Should they be showing such graphic pictures of the earthquake in China?

Question

The pictures are horrific. They are of dead children, men and women with no coverings. There is no warning on what your about to see. I have never seen the news show pictures like this in other tragedies so why are they in this one? I took a glance without thinking the would show this and honestly I dont know when I will get my appetite back. So I was just wondering do you think its right that they are showing these with no warning?

Answer 1

Hi amazinglygreat,

I understand that it is very disturbing.  To know that this horrible disaster has happened and how many people have died and are suffering is one thing and quite another to actually see the horror reflected in their faces.  In the U.S., we don't usually get to see the graphic images of pain, suffering and death as in some other countries.  For example, the war in Iraq is somewhat censored in how we see the day to day battles going on.

What I think is interesting is the contrast between the coverage of the Myanmar disaster following Cyclone Nagris and the earthquake in China.  We saw almost nothing of the devastation in Myanmar because the government refuses to allow photojournalists and even aid into the country.  They are paranoid and secretive - it is shameful.  

Personally,  I would much rather see and feel the pain of the people rather than just know about it.  Apparently, you don't see it that way, and I understand.  It is just too awful to process the staggering numbers and suffering.

Answer 2

You didn't see the pics of floating bodies in Myanmar? its 100 time worse than the pics from China.

Answer 3

Yes, because the only way to get people to help and send relief is by shocking them into action. So all of you losers who look here for your news or you are bored on your dateless Saturday nights, please donate to help the Chinese rebuild and begin life again.

Answer 4

in a way i think that they shouldnt, bc they need to ask some of the people in china how they feel ab them showing their personal business. But in all, its knowledge that everyone needs to know. bc no matter where we are we need to no what is going on around the world, so that we can be informed.

Answer 5

Afraid of reality? It's world news. It's time that people opened their eyes to events in the world other than those that occur in their own little structured communities. I'd much rather see the actual images, as graphic as they may be, rather than have the truth hidden from the general public, as has happened many, many times before.

Answer 6

Well of course they think they should

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Mankind lives on death destruction and caios

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As seen in the movies we watch for entertainment and the video games that we play

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So to watch the real thing makes all the games and movies come real

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Now you see why the human race is the most distructive spieces of animal on the earth

.. . ..

Answer 7

It is what happens in life. I think it is time you got real to the world.

Answer 8

The media is, and has been pushing the envelope on decency, compassion, and what they see as news reporting for a long time.

Soon, nothing will be sacred, or off limits to the vultures.

Answer 9

Then there's the people that complain that images from the war in Iraq are not graphic enough, and that the media is hiding its horrors. Food for thought.

Answer 10

Sorry that your appetite was disturbed. A healthy appetite is one of life's pleasures.

The media love to show horrific pictures because then the viewership jumps. They love suffering as much as any ghoul.

People love to watch others suffer so the media know what they are doing-giving the people what they want.

Answer 11

The media will ALWAYS do stupid stuff, it's called sensationalism.  And the public will lap it up.

Someone sent me a horrific picture of a car in which 2 people died as a cement truck lost its load on the car....

The traffic on that side of the highway was stopped for over 2 hours..... traffic on the OTHER SIDE of the freeway was almost as bad....why?..... gwakers!!!!!  

Remember the Tsunami in December , what 05 I believe... on the COVER of one of the magazines was all the dead bodies washed up on the beach.  It was so disrespectful , appalling, and uncouth!  YET, the media had NO thought or a care of how they were hurting the loved ones who saw that picture....

Answer 12

they are showing the facts as they are.  Graphic or not, we have lost tens of thousands of the population due to the disasters, and unfortunately the press has to show all facets of the news.

Answer 13

How can I get the station from china

Answer 14

Wake up to the real world, my friend.  There is no way one can cover up the tragedies of life.  Face reality, and feel sorry for these people who are suffering terrible trauma.  Be thankful these things have not happened to you and your loved ones.  Pray for these people.  If we did not have the pictures we would not have any idea of the magnitude of their suffering.  We need to know.

Answer 15

I guess the reporters are trying to show the seriousness of the entire disaster and the huge toll it has taken on the lives of the victims and their families. It's a pitiful sight those dead bodies piled one on top of another. Have you seen pictures of the Nanking Massacre? It's a million times worse than this. But the difference here is that this is a natural thing whereas that was a result of WWII.