“I’m acutely aware that this image will be seen by children, who will undoubtedly find it distressing. We have consulted with a number of child psychologists about its potential impact … In the end, I felt that the image is a window into the reality of what is happening — and what can happen — in a war that affects and involves all of us. I would rather confront readers with the Taliban’s treatment of women than ignore it. I would rather people know that reality as they make up their minds about what the U.S. and its allies should do in Afghanistan.”

Time managing editor Richard Stengel, on his decision to put a photo of an Afghan woman who was mutilated by the Taliban on the cover of the magazine (via New York Mag) (via soupsoup)

“We have consulted with a number of child psychologists about its potential impact”—

Seriously? A. This is not true, unless, maybe, that number is one. B. I’m pretty sure the child psychologists came back with “As long as you don’t put this on the Web, no kid is going to see this anyway.”

Media criticism aside, the deeper problem I see here is not the photo so much as the text accompanying it: “What Happens if We Leave Afghanistan.” Because, really? This is the rationale here, that once the U.S. departs, the Taliban will come in and start mutilating people? Fine, but by that logic, why isn’t the U.S. invading Sudan? Or North Korea?

There are perhaps many legit reasons why the U.S. has an interest in continuing the war in Afghanistan. But this cheap stunt is not one of them.

Notes

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    I had yet to see this photograph until today - and reading this comment on Time’s decision being
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  7. pegobry reblogged this from mikehudack and added:
    Mag, soupsoup & mikehudack)
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  12. dailyrenegade reblogged this from soupsoup and added:
    This is entirely true the Time cover is pure propaganda. The problem I have is that it’s also a real girl, who’s really...
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  15. vruz said: straight from the we-must-find-some-kind-of-support-for-this-war-somewhere department. also, the we-want-to-stay-here-for-100-years department…
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