We Cannot Afford to Look Away

February 1, 2011

New York, NY

Elevation: 80m

A friend sent me a text message Sunday to remind me that I got out of Egypt just in time. I replied to the message that as thankful as I was to be safe at home, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of photographic opportunities I was missing out on. “The shooting must be great.” I said. “Yes, the shooting of guns and bullets.” he replied.

A few nights ago I went to see the play “Time Stands Stil”l by Donald Margulies.
The play tells the story of a photojournalist injured by the explosion of a road side bomb. After two weeks in a coma, she returns to Brooklyn to heal, mend and question the value of her work.

There are moments of guilt and anger and she questions whether she is actually doing any good or simply profiting from the lives of others. Admittedly, I’m not a photojournalist, but the question at the core of “Time Stands Still” is something I often struggle with.

I believe witnessing is an act of compassion. I believe in acknowledging life, both human and non-human. I believe that having the respect to not look away is crucial. For these beliefs alone, I continue to travel on a shoe-string budget and create Wok the Dog.

Egypt is on the verge of revolution. Change is happening and the people are speaking. This gives me great hope. Given the opportunity, I would bear witness.

I believe we can create the seeds of hope and resolution, but only if we dare to look.

Will you stand next to me and bare witnessing by re-tweeting this post or repost it on Facebook. 

Image above, “During Eid, Cairo, Egypt, 2010” was taking this November as part of Wok the Dog.