Image from Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives.
This week our class participated in a workshop on photo journalism led by guest educator Barbara Beirne in preparation for our upcoming project on issues in local communities. Ms. Beirne showed us samples of her work as well as important photo essays that have shaped public opinion on many issues including child labor, immigration and traffic congestion in New York City. She reminded us of the power of photography and the responsibilty of photographers and journalists alike to be "ethical, honest... and prove something."
In order to think critically about the elements of photography and plan a poignant photo essay for the project, this weeks blog asks that you analyze photo essays, research your potential subject and consider what the message of your photo essay should be.
1) View one or more of Ms. Beirne's photo essays on her photography website at: http://www.barbarabeirne.com/
Summarize one essay of your choice and explain what it teaches you about photo journalism.
2) Read and summarize an article related to one of the topics you are interested in as the potential subject of your photo essay. I have posted links to some of the topics brainstormed in class. You are NOT limited to these topics or articles, but I do ask that you post a link to any article you use for this portion of the assignment.
3) Explain why this topic makes a strong subject for a photo essay. What do you intend to show/ prove/promote in your photo essay? How do you plan to get that message across.
4) Post a response or feedback for to at least one classmates proposal
Minimum 200 words
17 comments:
‘I love being part of the free and the brave in the good old USA,’ seventeen year old Eileen Glaraga has stated. Another teen, Sana Ahmed says ‘My mother felt that in an American society there would be more educational opportunities for me and more financial opportunities for her as a single parent.’ Immigrants play a huge role in American society. Like Eileen Glaraga, Sana Ahmed and many other teenagers, know of or are immigrants. My mother is an immigrant from the Philippine Islands. She left her whole life, family and lifestyle to marry and stay with my father in the late 1980’s here in the United States. Also my fathers grandparents immigrated from Italy in the late 1800’s through Ellis Island. America is known for hosting home to the most diverse bunch of people. Although the topic for my project won’t be immigration, immigration is a strong subject for a photo essay. Every person is different and is someway connected to their cultures, whether they know it or not. For example, in Trinidad no all but many people enjoy playing soccer. In Italy, pizza is a big thing. Singing and music is known for in the Philippines, while walking around through the towns you will always hear someone either singing or playing an instrument. What I would intend to show / prove / promote in a photo essay, is to show a connection between both worlds. For me, Italian and Filipino, showing my musical side as well as my love for food and pastas somehow. For my photo essay, I plan on writing about the stereotypical segregation between north shore and south shore Staten Island. Truthfully, I’m not exactly sure on how I would be able to portray my message, yet.
AmA Kwakye
Block A
December 16,2007
Ms. Beirne’s pictures don’t need words to describe them. Imagines sometimes can define it self. The image that stood out the most was her pictures from Belfast North Ireland. I didn’t needs any words to tell me that the kid was involved in some type of violence or he could be a child soldier.
Congress Urged to Declare November as 'National Homeless Youth Awareness Month' by Virgin mobile states that starting this year November is now 'National Homeless Youth Awareness Month'. November is the month to discuss the curtail youth issues in our society. In stand up for kids.org, it talked and showed homeless people in our society and in there teenage years. Many teens are homeless not only in our communities, in New York but all over the world and United States. They have no stability and happiness is no where to found. Many homeless teens have to steal and do drugs to survive. 13 kids dye on the streets a day in America. They live in non-safe conditions.
This is why I choose to write about teen homeless. We as teens need to spread the word about homelessness not just homelessness but teen homeless. Imagine how it feels to be homeless, not having a bed to sleep on every night and a family to comfort you when your down.
I think that’s our school should have a special day to talk about teens on the streets and homeless youth because I feel very sad for the kids that don’t have a home nor family. Imagine living on your own in card board boxes with no money or food. How would you feel?
