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War Imagery

No matter where we are in the world, we are confronted with images every second of the day. Whether good or bad, we are exposed to imagery that evokes positive and negative emotions in us all. At present there is an intense debate raging as to whether or not the media should publish and expose society to certain images. Images such as those published on television and newspapers around the world exposing society to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US troops. Opinions on the publication of these images are divided. Some people in our society are of the belief that, the very act of showing such imagery, acts as mechanism for which terrorist can use as motivation to wreak havoc on innocent people around the globe [For example, The Bali and Madrid bombings].

We are excessively slapped in the face by pictures of local violence and brutality daily. However during times of war, the images we are exposed to bare greater significance and power. One compelling image can change a thousand public opinions. Image makers use certain pictures in order to manipulate society into exhibiting emotions, whether it is passion or sheer outrage, because they know that by exploiting the emotions of society they may sell more newspapers & magazines, increase T.V. ratings or change public opinion in an election period to increase votes.

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The simple world, in which our grand parents lived in, has now become a dangerous and complex one. The world has changed, and at the present point in time, is more chaotic then ever, which is making society extremely uneasy, and images such as those regarding the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, is in no way helping to ease the danger, which pleads the  question ‘what are image makers doing?, and why?. Because such images have such strong presence in the minds and hearts of society, it's come as no surprise that some people want a limit placed upon the release ...

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