Now, this might call for a new type of reaction button, something that would say "this is an interesting post that i recommend reading", because here it feels a bit weird to click on a red heart...
More seriously: Thank you, this is a very interesting article. I once read more about the context of the "Saigon execution" picture (in short, the prisonner had been directly responsible for heinous and murderous acts just a few hours before being arrested, which may explain (not justify) the act of the general). And this 'spontaneous' execution is different from the other pictures you show, where there has been some sort of judicial decision - but then, one might also question the fairness of tribunals, especially in contexts of war. What strikes me is that they are all cases where pictures are clearly not enough: we need a detailed and balanced account in order to understand the events. And yet, for all their limitations, photographs are such a powerful language.
You’re correct in pointing that out about Eddie’s photo - it is a bit of an outlier, but I couldn’t not include it. I appreciate the comment and yes, a recommend button is much needed.
Appreciate your question. I chose not to include those because I feel they are a different kind of image, ones that deserve their own narrative separate from this. It's why I used the line "government-sanctioned public execution".
Thanks. Given our times I hope you do a piece on them - especially as at lest some of the lynching were "government-sanctioned" in all ways but officially
When comparing what was printed in the newspaper and magazines in past with the sanitized version of reality that is now presented, so we don’t offend or disturb anyone’s delicate sensibilities, I think we are making a huge mistake.
I believe we need to double down on the horrors and atrocities that haunt our everyday existence. Wars, bombings, mass shootings, natural and man made disasters should all be depicted in graphic detail.
Presented with the right context, maybe we can galvanize the public if they can see the direct effects that an assault rifle has on a human body. Or what a bomb or a group of terrorists can do to a family who are caught unaware in their home. Or what an angry mob can do to the people entrusted with protecting our public space.
We need to be outraged and disturbed by these things. We need to know the horrors than humans are capable of, and then choose to do something, and perhaps be better than that.
the framing on the picture of the execution of the Kurds is just masterful. the two prisoners in the middle, how the composition draws attention to that final instant before their life is ended. can't think of a dozen pictures more perfect than that one.
Now, this might call for a new type of reaction button, something that would say "this is an interesting post that i recommend reading", because here it feels a bit weird to click on a red heart...
More seriously: Thank you, this is a very interesting article. I once read more about the context of the "Saigon execution" picture (in short, the prisonner had been directly responsible for heinous and murderous acts just a few hours before being arrested, which may explain (not justify) the act of the general). And this 'spontaneous' execution is different from the other pictures you show, where there has been some sort of judicial decision - but then, one might also question the fairness of tribunals, especially in contexts of war. What strikes me is that they are all cases where pictures are clearly not enough: we need a detailed and balanced account in order to understand the events. And yet, for all their limitations, photographs are such a powerful language.
You’re correct in pointing that out about Eddie’s photo - it is a bit of an outlier, but I couldn’t not include it. I appreciate the comment and yes, a recommend button is much needed.
Phenomenal and fascinating post. Thanks, Patrick.
Patrick - curious why you did not include the "souvenir" images of lynchings in the U.S.
Appreciate your question. I chose not to include those because I feel they are a different kind of image, ones that deserve their own narrative separate from this. It's why I used the line "government-sanctioned public execution".
Thanks. Given our times I hope you do a piece on them - especially as at lest some of the lynching were "government-sanctioned" in all ways but officially
When comparing what was printed in the newspaper and magazines in past with the sanitized version of reality that is now presented, so we don’t offend or disturb anyone’s delicate sensibilities, I think we are making a huge mistake.
I believe we need to double down on the horrors and atrocities that haunt our everyday existence. Wars, bombings, mass shootings, natural and man made disasters should all be depicted in graphic detail.
Presented with the right context, maybe we can galvanize the public if they can see the direct effects that an assault rifle has on a human body. Or what a bomb or a group of terrorists can do to a family who are caught unaware in their home. Or what an angry mob can do to the people entrusted with protecting our public space.
We need to be outraged and disturbed by these things. We need to know the horrors than humans are capable of, and then choose to do something, and perhaps be better than that.
Yes those 1945 Life spreads with ads are amazing, I had the same thought!
the framing on the picture of the execution of the Kurds is just masterful. the two prisoners in the middle, how the composition draws attention to that final instant before their life is ended. can't think of a dozen pictures more perfect than that one.
Fantastic, Patrick. Such a fascinating post.
A more recent and powerful piece of work that would match this topic is Ebrahim Noroozi's "Hanging in Iran", that got a WPP 2nd prize in Contemporary Issues back in 2012 : https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo-contest/2012/ebrahim-noroozi/1
Wow. I have no words, but this was a powerful read. Thank you!
Thank you, as always deeply powerful.