As this spill hits shore, I ask a favor of my fellow DUers

[jgraz]

In the coming days, there are going to be many pictures of suffering, dying and dead animals. I'd like to ask all posters to PLEASE put warnings on your posts if you include such images.

I worked with birds from the Cosco Busan spill in SF, and I've seen up close what happens to these poor animals. All I ask is that you give people a choice as to whether or not they want to see those images.

Thanks.

[FSogol]

1. A good suggestion. n/t

[JTFrog]

37. I wonder if it falls under DU rules.

Do not post graphic images of violence, gore, pain, or human suffering. If you have a legitimate political purpose for posting graphic images, you may do so provided that you include a clear warning in the subject line of your post.

[jgraz]

39. It's a grey area.

Some people don't consider dying animals as "real" suffering.

[femrap]

64. And those 'people'

may just be those reptilian lizards that :tinfoilhat: allude to.

You know, the more I look at some of these 'people' (ie CEO of GM, for example), I do see a resemblance to certain creepy crawlies.

I avoid 'people' who don't like animals...I see them as having a major character flaw and I choose not to associate with them.

Hell, I've seen men in pick-up trucks w/ 'I run over cats' bumper stickers.

[happygoluckytoyou]

48. thot you were going to ask us to throw a republican onto the sand to block the oil...."DAM THEM"

yeah... but i thot it was funny... and yes, that is the correct spelling it we stack them high enough to block the oil

[Oceansaway]

2. K&R...n/t

[liberal N proud]

3. Fair enough

But I do believe that everyone needs to see those pictures. They serve as an example of what man is doing to the planet and to why so many of us have been against offshore drilling to begin with.

The black tide comes!

[Juneboarder]

4. Thank you for this request... nt

[Lint Head]

5. I agree there should be a warning but

it's seems the only way human beings get motivated to change things is when tragedy is in their face.

[jgraz]

8. There are plenty of animal rescue volunteers on this site who don't need pictures for motivation

I think we've earned the right to not be assaulted by the same suffering we're spending our lives trying to alleviate.

[gizmonic]

9. +1 nt

[watrwefitinfor]

10. +2

Thank you -

Already, the turtle photos on tv are almost more than I can bear.

It's not like DUers need the tragedy driven home. Been trying to stop the madness since 1968.

Wat

[Berry Cool]

14. Agreed.

And even those who haven't deserve the right not have the images thrown in their faces.

It's one thing to try to alert people to something horrible that has happened as a warning and a call to action. It's another thing to shove graphic pictures of it in people's faces against their will, using the excuse "It is the only way to shock people out of their complacency." They should have a choice as to whether or not they want to view the images.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

20. +++++ n/t

[CLANG]

31. I applaud you. All you are asking for is fair warning. That's not much to ask for.

[flvegan]

34. I think we have too. Well said. n/t

[Mojorabbit]

43. I do wildlife rehab

and I hope photos of the coming mess gets posted far and wide. If it is kept under wraps nothing will change. A graphic photo warning is a good idea though.

[EFerrari]

22. Actually, that's just as likely to make people shut down as anything else.

[TwilightGardener]

6. I agree--a warning would be nice.

[gizmonic]

7. Thank you.

I remember Exxon Valdez and still weep for those animals.

It's heartbreaking.

[lukasahero]

11. Thank you

I'm already trying to avoid the images that are being posted of past disasters.

And thanks for also explaining downthread (upthread?) that some of us are already motivated and working to alleviate suffering so we don't need to be reminded of it again and again and again and again.

[jgraz]

12. kick for the lunch crowd

[femrap]

65. Hell,

I remember as a child watching 'Lassie' and at the end of the show, she would raise her paw. I cried every time. Animals touch my heart in a way that people simply can't.

The older I get, the more I love animals and the less I like people.

[jgraz]

74. Yep, couldn't agree more.

:pals:

[philly_bob]

13. By all means, warn in subject line.

Remembering some of the pet images from Katrina...

