It’s no secret, but the press has huge powers in shaping public image simply by the photos of people that they choose to show. As an amateur photographer, this is something I enjoy watching.
Take a look at this guy (widely shown in the press today):
he looks just plain crooked to me (and is in total defensive posture). I wouldn’t trust this guy for a minute.
Whereas this guy (shown just last week):
borders on angelic and is as American as apple-pie. I expect to see him throwing out the first pitch at the World Series.
The real image clearly depends on the spin of the situation.
October 4th, 2005 at 8:31 am
Are you not supposed to wait for the verdict of a jury?
An amateur mathematician
October 4th, 2005 at 8:57 am
I first noticed this when I had to do a school report on the Watergate scandal. It was fairly obvious, even to my young mind, that the press was systematically publishing only the most unflattering pictures of Richard Nixon.
October 4th, 2005 at 9:22 am
In all fairness to the press though, in the interests of balance they have airbrushed out his horns.
October 4th, 2005 at 11:26 am
Zelah: Um, I think it’s perfectly okay to have an opinion of a person – doesn’t go toward guilt or innocence, it’s YOUR personal opinion. The comments were about a perception from a picture, not who the person was or what he’s ‘allegedly’ done wrong – besides the fact he is as guilty as sin.
As for Nixon, to be TRULY fair, I defy you to actually find a flattering picture of him. It just doesn’t exist.
October 4th, 2005 at 4:59 pm
Can DeLay say: “I am not a crook!”
October 4th, 2005 at 8:05 pm
Now I thought the upper picture had a little bit of the defiant pride of the wolf at bay, while the lower one reminded me of the glowering emperor, sending Democrats to the lions.
Mark: LOL
October 4th, 2005 at 9:24 pm
Heard one on the radio today:
Q: What’s a new nickname for The Hammer?
A: Nailed!
October 4th, 2005 at 10:40 pm
And the new name for “The Exterminator?”
October 4th, 2005 at 10:42 pm
zelah – Are you not supposed to wait for the verdict of a jury?
In his case, I think it’s imperative that Congress act without Delay.
October 4th, 2005 at 10:44 pm
You’re right about the lower picture CIP. He does look llike someone who thinks he’s entitled to power and is bitter about the semblance of democracy with which he is forced to deal.
October 4th, 2005 at 11:24 pm
CIP: that is easy! The new name will be “Exterminated”. (I can’t even type that without thinking of Daliks!) Give us time…or should I say, give him some more time and people of California will learn more.
And, you are right about the second photo. If only we lived in a democracy where dissenting voices were recognized.