James Nachtwey's Searing Photos of War

 Discussion questions  before you watch the lecture:

1.       What role can journalists play in creating a more peaceful and just world?

2.       As traditional newspapers and magazines change (and in some cases die), what is the role of photojournalists in new media?

3.       We live in a media-saturated world, filled with disturbing images from around the world.  How do we avoid becoming desensitized to such images?

http://www.ted.com/talks/james_nachtwey_s_searing_pictures_of_war.html

 Discussion questions  after you watch the lecture:

1.       James Nachtwey says that photographs had a powerful influence on him in the 1960s during the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement, and in fact, changed history.  “Political and military leaders were telling one story and photographers were telling another,” says Nachtwey.  “Visual journalism… put a human face on government policies, gave voices to those who have none, and stimulated opinion and debate.”  Does photojournalism still play this role?  How has journalism changed since the 1960s?

2.       “Society’s problems can’t be solved until they are identified,” says Nachtwey.   “The press is a service industry, and the service it provides is awareness…  Every story does not have to sell something.   There’s also a time to give.”  How does Nachtwey’s make the world more peaceful or more just?  What role does it play in conflict resolution?

3.       “A picture that revealed the true face of war would almost by definition be an anti-war photograph,” says Nachtwey.  Do you agree?  Can photojournalists be neutral?

4.       “Without the political will to find common ground, the continual friction of tactic and counter-tactic only creates suspicion and hatred and vengeance and perpetuates the cycle of violence,” says Nachtwey.  How can people create the will to find common ground in the midst of great suffering?

5.       “One of the things I had to learn as a journalist was what to do with my anger.  I had to use it, channel its energy, turn it into something that would clarify my vision instead of clouding it,” says Nachtwey.  Have you ever felt this way about anger?  How can anger be channeled into something positive?  How do we find outlets for anger toward injustice?

6.       “ I’m a witness and I want my testimony to be honest and uncensored,” Nachtwey says.  “I also want it to be powerful and eloquent and to do as much as justice as possible to the experience of the people I’m photographing. “  Is Nachtwey successful?  Why are his photos so powerful?  Do you think they influence people’s perceptions or affect government policy?  Can they result in long-term, significant change? 

7.        “Photographers…. believe your opinions and your influence matter,” says Nachtwey.  “They aim their pictures at your best instincts:  generosity, a sense of right and wrong, the willingness to identify with others, the refusal to accept the unacceptable.”  Despite all the horrors Nachtwey has witnessed, he still believes in these positive qualities of human beings.  How do you think he maintains these beliefs?  How does someone who is surrounded by pain maintain his or her inner strength?

==Comments==

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