Michela I agree America is veryduverse with all different cultures and backrounds but Like you i do hate Sterotypes and segration.No culture is better than another. All couintries have differnt unique quailties
Samantha Goon
Block A
December 16
Immigrants from all over the world have come to America to be free and to start a new life. For Irwing Bernel, coming to America was not only a dream for him, but for his mother. Being a Mexican, Bernel stated that it is hard to find minimum wage jobs. In comparison, Chealen, Lilin, and Peoumalika Tav are sisters who share the same problem. They have also come to America to find better jobs and to start new lives. Here in America there are many opportunities. These photo journals teach me about each person's story. What has changed them and what their feelings are. When a photo is taken, there are many stories to tell, but in a photo journal you can listen to the actual voice of the person. The truth is told in the eyes of the model.
For a very long time, Staten Island is known to be divided into different parts; North field, South field, Middletown, West field, and Castleton. According to "A Brief History of Richmond County, Staten Island" by Genealogy Resources
NYRICHMO GenWeb, http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyrichmo/background.shtml.
Long ago when the south shore was the only part left of farming, and Castleton was known to be the most rural town, Staten Island was already divided into two parts of town. This topic sounds very interesting because every person that grows up on Staten Island knows the difference between the South Shore and the North Shore. These two parts of towns always have rivalry's in different ways because they are so very different, but are very similar. For me, I get along with both sides of town, but for many people who grow up on the South Shore never trespass onto the other side of town. As a South Shore resident, i want to show the diversity between the South Shore and North Shore. I want to prove that despite all of the differences of culture, material, economics, people, schools, etc. that the true meaning of similarities is left out. I want to share the voice of both sides, people who strong opinions will tell me their side of the story. I want the truth about this island and why it is separated into two parts of town that don't get along.
Referencing back to Michela's post, we are both doing the same topic. Her point of view is different from mine because I think that her point of this photo essay is about the image that the North Shore and South Shore bring. But, my photo essay's point is about the deeper meaning of why people of these two separate parts of town feel so intimidated by another? What is the difference? And why do they act so different?
Barbara Beirns becoming American. Beirns uses the statue of liberty in her photograph to make us aware of what her essay is about. The statue of liberty is a symbol known throughout the world; everyone knows that it stands for freedom. The picture portrays a fourteen year old girl whose parents came from El Salvador. She is proud and happy to be in America. You can tell this by the warm smile on her face. She has visited El Salvador and knows how difficult life is there. There is gang violence going on all over El Salvador. You cannot even go out at night. Jobs are very hard to come by. The country is very poor. She tells us that her family is happy and proud to be in America, we all should be proud to be American. In my photo essay I will try to look for a photograph that when u looks at it u will immediately know what my essay is about. A famous quote “a picture is said to be worth a thousand words”. In my photo essay I picked the subject poverty. I feel this topic will make a strong photo essay.
Kristina Sanzone*
A Block
12/16/07
After reviewing some of Barabar Beirne's photo's, I've come to realize that photo essays have so much more of an impact on the information your taking in over regular essays because when you read something it can be interpreted in many ways, but to actually see something brings evidence to your word and creates more of a concrete point. For my photo essay project I plan on writing about the excessive amount of litter on Staten Island. However, while I was doing my research I found that the rapid population growth of Staten Island over the past decade has a lot to do with it. This is evident in Sam Williams’ article for the Gotham Gazette, “Littering on Staten Island” ((http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/environment/20040609/7/1002)). Now I plan on doing a combination of how Staten Island’s population has increased the amount of litter across this once clean island. I feel that this is an important issue because pollution is not something that we can joke around with anymore. It has gotten increasingly bad over the past few years and will continue to until it is too late to stop it. I plan on taking pictures that show the overpopulation of our very tiny island as well as many photos of the excessive garbage that flows through the traffic everyday. And Ama, I'm totally with you! Staten Island especially is very well known for instant stereotyping. It isn't fair or right and I personally do not like to be apart of that group of Staten Islander's known to do so.
Qadeem G,A Block
The image of Mohamed Mohamud on at http://www.barbarabeirne.com/become14.html is categorized into a section titled "Becoming American".This image is of a boy,Mohamed Mohamud,who moved from Somalia to the United States because of the war that was taking place.
The black and white effect in the picture gives sort of a blunt look of his attitude,not saying that he has a negative attitude but one that is more noticeable.Whether or not the photographer,Barbara Beirne wanted to convey his attitude or not,an attitude does show.Furthermore,had she not used the black and white effect,I don't think the image would have been as graphic.
