Susan Sontag’s claim

Susan Sontag’s claim it is clear that photography limits people’s interpretation of the world. This claim I false because pictures rang from people in complete destitution as seen by photos of Jacob Riis to people having a good time on vacation. Because of this diverse collection of pictures, people see the world as it is instead of “more than it really is”. This is seen through actions of Hitler various world events such the Vietnam War and the Kent State incident as well as literature like The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. These eclectic sources show that photography does not limit our view upon the world and how things really are because the picture is a clear view of what really happened.

Hitler shows that photography shows a clear view of the world. Unlike what Sontag stated in lines 21-23 Hitler proves her wrong. Political and ethical knowledge is shown by photos taken of Hitler’s concentration camps. These pictures show the torture of millions. They also show that photography does not limit our understanding of the world. By examining these photos basic knowledge and history is evident. These photos show how the world was and what exactly happened hence contradicting with Sontag’s statements in line 23. This shows that Hitler’s actions was a clear view of how photography does not limit out understanding of the world, rather helps us expand knowledge.

Incidents at Kent State University and the Vietnam War are both examples of what the world was at a certain point. If one is to look at a photo of the incident at Kent State they would realize that is actually what happened there at that point. The picture does not leave out any detail because it is like a visual that will stay for a long period of time and cannot be easily manipulated to get one to believe something. This is also seen in pictures from Vietnam. The world was the way it was in the picture and did not limit anything. This conveys that photos do not limit our view of the world like Sontag claims.

In the book The Jungle by Upton Sinclair it is clear by eloquent descriptions in the book that people lived in bad conditions and worked in these places as well. As described in the book while meat was being processed there were ditty particles and mice in there which leaves a visual image in the mind of the reader. This again helps extend on knowledge of the poor conditions and standards of people were under. This also helps improve our understanding of the world. By examining photos by Jacob Riis it is clear that images were taken of people’s homes. By showing unsanitary conations, one is not deprived of understanding of the world but rather with a clear one which shows/ expands our political and ethical knowledge. This shows that The Jungle shows why photos helps expand and receive a greater incite on the world.

Photographs are exactly what one sees. That’s how the world was and the photo does not manipulate ideas. By examining the actions of Hitler as well as The Jungle it is clear that photos don’t limit out understanding of the world as Sontag claims. The incident at Kent State photos of Vietnam during the war also show the world as it is to its fullest potential hence showing Sontag’s claim is inaccurate and visual images of the people help us get a greater insight on the world.