Best of the Week: "A Voice to the Voiceless"

When most people wake up in the morning they think of what they will do that day, what they have to look forward to, anything about themselves. Since we live in such a safe and sheltered area we barely ever think of what other people in the world are going through. We busy ourselves with school, social events, entertainment, gossip and other things. While we worry about what the characters from “Jersey Shore” do next, natives in Iraq worry about how they will get through the danger of the war. Mothers in Zimbabwe are concerned about how they will feed their families. Families in Afghanistan are bothered with the worry of if they will make it through the day alive. Many Americans do not realize the difficulty that some people go through daily just to stay alive. While the government and local news tell us “happy” information about nations that are involved with war, journalists and photographers go to dangerous sites to show us the truth that takes place in the world.

James Nachtwey is considered to be one of the greatest war photographers of our time. He has dedicated his life on documenting wars and conflicts in the world. James Nachtwey has been chosen for my “Best of Week” because he has shown the world the truth that is hidden. He shows us an uncensored reality, clear and honest. He puts his life in danger to show the tragedies that people have to go through daily. He gives “a voice to the voiceless.” James Nachtwey makes his audience feel what others are feeling. He allows us to feel the sadness and sorrow that the natives in Somalia feel. We feel the loneliness and mistreatment that the orphans in Romania go through. Nachtwey's approach to his audience is very unique, he allows the audience to make there decision based on what he has to offer. His pictures are worth a thousand words.

While looking at Nachtwey’s photos I am reminded to be thankful for what I have and where I live. When I see these pictures I want to help change the world too. I want to help individuals that live in poverty stricken areas, help people that are sick and cannot afford to eat. As humans, we become conscience of problems in the world. Noticing that we cannot even look at the pictures of war we realize that we want to help, we want change as well. In his video clip Nachtwey mentions, “They not only recorded history, they helped change the course of history. Their pictures became part of our collective consciousness and, as consciousness evolved into a shared sense of conscience, change became not only possible, but inevitable.” (Ted.com). Nachtwey’s photos bring generosity; they allow people to help change others lives. While he tells us a story with his photographs, we need to help citizens in other areas have a happy ending.