It one thing having foolish and clumsy media commentary of flash-in-the-pan (US) regional stories. It is another when CNN and Anderson Cooper use that same approach covering a humanitarian disaster.
As folk interested in media we should speak out when we see offensive framing and “reporting”.
Anderson Cooper’s bravado is only slightly more insulting than other major networks, but if we picket Cooper and his CNN editors maybe we’ll make a dent large enough that other major networks will also take note.
Michael Shaw just emailed this to concerned social media types. I am behind his sentiment:
I’m writing because I’ve just done a post at BAGnewsNotes that I think is extremely important.
It’s an appeal to readers to contact CNN, or tweet them (@andersoncooper @CNN – PLEASE STOP visually exploiting the Haitians! http://bit.ly/8R1DGc) about the way Anderson Cooper/CNN is visually exploiting the Haitians.
What Cooper has been doing is a complete affront, and it’s time we pushed back in a more systematic way. Haiti is going through a completely sub-human experience as it is, and the humanitarian effort, and dignity for its people, should absolutely extend to the media sphere.
Thanks so much for putting your eyes on this, and being part of the response.
Here’s hoping.
Prison Photography 
4 comments
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January 21, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Chris
I find Anderson to be very responisble, probably a bit passionate, but still responisble. Calling it the way it is doesnot make a reporter irresponsible.
January 22, 2010 at 6:45 am
Ann
I agree with what Chris said. Have you been watching CNN? Cooper has repeatedly complimented the Haitian people on their bravery. I think it’s important to show, not just tell, the true scale of this tragedy, so that people will not underestimate the seriousness and take action and help. It is horrible, there is no way around it, and I think Cooper is doing a good job at responsibly covering this.
January 23, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Dawn
Yes, lets brush them under the rug, let’s not show those poor victims!
PshWHAT?
Y’know, that sympathy that people are having from seeing these images is what’s driving the relief effort. If they don’t know the extent of the suffering, what’s going to get people to give?
News reporting isn’t about sugar-coating the issues. This isn’t a happy fun time that we should all be happy for the Haitians for. This is a disaster, and it’s being reported as a disaster, and these people are the victims of a disaster. Nothing is going to change that.
And he’s not just reporting, he’s helping. If I had the status to be able to fly down to Haiti and start digging, I would have been there as soon as absolutely possible. Not because I want to see what’s going on, but because people are hurt, and dying, and I am human, and so is he, and so are we.
We need to see these things. Having their picture on the news is going to be their last concern, I’m pretty sure.
Keep the images and stories coming. We’re watching and listening and waiting because we care. Don’t censor it, it won’t make it go away.
February 8, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Lauren--NY (@TheGrottoTweets)
I am 100% with Dawn.
Can you actually give any facts to back up your half-baked idea that he’s “exploiting” them? His work has been lauded for a reason–because he’s proven time and time again that he’s the best in his field.
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/anderson-cooper-leads-cnns-exemplary-coverage-of-haitian-disaster/