For the advocacy project, I would like to choose a topic that is different from what I would normally choose. This project would be a good opportunity to learn more about the topic and to learn how I can become a better advocate for solutions to the problem. The topic that I am considering is gun control. After the shooting at the grocery store in Colorado a few weeks ago, my interest in the subject was renewed. My heart broke for the victims and their families, especially for Denny Strong who worked at the grocery store. He was twenty years old and saving money so he could pursue his dreams of becoming a pilot. As a grocery store employee, Denny reminded me of my many college age friends at work who are saving to pay for school. I thought about how I would feel if it happened at our store and if Denny was one of my friends. The following day another individual entered a grocery store in Atlanta armed with six guns. I had to go into work the day after, looking over my shoulder at every turn. Before I left, my mom assured me that an incident like that would never happen, but I’m sure that is what Denny Strong thought when he walked into work on that tragic day. The issue of gun reform has interested me since we began practicing active-shooter drills at school, however, I have never felt closer to the issue than I do now.
Photographer as Witness was an interesting piece. I do not often find myself reading about or looking at this type of work. I agree that photography is art, the pictures in the series send a clear message. Whether or not Photographer as Witness is a piece of advocacy, I am unsure. Sara Naomi Lewkowicz tells a story of pain and hardships through her photographs. She certainly communicates a message that domestic violence is a real and difficult problem that women in America face. By bringing to light the issue is a visual format, viewers may open their eyes to the true impacts of domestic violence more than a written piece full of statistics. Numbers are one thing, but photographs expose the fact that there are real people experiencing this problem. Some may feel compelled to act after seeing Lewkowicz’s piece, however, I do not believe that the piece is encouraging or advocating for any specific type of action. It can be a good thing to leave the audience with choices for how to proceed, but I think the photographs leave too much room for debate.
Julia Jakuboski
April 8, 2021 — 4:28 pm
Gun control is an important topic that needs to be discussed, picking that for your advocacy project could be really powerful. I cannot imagine how you must feel working at a grocery store right after the tragic shooting in Colorado. I lived in Colorado for 10 years and they would sometimes give us the anniversary of Columbine off from school. These tragedies carry for many many years and have impacts on everyone. We need gun reform and change. Our lives should not depend on if someone with a gun has a “bad day.”
I agree with you about the Photographer as a Witness photos. I felt like it gave off an important message, but it did not call out any action from the audience. Domestic violence needs to be talked about and these photos show the impacts it leaves. There is a “call to action” aspect missing.
laa5448
April 8, 2021 — 4:50 pm
Hi Maddie, thank you for choosing an advocacy project topic that is not only extremely important but also very personal to you as a grocery worker. No one should ever feel threatened or in danger when trying to pursue a better life for themself. I look forward to reviewing the work you put forth for this project!
I also am very impressed with the insightful points you make about the Photographer as Witness piece. I think the story was supposed to be so ambiguous with its portrayed highs and lows of abusive relationships so that it could get you into the mindset of how Maggie felt being with Shane (she was terrified and hurt by him but also couldn’t let go of the “good” that he had done or her). This piece definitely brings awareness and attention to the topic of domestic violence, but it doesn’t explicitly advocate/ give a direct solution for domestic violence prevention. Therefore, I agree with you in saying this is not an advocacy project
Christian Franke
April 9, 2021 — 3:35 am
Hi Maddie, I think gun control is a great topic for your advocacy project. As you mentioned in your post, I have always thought it was interesting that we always practiced active shooter drills in our schools. I remember them being just as often or almost more often than fire drills. It’s in a way a normality now for American school systems. I think this really shows the need for gun reform.
And I agree with you on how the Photographer as Witnessed is more art than advocacy. I don’t think it gives a call to action in anyway. I think it focuses on portraying the harshness of domestic violence. It was definitely not a piece of art im used to seeing however Id agree and say its art and not necessarily an advocacy piece.