Reality Deserves to Be Published

In Nora Ephron’s “The Boston Photographs,” she discusses the validity of publishing controversial pictures. The photographs that she addresses in her article consist of a failed rescue attempt captured in sequential order. The woman pictured was trying to escape from her burning apartment building, but during her rescue, the fire escape collapsed, and the woman fell to her death. These photos caused so much controversy because many people were offended by the images, and felt that it was unethical to publish pictures of death. Regardless of all the negative feedback, she supports the pictures and argues that they were worthy to be printed. Ephron is justified in defending the publication of these photographs, because death is a major part of life. Despite the emotional intensity captured by these breathtaking photographs, the public deserves the right to view reality, as it truly is.

Although many people were appalled by the publication of the photographs, Ephron explains that “death happens to be one of life’s main events.” Unfortunately, many people in our society are often scared of death, even to the point of avoidance and denial. Many would rather not see disturbing images of death and destruction. It is much easier for some people to go on in ignorance, rather than to be exposed to the cruel reality of today’s world. The fact that some people do not want to realize is that death is a natural part of life. Images of death- tragic or natural, should be available for the public to view. It should be at the discretion of the viewer to decide whether or not to view them. Some pictures may undoubtedly be disturbing, but they are still worthy of being published. Death is a significant part of life, and even harsh reality should not be censored or banned from being seen.

The failed rescue attempt was captured in sequential order by the newly produced, motor-driven camera, an amazing breakthrough in the industry of photojournalism. These pictures were probably some of the first action shots of a tragedy at the time. The photographs deserve acknowledgement, simply for their unique quality. Ephron states that the photographs “deserve to be printed because they are great pictures, breathtaking pictures of something that happened.” She goes on to explain that “the fact that they disturb readers is exactly as it should be: that’s why photojournalism is often more powerful than written journalism.” Grim photographs should still be published in the mainstream media because of the emotional effect of the images on the viewer. When pictures of disaster and distress are viewed, we can sympathize for the victims, and have a stronger connection to what is happening in our society today. It is impossible to look at a great photograph without feeling the deep emotional impact that it has. Certain pictures can evoke so much emotion, and the inexplicable feeling that is experienced after viewing a great photograph is more than words can ever say.

Ephron addresses the issue of death, as depicted in the