world photo day

Happy world photo day! 

On August 19, 1839, the French government issued a patent for the first practical photographic process, the daguerrotype, and announced it as a gift to the free world. 

In light of the recent events in Ferguson, here is one of the most famous daguerreotypes of Frederick Douglass. As one of the most prominent abolitionists of the nineteenth century, Douglass often commented on the portrayal of African Americans through illustrations in popular newspapers, and believed the photograph to be a medium that had the power to portray himself accurately, and begin to deconstruct stereotypical images. 

Although the photograph has matured, forcing us to question and discuss it's use of privilege and perspective (please read: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/14/media-black-victims_n_5673291.html?utm_hp_ref=tw), it is important to remember that it's beginnings lie in truth and documentarism, something I believe should be celebrated. 

To the people in Ferguson and to those documenting the events, keep pursuing the truth and relaying those truths to the world. In the wise words of Frederick Douglass:

"Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe."

Justice and peace for all.