texxasco

You got it. I think it is disrespectful, and shows poor taste. I have read that people believe that the pic is just reality, and we should be ok with it. I see their point, and I also know that the U.S. is in love with reality. Reality this, reality that. One reality show after another. I guess I am just a little too conservative in my views to be ok with picking up a newspaper, or turning on the news, and having to look at a dead body. Maybe my opinion would be different if I thought the reason for showing the picture was something other than generating ratings and/or profits. Cal me closed minded, and in that regard I guess I am, but I just can't see why a person needs to look at a photo of another person. It isn't neat, or interesting. It's sad and tragic

Ok, I'll be specific. The picture you posted should not have been on the front page, or any page of the newspaper. I think it is wrong.

I don't think that not showing images of dead bodies sanitizes us, or disconnects us from the realities of the world. We all have our own reality and experiences, etc. I work amoungst criminals. I have not only seen, but witnessed stabbings, beatings, and other assorted things in my days, and you know...after awhile people tire of seeing that stuff. I've had to fight with, detain, restrain, and basically babysit bad guys for so long that when I am off work these days, I'm not looking for reality. I get plenty on a daily basis. I'm, not bragging, nor complaining, but that's my reality. You aren't old enough to have experienced it... but I am a 60's child, and I got to live (as a kid) in the 70's when life was more upbeat, and not so negative. Back then, to run a picture such as the one being discussed, on the front page of a newspaper might have cost someone his or her job. You didn't see boobs on TV either back then (I like this new trend). And, back then I would have thought it was cool, cutting edge, etc. But you know what? Society changes, you will change, I definitely have changed (so much that I suprise myself sometimes). Life changes. Reality never changes, but our take on it usually does with time. Society has become so de-sensitized that people are used to seeing things like that picture. Let me give you an example...

We've all been in the car with the folks, or others, and while on the road we pass an accident scene. I can remember back when I was a kid, that an accident on the side of the road was no big deal, in that we didn't need to see it to believe it. We'd say something like I hope they're ok and keep on going. People were more respectful, and wouldn't want to impose by being nosey. Now, it is an almost daily occurance when driving down the road, an accident (off the road, not blocking traffic) causes traffic to slow down for miles. Why? People just can't get enough of reality.... They GOTTA see what happened, and even at the risk of causing ANOTHER accident.

It seems like with each decade that goes by, society becomes a little more lenient as to what we deem acceptable, and not acceptable. Look.... I can tell you are a very articulate, and intelligent person. I can tell by the way you write, and what you write about. You'd have a hard time convincing me that you wouldn't have gotten a good grip of the reality of the situation in New Orleans without that picture. I think it is possible that you are confusing your needing to see that picture with wanting to see that picture. You don't need to see that picture to make you understand what is going on. You want to see that stuff. And, that's alright. The stuff is gonna be in the papers, on the tv, etc. I accept that, but I don't like it. I always have the option of not looking at the picture, or changing the channel... It is an option I do utilize occasionally. I can remember a time, when I would have argued FOR using those kind of pictures, but I have changed.


I haven't read through any of those threads. I wouldn't want to. I couldn't keep up with it either because I would have so much to say...and I can't type fast enough for this thread, let alone a thread like that. I feel sorry for folks that believe we shouldn't care about the world. I AGREE with you that that is a pretty dim, narrow, and poor way to treat everyone else on the planet. I don't think people are too protected though. If anything this world is one hell of a lot rougher than what it used to be. We're anything but protected. 20 years ago, if I was setting behind a car honking my horn to get the driver to realize the light changed, and go..... The worse that would have happened might have been a few choice words yelled at me, or better yet, that person probably would have shot me the bird. Now? That same situation could get me shot, or worse. There wasn't a thing called road rage back then either. We called them maniacs, or for lack of a better term - just plain assholes.

Thank You.... That part of the discussion is now *closed*.



It had to do with the context in which you were using your sarcasm, and the condescending way you were "expressing yourself". Is sarcasm a valid form of expression? It depends on who you talk to. It is acceptable? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. For me, as long as I don't think the person is talking down to me, it's ok... It's pretty clear to me that our views are very different.....I can remember when my views differed, and still do differ with those older than me. And no it's not just about age, it's more about priorities. To me it was personal, the things you were saying, and how you were saying them. In my mind, the way you were expressing yourself did take a personal tone, and therefore I responded in like fashion. But, it is VERY clear to me that the tone you are using now, is much less abrasive and condescending than your previous post. You say you were just responding to something I posted.....and you are ok with what you posted in response.

...And my response:

I didn't view my response here as harsh or abrasive, (a little sarcastic maybe, but not harsh), and I wasn't talking down to him..at least in my opinion. In fact, I was telling this person in the nicest way possible that I took issue with his statement. To me your response to me was much harsher than mine to him. What's becoming clear to me is that here in TFP right and wrong aren't clearly defined. I can write one thing and be wrong, yet you can write something similar and it's ok. To me things are more black and white, and what's wrong for one is wrong for another. Plain and simple, and fair is fair.

That's pretty obvious


Like I said previously, I viewed your comments as beyond debating, and more of a personal nature.



No I don't think this is a tough debate, but to be quite honest with you it has gotten pretty old. Especially knowing it all started with a damn picture. I really don't even give a shit about it anymore. And no I won't be going around any political debates. I learned a long time ago that there were two areas that It was best I not converse with folks too much...Those being religion, and politics. I am a conservative republican who regularly attends church.... right away that would put me in the middle of controversy should I decide to debate on those topics. I also know my limitations, and would rather just leave those subjects alone. I keep my views, and others keep theirs.

In every conversation, debate, argument, there comes a time when two people have to agree to disagree. I know my limit, and I am now at it. We live in completely different worlds there analog. I guess I am a little neanderthal in my ways, but in my world I have to be. I get paid to socialize with people that most folks wouldn't or are too scared to deal with. If you're ever in my neck of the woods, stop by and I'll see about getting you a tour of "my" reality..or at least what is for 40 hours a week. I promise to not let the bad guys get you, if you'll promise to tell me if someone using bigger words than I do is making me look like a dumbass and I don't catch it.


I don't have enough patience to carry on a good debate for very long, and I can be too defensive sometimes whether I need to be or not. You're a good debater. A smartass too... but I like you. Yes, that is very personal.... but I mean it as a compliment, and not in a derogitory manner. Honest. You know, after all that hs been said back and forth in this debate, I believe giving credit where credit is due. I admire a person with enough balls to speak their mind.

I offer you a truce - hell you can even say you won if you want. That's ok. Either way, I am checking out of this conversation... Enough is enough man...

I kinda figured so, but I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to offend anybody.

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