The boy who became a legend
When someone dies of natural causes such as; old age and medical reasons, people will mourn for that person because they died peacefully. Death is part of life one day; we all have to leave this world and enter a reincarnation. In 2015, the Kurdi family was forced to flee Syria's homeland, given the brutal war. The family embarked on a long journey by boat to pursue a better future, but the harsh conditions caused the tragic death of the entire family. On September 3, 2015, Aylan Kurdi, a little boy that washed up on the shores of a Turkish beach, was published. Abdullah, Aylan Kurdi’s father, remains the sole survivor of this tragedy.
There are benefits and drawbacks to publishing the picture of Aylan Kurdi’s after his death. One of the significant benefits is it brings a sense of awareness to the refugee crisis. According to one of the articles, the author stated that “it is worth remembering that a newspaper has a responsibility at times to show the horrors of war and death” (Stead, 2015). As a result, people should not be protected from hazardous news. Newspapers are responsible for bringing awareness to the public. Another benefit of publishing the photograph of Aylan Kurdi is that it shows people are repeating mistakes from history. This picture wasn’t the only one that shocked the world. During the Vietnam war, photographer Nik Ut took a photo of a young girl running away from a napalm attack that destroyed her village (Stead, 2015). Also, published photos of the 9/11 attack showed a falling man and disturbing photos related to the attack (Stead, 2015). The Vietnam war and the 9/11 attacks show that humanity is repeating history and not fixing it. In fact, these incidents are proof that posting Aylan Kurdi’s is for a benefit. It is a constant reminder that people are trying to flee for their life every day in refugee camps.
One drawback is of publishing the picture of Aylan Kurdi is that it potentially sensationalizes the refugee crisis. Indeed, someone who sees this picture in social media might forget about it as they move on to the next post. The privacy of the Kurdi family was destroyed. Another drawback is posting this little boy’s picture could potentially traumatize survivors. Individuals and families that have escaped refugee camps can be psychologically traumatized because they must have lost someone dear to them as they are trying to escape in the process.
If I were the editor of a major newspaper company, I would have published this photo. Aylan Kurdi is just an ordinary little boy trying to flee the flames of war with his parents. The world should be aware that children like Aylan Kurdi tragically die due to war every day. Ethics of care argues we have to care for the people around us, especially those who are more vulnerable than ourselves. As an editor, I would have the ability to help those around me. This decision would address the ethics of care. In particular, I think it is my duty to spread awareness to everyone about incidents such as this around the world. The thousands of people stuck in refugee camps would be receiving more care by posting this picture of Aylan Kurdi. A sense of awareness can be brought to the general public about refugee issues. Therefore, those who sympathize with people who are stuck in refugee camps will start donating to freeing refugees.
Although, Aylan Kurdi’s father would receive less care if the picture of his son was published. Publishing this photo can cause an invasion of privacy against Aylan’s father and his family. In terms of analyzing the risks and benefits of publishing this photo, I think that the publication could benefit thousands of refugees, but one family could be negatively affected. Accordingly, posting this picture could prevent tragic incidents from happening again.
Aylan Kurdi was a brave 3-year-old toddler, and his death helped spread awareness that thousands of refugees are fleeing from their homelands for a better life and freedom. His picture is a reminder that there is no peace until wars come to an end. There will be no peace until refugees like Aylan Kurdi and his family are safe. His picture is also a reminder that history is continuously repeating itself whereby countries are fighting for power and authority. Innocent women and children are slaughtered by terrorism. Hence, his picture reminds us that history is continuously repeating itself, where selfish individuals are fighting for power and authority at innocent civilians' expense.
Citations
Stead, S. (2015, September 03). Public Editor: Why The Globe published photos of a drowned Syrian boy. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.theglobeandmail.com/community/inside-the-globe/public-editor-why-the-globe-published-photos-of-a-drowned-syrian-boy/article26204629/