Thursday, 25 August 2011

Internet:1, Assignment:2




Photo of a dead baby.
The Daily Dispatch was right to publish the photo of a dead baby, just like journalists, Photographers also have ethics that they follow, when they take pictures. In all instances when a picture is taken photographers are in a battle, they have to choose between personal ethics and photographic ethics. But at the end of the day, you to make a choice and in this picture by the Daily Dispatch, the photographer chose photographic ethics. Which are: Utilitarian, Absolutist and
Golden rule.
Ø  Utilitarian: The greatest good, for the greatest number of people. This means even if the picture is a gruesome, but it must send out a positive message to a greater number of people.
Ø   Absolutist: People have the right to privacy, but if I publish the picture of a dead baby, it might be cautious to other people and thus benefit the society.
Ø  Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would like them, to do unto you.
So, in this picture we see all these ethics of photography being put into practice, even though this is gruesome and invading some-one else’s privacy. But it sends out a positive message that, people should stop being irresponsible with their children.
So people should stop attacking photographers, publications and accuse them of being inconsiderate and selfish. Rather they should consider the motive behind publishing the pictures.
Reference: http://www.dailydispatch.co.za/