Re: Documentary photography - T Manley

[karl shah-jenner <shahjen@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

re exploitation


Myself, I'd be hesitant to rush in screaming 'victim' at someone regarding 
something I saw, lest I misread the situation.

after all, what gives me the right to label someone a victim.  They may well 
be more than happy doing what they are doing.




I used to work in a plant nursery.. I guess someone could easily have 
snapped me as a sweat streaked, manure covered labourer shoveling a vast 
pile of  dung from one spot to another in 43 degree heat (110F) under a 
searing sun and screamed victm, or they could have asked and found I was at 
my happiest doing what I was doing right then,. then they'd have had a 
photograph of a happy, proud individual enjoying the rewarding toil of days 
work   .. Actually I'd be a bit bloody insulted being called 'exploited' .. 
as though I was dim of wit .  One reason I despised the unions, they wanted 
us all to feel 'under the thumb' of someone.  Pure victim mentality.

I have photographed Laotians 'poorer' in a monetary sense than myself. 
Lovely, proud, dignified people.  I have photographed wealthy western sloths 
staggering drunk around Luangphrabang too .. There was different intent 
behind those photos, I can tell you !


No, If I had any possibility of misreading Tina's (or anyone elses) 
photograph I'd have the decency to keep my own ignorant opinions to myself.


Anyhoo - I'm listening to side one of Yes's Relayer Album, the track Gates 
of  Delerium .. so I'm in a special place.