Saturday, July 7, 2007

Pictures of the Week: June 30 - July 6

The photograph of the children in Baghdad as they stage a mock execution of a frightened 4-year-old boy is a disturbing image. As children's games are increasingly influenced by the violence that has become part of their daily lives, one must wonder if they will grow to resent the circumstances that surround them or if they will merely become immune to it. What do you think? Child's play or tragedy?
 
 
See all of this week's compelling photography from around the world in our Pictures of the Week photo gallery.
 
-Lee Van Grack

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't know ... seems they just are imitating what they see/hear about around them.

LORI

Anonymous said...

That just breaks my heart...

Nancy

Anonymous said...

It doen't matter if it is a game. They are imitating what goes on around there and you can see the fear in the middle child's face. Helen

Anonymous said...

Guns and kids do not mix in any country...so sad.

Betty

Anonymous said...

That is one of the most disturbing photos I've seen in ages, also.   Tragedy, and some will likely become immune.

Anonymous said...

So sad and tragic that this is all the children know.

Anonymous said...

Who took it and why didn't they tear it up before anyone could see it.

Anonymous said...

This should never even been up for photo of the week. The parents and anyone thinking of publishing the photo should be put in that situation and made to feel the fear shown in the middle childs face!!!  Totally uncalled for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

These are precisely the type of photos people need to me made aware of...and that's why journalistic freedom is important.  They force us to see reality that we would rather hide from - they force us to face the brutal, and ultimately tragic, facts about the world WE have created.  To shy away from images like this, is to shirk our responsibilty.  We should acknowledge the legacy we have created for future generations.  And be asking ourselves, "What can we do to change it?"  

Anonymous said...

This photo is disturbing and what is even more disturbing than this photo is the fact that it was posted for people to see. Children are so impressionable and if allowed to view this picture, their reactions may be shocking. Mimicking is not unusual and it is things like this that are viewed by kids and may move some kids to do the same.