As technology and social media progress people will experience an increase of graphic content in news. However, seeing such content does have a purpose and can be necessary in certain circumstances, especially in a case such as the massacre at Robb Elementary School. During the Robb Elementary shooting, police did not enter the building. Instead, they posted outside the school based on their own belief that it was a barricaded and a hostage situation. Because of this, the shooter continued to open fire on the students and teachers inside until the police finally went in and took down the shooter. Had they entered quickly, the lives lost that day would not have been as high as it was. The Washington Post recently stated its reporters and editors received training from The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma before viewing the photos. They began a discussion about the merits of publishing the photos in a way to minimize harm to the families, survivors and deceased. The published photos did have a warning for viewers to bypass in order to view them. By having a warning beforehand the audience can make a decision to view or not view the content. Viewing these images and hearing eye witness accounts from victims creates a connection with the audience. Photos may serve as a reality check, reminding people of the harsh realities that exist in the world and the magnitude of exactly what happened that day in those classrooms. The photos can create a sense of empathy. Viewers can see the devastation from the aftermath of mass shootings, which is necessary to understand when it is time to vote. Citizens should see these photos not to disturb them and make them turn on the media, but show that change is needed now more than ever. This spreads awareness of the horrible effects shootings bring to any and all that are involved. These photos tell a story that should not have happened and the lives taken should not have been taken. Though it may be disturbing and viewers may blame the media for this, the media is simply the outlet showing the photos. The one to blame for the photos in the first place is the person who caused the shooting. Moving forward, publishing graphic photos like these could help change the devastating shootings and killing catastrophes that have taken over our world, in order to save the lives of our children in the future. It starts right now with allowing pictures of the horrid outcome that school shootings can do is step one of a leap towards the right direction in this world.
