Circum...cision

Your comments and criticisms are appreciated.

. . . OUCH. . . I said OUCHHHHH. . . Whoa . . . It's too late to stop those guys Bulent, but such useless primitive rituals and the indifferent gods that feed on them will someday be tossed to ferment into the bottomless hole where they belong. Seriously.

 

As for the poor kid remembering the ordeal, I’d rather think he wants to forget it.

Yikes. The photo itself without the context is a bit troubling, depicting a child in pain of some sort. But paired with the title.

 

 

Yikes.

Thank you both very much for your visits and comments.

This was the first time I used my camera to record an "event" with its various stages.

I have judged the lighting conditions beforehand.

I have determined the potential points from where I can shoot.

These things kept me busy and helped me stay away from the "why" of the whole process.

I think I was able to record the "how" of the event (in about 30 photos) without imposing my judgments on them.

Now, this photo (and a few similar ones) tells different stories to different people: Cruelty-courage, pain-growing up, stupidity-wisdom etc.

I do have my own opinions about the whole event but I believe sharing them can only detract future viewers.

All I can say "as a photographer" is that I think I did not fail in my job...

This photo can be about diversity of human culture and civilisation. What can be cruelty for me can be a way of life for others. And vice-versa. A good example can be, for instance, how is regarded suicide in cristianity. We can talk after that about sepuku in Japan...

you certainly didn't fail in your job. I've long since have come to understand the fact that cultural differences are a fact and we should for the most part take them at face value. I think you've made a very good photo from a fantastic angle (literally). qand what great lighting you've turned into a wonderfull b&w.

I welcome and thrive with cultural differences. My problem is with STUPID cultural traditions, such as the primitive practice shown in Bulent’s photograph. I don’t care where it manifests, or what idiotic religion it celebrates. The issue is the ritual itself. That such lunacy is carried out, today, by presumably thinking people is extraordinarily cowardly and twisted.

Bear in mind I say this only because we talking about a child. I have no problem with the ritual proper. If the child grows into a clear headed adult, and then decides to have his DICK cut up, I would say, …terrific. Go ahead. Chop away… Be happy. I may think the fellow is mad to do such a thing, but he is then an adult. A voting citizen with rights. Someone society grants the right to do anything he wants, including cutting up his dick. And yes, to live with the consequences of his choice!

But PINNED DOWN AGAINST HIS WILL by three grown up men, the child above has no rights. No chance to say no. We don’t need intense intellectual, spiritual, or historical considerations to consider it... All we need do is look closely at the boys face and see for ourselves exactly how he feels, what a joyful, life affirming experience he’s having, right? Listen: the world is full of shit and pain and horror, and soon enough much of it will come his way. There is no need to start dishing it out just yet.

And this photo is not “…about diversity of human culture and civilization” but rather a demonstration of ancient fanatic barbarism by modern people’s who consider themselves civilized.

a powerful photo indeed. Your careful preparation definitely paid off. The window light is used very well and the moment captured conveys prefectly - almost tangible - fear and pain of the boy - not only by his gesture and position but also by the 'professionalism' of the adults closely (menacingly?) surrounding him. The shoulder and back of the man on the right are a must - well composed.

So far about the photo as such. About the subject: it exemplifies how our experiences and cultural backgrounds influence our perception of a photo. I admit my perception goes into the direction of Carlos', yet - the photo is powerful and symbolic enough to question any rituals in any culture (and sub-culture).

Turns out to be a very controversial subject and I'd be curious to learn what your initial intentions with this photo were (and how the other photos of this event are like).

Best regards,

Wolfgang