[amborin]

15. Audubon link for those who can help:

http://www.audubon.org/news/pressroom/gos/

[Fire1]

16. Absolutely! THANK YOU!!!! n/t

[MadMaddie]

17. It will be heartbreaking and you are right a warning would help!

[AuntPatsy]

18. People should not turn away from that which is hurtful or horrific, perhaps by showing

these horrors and being forced to veiw them perhaps people would be a bit more careful of all that they do and say...if people being tortured was forced to be regular viewing, people being killed in wars and the like etc maybe just maybe, they would help to ensure future suffering will not be tolerated and will help to stop suffereing wouldn't you think?

We cannot turn away, thats what the problem is, too many people choose not to look and by not looking they don't worry about it or feel the need to change things..

[jgraz]

21. Thanks, but I see enough hurtful and horrific things done to animals every day

And I don't turn away, which is why I'm currently housing 6 rescue parrots in my home. If you want to ambush people with the results of their actions, post the pics over at freerepublic.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

19. I'm already careful in every possible way I can; I don't want to see images that tear my heart out

while not making me any more careful than I am.

I've chosen not to add to overpopulation, I recycle, I try not to overconsume. I've had my car converted to a greasecar...used it for two years and had to have the whole thing taken out because the first mechanic destroyed my car in the process. Getting that fixed just so I have transportation cost a fortune, but as soon as I can I hope to have the kit reinstalled by an honest mechanic. I'll pay it all over again, because I value reducing fossil fuel.

So I don't want to have my heart torn out -- how dare anyone call that some kind of refusal to face the subject. What matters is action, so tell it to those who whine about resources while having 2, 3, 4 or more kids and a car for every one of them. Or a yard full of crappy plastic toys.

I can't look at them...I love animals more than most people---I just can't handle seeing it. Sorry for being so weak, but being unable to stop crying or get the images out of my mind doesn't serve anyone.

[lonestarnot]

23. I am so fucking depressed over it I could scream, so you won't need to worry about compliance from

me. Thanks for posting your request. :hug:

[inna]

24. The more awareness (of the horrors that are going on), the better.

[inna]

25. If that includes stuff that people find "offensive" - whatever. Time to wake the fuck up.

[Daemonaquila]

32. So, people should watch surprise snuff films?

That's what these images are. People need to know what is going on. They do not need to be unexpectedly subjected to the worst horrors for shock value in order to "get it." I've got thousands of pics - surgeries, gunshots, feet taken off by traps, you name it. I'm not going to shove them in the faces of everyone who happens by. That's a tactic for PETA idiots.

People are capable of understanding the situation from a written description. They are capable of deciding to click a link. It's not about what's "offensive" to some, but about being decent to each other as we think of ways to get through this productively. Creating personal trauma doesn't lead to empathy and compassion.

[inna]

35. Raising awareness of dying ecosystems *DOES NOT EQUAL* snuff.

[jgraz]

40. This is mostly a personal request for me

I still have nightmares/flashbacks about the Cosco Busan rescue. I'd like to feel safe going on DU without having to relive those horrible days.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

47. As I said upthread: I'm already careful in every possible way I can be;

I don't want to see images that tear my heart out, while not making me any more careful than I am.

There is no added benefit to NOT adding a warning. That's all it is, not a censor's black mark.

I've chosen not to add to overpopulation, I recycle, I try not to overconsume. I've had my car converted to a greasecar...used it for two years and had to have the whole thing taken out because the first mechanic destroyed my car in the process. Getting that fixed just so I have transportation cost a fortune, but as soon as I can I hope to have the kit reinstalled by an honest mechanic. I'll pay it all over again, because I value reducing fossil fuel.

So I don't want to have my heart torn out -- how dare anyone call that some kind of refusal to face the subject. What matters is action, so tell it to those who whine about resources while having 2, 3, 4 or more kids and a car for every one of them. Or a yard full of crappy plastic toys.

I can't look at them...I love animals more than most people---I just can't handle seeing it. Sorry for being so weak, but being unable to stop crying or get the images out of my mind doesn't serve anyone.



yeah I edited, just to highlight what I think of the holier than thou attitude.

[inna]

75. cough

was that post meant for me?

just checking. (seemed a bit misdirected.)

