On the move

This picture depicts a family on the move. The worn out faces of the family members depict the stressful challenges that were suddenly forced upon them. Reporters from the Washington Post said, "more than 2,500 civilians out of Zepa's estimated population of 15,000 were transported away from Serb-controlled areas in the former Muslim enclave in eastern Bosnia by nightfall in a repetition of the practice known as 'ethnic cleansing' that has become a notorious symbol of the 39-month-old war" (Pomfret).

Being forced from their homes, most of the refugees gathered in a small town located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This gathering place is called Kladanj and will likely be the temporary home of these refugees until things cool down... If they ever do. Often, many refugees return home to find only rubble and memories of what used to be. For them, there is no guarantee of ever returning 'home.' This bitter reality is eloquently portrayed in Salgado's photograph. All of the vital necessities must be carried with them as they wander. 'Home' is wherever they lie down to sleep. Quite possibly, all of their earthly belongings are shown in the photograph- a constant reminder of what happened.

Works Cited:

Pomfret, John. "Serbs Drive Thousands From Zepa Enclave; U.N. Monitors Evacuation in Effort to Avert Atrocities Reported After Srebrenica." The Washington Post. July 27, 1995. January 28, 2010.

Salgado, Sebastiao. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture: New York, 2000. pg. 9.

Photograph:
Salgado, Sebastiao. Photograph. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture: New York, 2000. pg. 127.

This particular photograph stood out to me for two reasons. The first reason is that it reminds us that sometimes war or natural disasters, such as the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti, can relentlessly tear people from homes and other essential edifices (i.e. markets, stores, etc.). Often, that which remains serves as a reminder, a scar if you will, to those involved. But shouldn't we, as onlookers, also be involved? Are we not all brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of God? Awareness is key. It doesn't mean that we should give up all that we have in the hope of revolutionizing the world. Rather, voice by voice, we can recognize what's happening around us and lend a helping hand in some small way. Unity, then, becomes the aim. I particularly love the words of Joseph Smith when he said: "A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 2007, pg. 271) Together, mankind can accomplish much more than it could individually.
The second reason, is that it reminds me to a small degree of Volgograd, Russia. I lived for a period of time in that city and felt first hand the long lasting effects that such tragic events can have for years to come. I noticed how even succeeding generations feel the power and scope of the tragic events that a nation experiences. It's almost as if it becomes an inherited part of their history, similar to the way that hereditary traits are passed on through the generations. Truly the daily events that occur in our world should not be passed over lightly and deserve some or our attention, as they not only affect one generation of people but many.


Photograph:
Salgado, Sebastiao. Photograph. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture: New York, 2000. pg. 119.

Works Cited:
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Intellectual Reserve Inc., 2007, 119

Sebastiao Salgado, a former economist from Brazil, began his career as a photographer in 1973 with an emphasis in portraying the unsweetened truth of the lives of earth's forsaken peoples from Latin America to Asia and everywhere in between. Salgado's photographs paint a striking picture of the reality of world issues while maintaining the dignity of God's children. These pictures are the means of telling a story, not a circus act. Salgado's motives are not to merely inform, but to leave a lasting impression upon the viewer to take an active role in telling their story. Over the course of the next few months, some of Salgado's photographs will be posted to help in this endeavor.


UNICEF Special Representative Sebastião Salgado. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan 2010


Photograph:
Salgado, Sebastiao. Photograph. Migrations: Humanity in Transition. Aperture: New York, 2000. pg. 78.

Many pet lovers know that pets are more than just mere domestic animals, they are part of the family. I love this picture just about as much as I love my dogs. Innocence, devotion, and mischievousness all wrapped in a fluffy body. Appearances sometimes can be deceiving.