The article "Graffiti, Underground and Above by JENNIFER BLEYER gives a brief history of graffiti and how it began in the 1970's of South Bronx.People use to spray- paint trains and benches.149th street in South Bronx,some believe that it should be considered a landmark as it contains an area of graffiti.Some officials disagree with graffiti but some don't.Freddy Miteff,a former graffiti writer says that the people should learn more about graffiti since most of it is gone,specifically on the trains.
I believe that there isn't enough room for Graffiti to grow,at least not in NYC.I wish that there were areas where you could go and there would be nothing but graffiti.However,such areas should be set aside for Graffiti so that it's legal.Graffiti is a way to express yourself but some disagree-Too F***ing bad.I might get in trouble for using that word but that's how I feel!Graffiti can be good and bad but bad isn't necessarily a negative thing,so think about that!Through my photo essay,I plan to persuade people to believe or at least get them to see that Graffiti is an art,an expression and I hope to one day create places just for Graffiti artist!How I plan to construct this project,well that's a secret I don't plan to reveal,not now and maybe never becuase this topic,Graffiti,I will give my all!
Refering to Ama's comment.I can't wait to see how you reflect teen homelessness.I never really took the time to think about teen homelessness and If I did then I should have put that down as an issue I would further investigate one day and develop a solution for.Good luck with your project!
Good evening my funky friends of csi,
In America we are faced with several problems including poverty, racism, loitering, graffiti, drug abuse/users, over development, crime, and much more. Baraba Beirne has various photographs with the link you put up, and a specific photo that caught my eye was taken in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The picture is of a young child in the street with a man holding a gun directing at him. Why would this be happening? What is so corrupt in Ireland that such a thing to be happening? An innocent child is being held a gunpoint for no absolute reason, this is absurd. For my photo essay, I decided to write about drug abuse/users. Over the years, New York's drug users have increased drastically, especially teenagers. Most teens begin by trying the most common used drug, marijuana, also referred to as, pot, refer, ganga, piff, and much more. Although I cant blame kids for being curious and experiencing life. But, some kids think its "cool" to smoke or do any other drugs. This is totally ridiculous. Most parents today are so gullible and uneducated about the use of drugs. They usually believe there kids and trust them, until when day the find out their child is an addict. America is the nation with the most drug addicts; we have the high population of sixty five percent. Also, the drugs used back in the day, specifying marijuana, have gotten much stronger over the years. Most teens smoke pot like its nothing, they smoke it all day every day. Pot is used so much that people don't even consider it a drug, meanwhile it's illegal. I want teenagers to realize drugs are serious, and they will ruin your life. Agreeing with Michela, Ama, and Kristina, stereotyping should end. We shouldn't judge people for who they are and what they do. Even teens that do drugs could be very nice and respectful, except they just love being high.
(http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:wAeEA_XlQc4J:www.sichat.com/article_read.asp%3Fitem%3D35+teen+drug+use+in+increased+staten+island&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us)
Love always and foreva eva,
Kristina Cats!
Qadeem G,A Block
Source for "Graffiti,Underground and Above" by Jennifer Bleyer-http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/nyregion/thecity/09graf.html?ex=1354856400&en=d74713ddf7a43adc&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Gerald C lara Jr
Block A
12-15-07
The pictures Ms. Beirne took are worth more than a thousand words. The images are self propetuating themseleves to the work of of art far beyong New York. The image that stood out by far was the picture of the children sleeping out i the street. Thos children look like the full power of poverty at its best.
Congress Declared November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.This allowed people to realize how shocking some areas are full of poverty, and are in dire need to help.Homeless people have not yet found a way to sustain their living, but are being helped by many shelters. Many donors and foundation continue to provide somwhat of help, yet the homloess continue to stay homeless. By staying homeless people begin to commit crimes in order to survive.
The reason why i chose this topic to discuss about is due to the power of the picture Ms. Beirne took. The looks on the childrens eyes had more than enough to convince me this topic is a major issue. Csi should have a day dedicated to discuss this problem and show how devastating homeless people's lives may be.
