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Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Recommended Read: Photographs Do Lie

The article is by Maureen Mullarkey, whom I normally read regarding religious commentary:

Why You Shouldn’t Make Up Your Mind About A Shooting From Watching The Video
Just as with Eddie Adams's famous 1968 photo from the Vietnam War, the images of Derek Chauvin and George Floyd only tell us part of the story.

The famous 1968 photo by Eddie Adams is of a South Vietnamese Brigadier General--Nguyễn Ngọc Loan--summarily executing a handcuffed man in civilian clothes. Mullarkey discusses both photos and concludes:

Leave the last word to Adams who grew to admire the man he had photographed, ultimately to his detriment in the post-war years. He eulogized Loan at his death in Burke, Virginia, in 1998, adding: “Still photographs are the most powerful weapon in the world. People believe them, but photographs do lie, even without manipulation. They are only half-truths.”

If you follow one of the links in the article you'll also read this:

Adams said Wednesday that Gen. Loan's actions were misinterpreted because of the picture.
"The guy was a hero. America should be crying," said Adams, now a freelance photographer. "I just hate to see him go this way, without people knowing anything about him."

Worthwhile read.

3 comments:

  1. The 1968 photo back story is heart breaking.

    Such as what happened before the Rodney King video.

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    Replies
    1. Where can I find out the Rodney King story? I've heard hints...

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    2. Per a commenter Michael K at another blog, Stacy Koon saved Rodney King by preventing the shooting by a newbie Female CHP officer, who had issues subduing Mr. King. The CHP officer turned states evidence, and escaped repercussions. Michael K. mentioned he sent money to Mr. Koons family while he was in prison due to double jeopardy (first trial found him innocent, so I think 2nd trial was a Federal one.

      References:

      https://www.amazon.com/Presumed-Guilty-Tragedy-Rodney-Affair/dp/0895265079

      https://townhall.com/columnists/anncoulter/2020/06/03/on-the-other-hand-theres-rodney-king-n2570018

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