The Cruel Radiance

Recently, I posted something declaring it was high time the public got to see the consequences of gun violence- particularly of the mass shootings with 'assault type' rifles. I was aware of (at least some of) the downsides inherent with such an action, but thought it (and still do) the right thing to do. Because when you got kids (KIDS!) getting shot to pieces in cold blood, on a random, repeated basis- How much fuckin' worse can it get?!?

Well, the woman above wrote a book covering the history and consequences of such action- interesting reading to be sure, and then some. And while there are definite consequences that would, in fact, be disadvantageous, Susie Linfield has researched, considered and deliberated all the possible consequences of such action(s), making her ultimate stand not a guess, but a rather well thought out and highly reasoned imperative!

She also goes on to talk about photographing poverty and other social tragedy- something I've continued to question myself about for decades to this day (as any conscientious photographer should). One writer (Jim Lewis- Slate) goes on to state that such photos should be only be... "casually composed, without serious compositional attention." It's such an incredibly ill thought out and naive belief, I guess the obvious lack of care and/or respect inherent in such an attitude (that would directly reflect upon the subject matter) is just not up for consideration- casually or otherwise...