Certainly, ones position in the world shapes his or her views on culture, society, and identity. A victim's view is different from a photographer's, and a rescue team member's view is different from an onlooker's perception. A person's position defines the type of emotions he or she will have towards an event or a photograph. Jill Abramson, a managing editor, chose the photograph in figure 14.12 of the dead children because it accurately displayed the aftermath of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. She has been trained to report the news as accurately as possible and choose photographs that best represent certain situations. This line of work can sometimes cause people to lose sensitivity. She was not considering how the reader might feel when he or she comes across the photo. Yes, it is accurate and people should see the picture, but it is shaping how the readers view that society and culture. The picture does not represent the entire population, yet that is what viewers will take from the photograph.
Charles Porter, a bank clerk and amateur photographer, captures another moment in history. Through his picture, Porter conveys the identity of the valiant firefighter and the helpless infant after the Oklahoma bombings. For many Americans, the photograph evoked concern and sadness, which is a result of what society and culture has caused them to feel. For someone living in the middle east, this type of tragedy happens more often, so they can better cope with the images than Americans who do not experience this very often. Society teaches the norms and values that people adopt and practice. Images, whether accurate or inaccurate, end up defining a culture. It is our responsibility to see the truth in them, and react accordingly.
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