Good, Bad Images

Images are a fundamental part of everyone's lives. Whether you see it with your own eyes, or create it in your head from descriptions, an image holds an immense amount of value. They can be happy and cheerful, or dark and intense. The question is: is the latter category of "atrocious images [that] haunt us" beneficial (Sontag)?

In my opinion, these types of images are just as, if not more, important than other types. "Happier" images can actually blur the real world we are in, by giving viewers the false sense that everyone is alright and at peace. However, this not at all what some people's lives really are. This is where the more shocking images come into place. They express the harsh reality we live in, and we learn from them. Lots of these pictures we can see in the news or magazines. If we want to shape the future in a positive way, then it is imperative that we view at least some of these images to realize how devastating our own actions can be on others. 

A common argument against this is that these images are not appropriate for some individuals, such as children. However, I do agree with this. I think that the best way to solve this is to go by levels, showing them more child appropriate things at first, and then gradually building up as their maturity also increases. This way, everyone will still be able to view these images necessary to advancing society without introducing them too early to certain people and negatively affecting them for life.