Tragedies have become part of twenty-first century culture. While unrealistic, this seems to have become undeniable. Just by watching the news, one can see how this new aspect of modern life is real. Consequently, we as humans have become desensitized to tragic events that have major effects in society. The leading cause of this lack of empathy is the absences from the events. When people have no direct connection to an event and are not present when it takes place, we disconnect ourselves from it. That is why pictures, first-hand accounts, and live videos are important to help us become connected with issues. “Ferguson, Uncensored” reveals to the indifferent how impactful, tragic, and most importantly real these events are.

On August 11, 2014 the small town of Ferguson was blindsided with the death of Mike Brown. The first image given is that of the Murchison Tabernacle Church. In this image members of the Ferguson community come together to discuss the issue of Mike Brown. Clearly seen, an elderly man is filled with grief for the community. He is surrounded by other members of his community all with dismayed faces about what has accrued in their town.  In the background more people are entering the church. The congregation is clearly effect most having watery eyes and a deep depression over them. Most notably the elderly man’s face only shows a deep sadness. The next picture has demonstrators protesting in the streets with megaphones and signs. The man who seems to be the ring-leader with megaphone is overflowing with anger. His veins are popping and his nostrils are flaring.  The expressions on the crowd’s face has changed between the first and second images, from sadness to one of anger. From the two images the motif change of morning to anger are see and felt in the community of Ferguson.  

  Police are the lawmen of the modern area. They are there to Protect and serve. But in Ferguson this idea of police seems to have turned in a more militarized realization. Images of the police with military gear making it difficult to distinguish them from officer and solider are shown next. The traditional blue uniform has been traded for camo and tactical gear. Watching over a crowd of protesters the first image shows a police sniper. The image is almost that from a war movie. His sights are set on the protester and he is completely ignoring the camera. A squad of full combat gear officers are moving on an oncoming protester, the sense of over kill can easily be seen here. Here a sense as to how much gear the officers possess is instantaneously felt. By allowing the viewer to see the guns, riot gear, and sheer numbers the photographer has made the viewer aware of how overwhelming the police are. When viewing this images one cannot help feel helpless to the situation at hand. 

Whenever crisis strikes children are usually looked after the most and taken care of. But Ferguson has flipped this commonly held ideal. The images “No Tears” symbolizes how torn apart the community has become. “No Tears” shows a little girl who has to use a rag to protect herself from gas bombs. Children who should have no worries and should only be focused on playing games are now being brought to a world of hate and anger. The disorder and chaos caused by the events are effecting so many now. Here children will have to live with the emotional and physical burden that the rioting and chaos has cause Ferguson. Any can agree that children should not have to mature and grow up in such hostile environments.  By allowing the viewer to see this a connection can be made how humans view a normal life should be and how people in Ferguson are being robbed of this normal life. 

Being empathetic towards events that happen to other or are far way is becoming ever more difficult. The images seen in “Ferguson, Uncensored” help connect us to an event that happened. It allows the viewer to make their own opinion of Ferguson. Instead of just hearing news anchors discus an event we get to see it as close almost first hand. The pictures show the excretions on the faces of the protestors and officers. People can see the angry, discouraged face of all those affect by the riots. It becomes more personal and makes us more sympathetic to events that would otherwise be ignored. All the pictures try to build a case that society needs to change. The images allow the viewer to connect the issues in Ferguson their own life. Instead of remaining apart from the action and staying neutral these images want to make others take action.
