381 What's in an image?
The use of photographs readily available on the internet can lead to misappropriation ... if one is so inclined. I do subscribe to the ‘open-source’ nature of the internet, but in the hands of demagogues like PUP senator Jacqui Lambie, they only too often turn into vicious propaganda.
The image she uses in her campaign against tolerance was created by a far-right anti-immigration group in Britain. Its intention seems to be to instill fear of persons hiding evil intent behind their Islamic head-covering dress. It features a photo by Canadian photographer Lana Slezic, depicting Afghan lieutenant-colonel Malalai Kakar - a mother of six - who was murdered by the Taliban.
Says Slezic (Lisa Visentin, SMH) "she was a pinnacle of strength in Kandahar at a time that was extremely difficult for Afghan women. She was the first female police officer in Kandahar and stood for the rights of women.”
What I
find deeply upsetting about this story is not just the misuse of the
photograph (SMH),
but that the image remains on the Palmer United Party Senator's Facebook page
where it has attracted more than 300 comments. When asked whether the Senator
would remove the post now the identity of the woman was known, a spokes-person
confirmed Ms Lambie "absolutely stands by it" and "won't be
taking it down".
I feel strongly about sharing content (see ECLECTICISM from my book with no title, instead three definitions for the term en.light.en.ment) ... what counts is the intent.