Was the City Times insensitive?
The City Times asked its Facebook audience, last week, whether the use of last week's front page photo was too graphic.
The question was posed after several readers felt the image should not have been used on the front page, or that it was too insensitive.
Here are some of the comments left on the Benoni City Times Facebook page:
Paul Rotherham: “Hi guys, as per your request for me to comment here following my Tweet (@PaulRotherhamZA) re your front page picture, here are my thoughts: Firstly, I’ve always been proud that we (Benoni) have such a passionate and professional team that put our weekly newspaper together. In this case, as much as I understand the need to highlight problems and abuse like this, I don’t think the graphic picture you used is fit for the front page of a Community Newspaper. Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely aware of the nature of our society and don’t expect your paper to ignore the “bad” news and only report the good stuff. However, given the heart warming story of what happened following this terrible animal abuse, I think the photo used inside the paper would have made for a far more balanced front page picture. I’m not suggesting the cover pic shouldn’t have been used in the article. As South Africans, we have become completely desensitised to most of the things we see around us. We are constantly being fed images of violence and crime and, aside from media sensationalism, I’m not sure how seeing these images does anything to solve the problem?”
Bryan Thomas:”It was very graphic for me… But maybe the point needs to be made. I am just concerned for younger children who may view this material.”
Kaylee Maxine Cullen: “I think it’s awesome that the Benoni City Times is taking a stand against animal abuse, it isnt graphic, its truthful, it brings much needed attention to the plight of abused animals. Its going to make people do more to help and people will ask questions and support animal welfare organisations, it has highlighted abuse in a truthful way! You ROCK BCT.”
Cheryl Ellis: “Never too graphic… pity it was not retribution to the oxygen thieves that did this.”
Ayesha Khan: “Yes, it was very graphic for my 6 year old. She was upset & told everyone that visited about the Front Page story. It definitely upset her…..”
Adrie de Wit: “I think it was brilliant. I salute u! make people aware of how these poor angels have to suffer. also nice to hear the good news of him finding his forever home. good work!”
Christine CcK: “No, animal cruelty is not pretty or nice. It cannot be hidden away to keep people happy. It’s a disgusting truth and articles such as this bring attention to the cause.”
What are your thoughts? Tweet us @benonicitytimes or join the conversation on the Facebook page at Benoni City Times.
