"The death from Tuesday's 7.0 magnitude earthquake may exceed 100,000." -CNN

Death is real.

It is uncomfortable to view, and painful to imagine.

I am reminded of one of the 17 points from Galeano's "An Uncertain Grace," where death has become a natural part of life.
"Eyes of a child looking on death, not wanting to see it, unable to look away. Eyes riveted on death, snared by death-death that has come to take those eyes and that child" (12). In many ways this photo displays the dissolval of emotion for life. The very reason those who have seen death in this matter are desensitized. A tractor moves the dead bodies of men, women, and children-mixing them with the dirt from whence they were created. Others stand mindful, watching-degrading there feeling. Yet, there is nothing we can now do...except to prevent it from happening more.


Galeano, Eduardo. "Salgado, 17 times." An Uncertain Grace: Photographs by Sebastiao Salgado. New York 1990. 7-15

"Haite appeals for aid; official fears 100,000 dead after earthquake." 2010. Web. 28 Jan. 2010.

Salgado, Sebastiao. Photograph. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture. New York, 2000. 193

Jakarta

The beautiful thing about photography is that it allows the viewer to see what they will; Visual pictures of there own personal creation. For example, it is left to us on how to act when picturing those who suffered from the recent earthquake of Haiti. Yet, for some, there is no action besides the hopes and prayers of their hearts. Indeed, we may say those hopes and desires, if they are true, will be manifest in the sharing of them. We can then say that when we can do nothing else, it becomes our duty to raise an awareness of the situation. In helping others become more aware of the world around them, we will find those that can help beyond our own abilities.
This particular picture shows a child in Jakarta, Indonesia taking a bath in a bucket of "imported" water. In analyzing further, we find that in these parts of the world, there is no running water or drainage system for that mater. I was shocked. I have lived my entire life with running (and flushing) water without realizing how blessed I am. I merely turn a knob and the water is available at my disposal. As such, the Haitian problem, and the Indonesian problem can both be related. Today, one would just need to read the countless reports and constant t.v. screenings to see the suffering of the Haitian people. Deaths have reached over 70,000 with many believing the count will soar over 100,000. Now, the results may not be as extreme in Indonesia, but with the negative affects of "imported" water, and with drainage/sewage leaks, we could see the results of a very different kind of disaster.

Salgado, Sebastiao. Photograph. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture. New York, 2000. 362

Salgado

Sebastiao Salgado was born into a family of 8 in Minas Gerias Brazil, 1944. He earned a masters degree in economics at Sao Paulo University, Brazil and later studied in Sorbonne, France. He switched to photography in 1973, and ever since has been a huge influence in the world of photography. He has published several works with the most recent titled, "Migrations" in the year 2000. His studies have carried him to many countries across the world. In total, his travels have taken him to nearly 100 different countries in his pursuit to raise public awareness. He has won numerous awards for his work. This class will attempt to continue Salgado's mission, as every week we will blog another photo and allow the feeling and emotions of others to choose to act on them. Specifically, I chose this photo to introduce Salgado because it demonstrates both sides of the spectrum in those who are suffering and those who have so much. This is displayed by the striking contrasts seen in the living styles neighboring each other, on one hand you have the growing city, the other a poor stumbling "village." Truly this part of the vision Salgado wants us to see, not one of pity or guilt, but of, at least acknowlegment.

"Amazonas Images." about Sebastiao Salgado, Web. 12 January. 2009.
"UNICEF." Special Representative Sebastiao Salgado, Web. 12 January. 2009.

Salgado, Sebastiao. Photograph. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture. New York, 2000. 427

Assignment Self

Hey Guys!! This has nothing to do with hobbies or with explaining things about me. I posted it merely because I feel this is where my life is at this point. Everything points forward. The sun is shining in the distant, while the window blurs my vision just feet in front of me. I haven't been on a mission yet, or even chosen a major, but I have hope that all will work itself out in the future. Although I can't see what the bright future is, I am grateful to be here at BYU a great University. Some of my hobbies include: Basketball, baseball, football, vollyball, raquetball(pretty much any sport or anything to do with them) hiking, shooting, spending time with family, hanging with friends, singing, eating, and reading!