CS301, Spring 2010 Constance Jiang

 Disaster Photography – Photojournalism during times of natural or social disaster  Examples: Earthquakes (natural), war (social)  Is it wrong to photograph a disaster when you could be helping instead?  “…at what point do you put your camera down and help? At what point does your humanity become greater than your journalism?” – National Press Photographers Association  “But everyone cannot be there, and that is why photographers go there - to show them... The worst thing is to feel that as a photographer I am benefiting from someone else's tragedy. ” – James Nachtwey

 South African photojournalist, member of the“Bang-Bang Club”  Won the Pulitzer Prize for an image of a starving child watched by a vulture that raised awareness and helped relief efforts in Sudan  Came under heavy criticism for photographing instead of helping the child

 What benefits the most people?  Carter’s photo increased awareness of the famine in Sudan and caused many to donate.  If Carter had been a relief worker instead of a photojournalist, the number of people he would have helped most likely would not equal the number of people who received supplies due to donations from those moved by his photo.  From a utilitarian standpoint, taking the photo was the right thing to do because Carter was able to help more people.

 What do the moral laws or codes dictate in this situation?  There are no laws that can be applied to Carter’s situation.  However, as a photojournalist, Carter was expected to take photos to document the situation.

 What would a virtuous person do?  A virtuous person would help as a rescue worker rather than be a photographer.

 Utilitarian: Taking the photo benefits the most people.  Deontological: There is no law dictating the appropriate action, however, as a photojournalist, it is Carter’s duty to document the situation.  Virtue Theory: A virtuous person would help the child in need.