The news is spectatorship. Most of us are passively witnessing things around the globe. We share it, but what of integrity? Do we actually live what we share or are we sharing to curate an ideal “good” “smart” “generous” us? Sharing is easy.

I still feel as though there should be a more ethical way for photographers to bring important images to life. There should be a give and take between the gaze and the subjects of the photos, especially in the media; a real dialogue before the shutter closes to actually understand what is going on, on the ground level. It would be irresponsible otherwise. It is only then that it is not a spectatorship. What if the "subject" didn't want to be the source of awareness raising or didn't feel that a third party should inject themselves where they did not belong? It is their actual life after all. It also prevents misinformation from circling. Ever tried to help and end up making things worse? Savior complex? Not everyone wants to be saved.

Regardless of intent, it should be acknowledged that when a photographer goes to say, a war zone, there is indeed an unequal power dynamic between the person being photographed and the one doing the gazing. That is important to consider when taking photos. Maybe you’re not a spectator, maybe you’ve unwittingly became the antagonizer. I think it is important to think of these variables before snapping the photo.