals, has led me to renew my debate as to what kinds of imagery media outlets should be expected to show. Are there images deemed too shocking to show to the readers, and should certain imageries be ethically withheld?
Point in question is the bloodied bullet-ridden pictures of the five dead bandits killed in the recent shootout with police at Turkeyen that emblazoned the front page of the July 24, Kaieteur News.
As a public newspaper with readers of varied ages, the added risk of traumatizing children argues against the publishing of the most egregious imagery. What message was the image intended to convey, and to whom? What was the justification of confronting readers with stark images? Some papers have an editorial code, which implies that in cases involving pictures such as the ones in question, “a strong public interest justification” is necessary.
Keeping it real, I was not the only reader feeling a sense of unease mixed with revulsion at what the images told of humanity and present day life in Guyana, as there were others who shed literal tears.
Is anyone wondering what effect it is having on our children? An even more critical question to be addressed, “Is anyone even paying any attention?” Whether or not the government and people of Guyana realize it or not, a generation is being formed in the country that will have less and less respect for the government and its officials, its representatives of the law who take the law into their own hands or display rogue behaviour, and last but not least by association, the legal system.
Let it stand for the record people of Guyana, and do not dismiss this lightly – The children are taking note. And if one believes that present day Guyana is crime-ridden, what would the country be like two decades from now when this traumatized generation is at the helm?
Granted there is no calculus to be applied in determining the most effective way to depict crime. However, it would be worthwhile depicting the processes that engender and not just the shocking results, no matter how visual it would be.
Another truth to be taken into consideration is that many of the youths do not have the most encouraging home lives. Pictures such as the ones in question may serve to add hopelessness to already hopeless situations and not serve any intended purpose as a deterrent. A different message is being reinforced.
I am issuing a nationwide appeal through the newspapers that we take time to sit down with the children/youth in our nation and help them process what is currently going on in the country. If we fail to help them make sense of the replica of Dante’s Inferno that Guyana is becoming, they will be left to their own perception.
To quote a well-known African proverb, “It truly takes a village”, let us therefore hold forums, where we listen to them to see how all of this bloodshed and depiction of the aftermath of crime is affecting them.
Violent images shown without warning can cause harm. Findings of a study conducted in 2015 by the British Psychological Society revealed that viewing violent news events via social media can cause people to experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The study concluded that unlike direct exposure to a collective trauma, which can terminate when the acute phase of the event ends, media exposure on the other hand keeps the acute stressor active and alive in one’s mind.
In sum, sensitivity to the victims and victims’ families in addition to care is necessary. While a picture may tell the story, media caution should be exercised when the image is too gory. A further truth — please remember the nation’s youth.
Y. Sam
It is disgusting that our teachers have to protest in the streets for a…
May 10, 2024
– President Ali visits Guyana National Stadium By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports – Yesterday, the National Assembly successfully passed the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies Bill, 2024,...Kaieteur News – This column does not respond to criticisms, except where there is misrepresentation of what was said... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]