Images from Iraq: What's the big deal?

In such a de-sensitized culture as ours, it almost strikes me as odd that photographs from the likes of Nina Berman and Farah Nosh have drawn so much criticism. While it is quite true that the images are indeed graphic, it isn’t as if the average person hasn’t been exposed to graphic images of similar nature before. These images, which stem from the effects of the Iraq war, are an isolated example however.

By my way of seeing it, evaluating these images on grounds of graphic content does nothing to separate them from the plethora of graphic material we are subjected to by American popular culture. What does distinctly differentiate these images however, is the stark reality they portray. Perhaps that is in fact the very reason these images have drawn a great deal of criticism. People today are quite happy with ignoring the consequences of reality. Out of sight, out of mind right?

The images of Nina Berman and Farah Nosh merely depict the sad reality of the consequences many have faced as a result of the Iraq war. It is not only the public’s right to know this reality; it is quite simply their duty as informed citizens. We must bear witness to the atrocities depicting in these stirring images, even if that means a little discomfort on our part. In a society as de-sensitized as ours, it is a bittersweet realization that are still images that can still impart a bit of emotion. Those who deem the photographs too graphic are merely denying the dim reality of the world around them.

Berman and Nosh deliver extremely powerful photographs, which deliver equally important messages, messages that deserve the audience of the American public, no excuses.