Mariel Elia
<3
Their are so many visible problems to choose from , I don’t even know where to start. Immigrants are all over the streets now a day and homeless people are all over the garbage. Some people complain that these "dumpster divers" are leaving a mess on these peoples front lawns. I can’t believe what this world is turning into. So many young teens are abusing drugs and not spreading the information of the non-intelligent abuse of it but the "fun" it is. What can we do?
Their might be things we can do to stop those "dumpster divers". We can open more soup kitchens for the hungry people. In Staten Island, New York ; Their are no visible soup kitchens to me. We all have to remember that we all are just people and to pass on good traits. If someone did something nice for someone else and it started a chain reaction, the world would live in semi-harmony. Little things can have a huge impact on little people in the society. For instance, we have people who would do anything for a loaf of bread, can of soup, or just a good meal. Many people are not thankful and could donate some cans to people who are really in need. You don’t know what you got until its gone, this tragedy could happen to anyone and the people around you are going to be supporting you.
The next conflict i would like to address is the immigrants. I know so many teens that are out looking for some extra cash in their pockets. Cooking, cleaning, labor, and also filing are all work that is teen capable and can also be given out to teenagers. Most of these jobs no-one wants to do; but you know what people who need money will do them. Most of these jobs are taken up by immigrants believe it or not. I am proud to say that people should not be hired if they don’t have working papers. Most of these men and women don’t even speak our language.
I don’t know what i plan on writing about because their is so many problems to choose from. I might choose between immigrants taking jobs or poor people.
Karmila Saulong
Block A
In Ms. Beirne photo essays reveal the stories of people through photography journalism. In the photos of her “Becoming American” photo section, the people that Ms. Berine choose to photograph aren’t afraid to show their true characters. Also, she captures people who represent being an American. Although the people in these photos aren’t in action, they inform the audience about the news around the world by capturing photos and presenting it to an audience. These photos tell a story through photos.
A topic that I am interested in is women’s safety. Many women do not realize the danger and many are not informed enough about the dangers in the world. The article can be found here: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2007/12/17/fear_on_the_tracks/
Based on the article Fear on the Tracks, many women and teenage girls are being sexually harassed. Many of these women don’t report these cases which concern their safety. The topic of women’s safety is important to me as a teenage girl because many times people do not realize that there are many predators around. Also, the article stated that women have to be aware of their surroundings. This article basically talks about how women in subways are always endanger because it’s an enclosed area. The article says women need to speak up when they know people can be endangered by others. For example, in the neighborhood I live in, there is a sexual predator that has been living directly across the street from me for months. A neighbor posted a notice about this sexual predator, no one knew and many chose to ignore the warning. This would be a topic that would be great for the photo essay because it is an issue in many neighborhoods which isn’t really shown in photos. I’m not sure how my message will be presented but I hope to have photos of my topic. Although my topic isn’t about graffiti, I believe that there are many perspectives on this issue. As for Qadeem, Graffiti has been a huge issue. I consider graffiti as an art, but many people believe this type of vandalism is “bad and must be stopped”. I hope that there can be a time where graffiti artists and art can be accepted by society.
http://gcplanupdate.net/document_library/documents/AFFORDABLEHOUSING.pdf
Seeing as pictures as Ama says "speak for themselves" Ms. Beirne’s pictures do not need a long lengthy paragraph to define or justify her work, Though her portrayal of modern day immigrants from around the world touched my inner soul. Just the fact that these kids and teens are here living and living happier lives because of our country seems to justify the terms "Liberty and Justice for all".
Though these people now immigrating need places to live and sleep it would be nice if developments in neighborhoods seemed to blend in, the structures that stood once in these lots were old and majestic and beautiful. I am afraid that one day every person will conform to the norm and the beautiful old houses of Staten Island that I love to look at and see myself staring at forever will be gone. I understand that these housing developments create housing that is affordable for people of all stations in life but the majesty created by the older houses of Staten Island is being demolished bit by bit and I personally would like to save some of that majesty, for generations of Staten Islanders to love and cherish with me. These houses are disappearing one after another and soon we will all be living in a new suburb where even we can not find our homes.
