In March 1993 Kevin Carter took part in an act that is a perfect example of the bystander effect. Carter took a picture that shows a toddler alone and severely emaciated attempting to crawl to an aid station for food, a vulture is standing behind her wating for her to die so it can eat her. Carter waited for 20 minuetes trying to get a perfect picture of the vulture with it’s wings spread. Carter stood there watching the toddler for 20 minuetes while she whimpered and cried but still he did nothing to help her. After he took the picture he scared the volture away and left the child to continue crawling toward the aid station for food without an ounce of help, no one knows what became of the little girl, it is very likey that she starved to death.
My questions would be:
1) Why is it that Kevin Carter did nothing to help the toddler even though he had the perfect chance to?
2) What was going through his mind to make him think that the situation was okay to walk away from?
3) Even if Kevin Carter didn’t want to get involved in the situation why didn’t he call the aid station so they could help the toddler?
I find this story amazing, Melissa. And although it is not a "crime" he could necessarily be prosecuted for, it might constitute a crime against another human being - against humanity. Your questions are excellent, and really lie in the realm of psychology, and the photographer's state of mind.
ReplyDeleteWell done.