Tarina Meaders
a block
12/19/07
Photo Journalist Barbara Beirne payed a visit to our class last week and informed us on the many techniques, and tips my class would need to know in order to be successful in completing a photo essay over our christmas vacation.
In order to pick an essay of Barbaras to summarize, i looked through each of them to see what was my most favorite. Like many of my classmates, I've chosen "Becoming American". This photo essay of Ms.Beirne's is the most informative and entertaining to browse through. "Becoming American" is the documentary photo essay that shows one picture of a teenager who has legally immigrated to the United States. It realistically shows photographs of teenagers of all ages along with a short quote explaining their experience in this country.The purpose of this photo essay is to show people that immigrants dont have a certain look to them. They're faces, body types, place of birth, and personal backgrounds vary completely.Many people associate immigration with Mexicans, and include the fact that they may not be legal citizens at that. In this case, Barbara Beirne gives us proof that, that does not apply for everyone. Especially people in the same grade as us.
My topics are graffitti, and littering. I read an article about graffitti online, called "On 3rd St., rapping about graffiti’s pros and cons". This article was about the production of a grafitti advertisement for the rapper 50 cent and his new Movie "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'". In this piece, an old woman was awakened from her sleep from the sound and fumes of the aerosol can being used to spraypaint an image of 50 Cents back covered in tattoos holding his infant son, with a handgun holstered in his jeans. Also, Many people from the neighborhood were greatly offended by the suggestively violent image portrayed in their community. Other residents feel as if the majority of the grafitti drawn in the neighborhood isnt't artistic. Just derelicts who want to tag and get recognition. It is agreed that most people would not have any issues with grafitti if it were less of a gateway for gang relations and rebellion against parents, or the law. Litter, is already speaking for itself. Contributor to the desttruction of the Ozone Lay, litter is a huge problem in EVERY neighborhood in staten Island. No matter how much more wealthy one shore is compared to the other. It should be documented and stopped, it seems as of people are brainwashed to NOT keep things clean out of laziness, and thats disgusting. This is why both of these topics are fitting and serious issues on this island, and in this city.
Tarina Meaders
a block
RESPONSE-
I would like to agree wholely with Emily. Quelmi and I were discussing the over development in staten island. It seemed as if before these weakly structured home were established, there were lovely pieces of land, that could be used to make something productive. Sure a Dwayne Reade is convenient, but there is a such thing as overdoing it. The outcome of overbuilding town houses and convenient stores and plazas, is the inner slobs that come out in people along with that. Individuals will become lazy, and plain spoiled because there is something providing "on-the-go service" for someone.
I'd also like to concur with your views on Barbara's photo essay, "Becoming American". It is uplifting and beautiful to see such hardworking people that are grateful to be in our country that we gripe about and take for granted each day. I admire them for their courage and endless ambition, because it will get them far.
The article I chose was from Irwing Bernel, a 13 year old immigrant that clarifies why many people of Mexican/ Latino origin decide to immigrate to America. His Article reads, "
If your question is, “why in the heck do Mexicans and other Latinos come to live in our country?” the answer is simple. Change! In most Latino countries there are no benefits and you can not receive a good and stable salary. There are many jobs here in Wyoming. Almost everyone works two or three jobs. My mother is a housekeeper and a waitress. I think Americans should try to better understand immigrants. Communities could try to share their traditions, culture, and life with us." What this child is trying to say is that places like Mexico and other Latin Countries are filled with poverty and it is hard to make a living. Without any benefits, living a fairly good life is nearly impossible. America however offers a variety of jobs for everyone. There is something for everyone and if used right, everyone has an opportunity to make a living. This subject makes a strong topic for a picture essay because many Americans do not understand life out of America. while some Americans often make fun of Mexicans and tell them to go back to Mexico, they do not realize how hard it is to survive there. I agree with this child. if we have never experienced the poverty of these countries, who are we to criticize him for wanting to come to America. Irwing Bernel stated that in order to survive, the average Mexican has to work two or three jobs just to get by whereas in America, one job is enough to get a nice house and more. i agree with Samantha Goon saying that it was a dream for him as well as his mother. moving to America helped them survive and live a way better life compared to that of which they had in Mexico.
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