[BrklynLiberal]

26. Excellent suggestion Thank you!!

[inna]

27. Unrec'd by mistake. My bad. Hopefuly, someone will rec this for me?...

[JoeyT]

28. Done. n/t

[jgraz]

38. Back to mouse camp with ye!

:P

[CLANG]

29. I promise to remember that, if only just for you.

Thanks, jgraz!:toast: :beer: :hi: :hug: :fistbump: :yourock: :woohoo: :applause: :patriot:

[humbled_opinion]

30. Kick

[Berserker]

33. How about

lets show pictures of dead children we have killed in the two wars we keep having after the election.

[wial]

49. I agree with this

Images Dead children or children weeping covered with blood due to the actions of "our" "troops" (the BBC did one photo essay of this that made a huge difference, but the US media, not so much) would help reverse the kind of dishonesty that's been silencing the truth even among progressives. Images of dead animals though are commonplace in the mainstream media. Even nature shows, filmed by conservationists, seem to feel obliged to show baby elephants toppling over in the dust, or mother lions trying to lick their cubs back to life. It didn't get to me at first, but after a point it just seems incredibly insensate and cruel. In real life most of the time animals are happy, playing jokes on each other, yet the shows have to focus on moments of incredible suffering and tragedy that would never be shown were the subjects human.

Suffering is motivating, that's age old truth, sure, but already-motivated people don't need to be hit over the head with it, and are often burdened enough with the weight of awareness -- better to find ways to give courage and hope than further anguish.

Having swum with turtles, I sure don't want to see their dead faces as if it's just part of the "story". I'll look if I feel ready. That goes for HuffPo lately too -- an automated slideshow of death on the front page? It just seems callous.

[Wednesdays]

36. K&R

:kick:

[MissDeeds]

41. Thanks for posting this

I agree completely.

K&R

[madmax]

42. Thank you - it will pain me.

I may look and then again I may not. I like the option. :cry:

[SammyWinstonJack]

44. K & R

[tango-tee]

45. In order to be able look at suffering,

whether human or animal I have to be able to brace myself to face the misery. There are times I simply can't do it, and there are other times I take deep breath and say to myself "Look!".

Perhaps I'm a terrible coward or weakling for not being able to confront certain images head-on. I tell myself often that I should be able to do so as an adult, and then find myself reduced to a puddle of tears with no strength or faith in humanity left.

I remember stumbling upon a photo of one of Michael Vicks' tormented dogs. It followed me into my nightmares for a long time.

This is a good suggestion. Thank you.

[deacon_sephiroth]

46. You have my word. n/t

[Dogtown]

50. An excellent request.

Thanks!

[myrna minx]

51. I agree. K&R n.t

[axollot]

52. Like the warning - it's very heartbreaking. Currently live on the eastern side

of Florida. My brother is a shrimper/crabber in MS/LA area - and my mother lost everything in Katrina, she is 70. My grandmother who lives with her lost her mind.

This summer I plan on being in the area to lend a hand. I also plan on taking my kids aged 20, 16 and 7 (although the youngest needs to learn what price we really pay for oil - I want to be very careful on how much toxins she is exposed to, still pretty sure she can be of help somewhere. She can read at a 5th grade level and makes a great gopher!!)

I dont want to sit and L@@K at the devastation, I need to help.

Cheers
Sandy

And thank you to everyone who has had their hands helping wild life in 1 way or another. It's something I learned to care deeply about during my time living in Australia and the amount of birds I had to collect (because they would fly into my sliding glass door and knock themselves out) over the years to bring to the Flay's Fauna before they were released back out again. (broken wings were common).

[grahamhgreen]

53. I disagree.

[jgraz]

54. Wow, you got me there

Care to elaborate? :eyes:

[grahamhgreen]

70. The images are the among the more powerful things we have to get Dems to oppose Drill, Baby, Drill.

Obama's recent adoption of the Palin plan to destroy America's oceans and beaches is ill-informed; one picture speaks a thousand words.

[jgraz]

72. So... since none of us are actually in Congress

maybe we can get a warning in the subject line -- especially since that seems to conform to the spirit of the DU rules.

[grahamhgreen]

76. WARNING GRAPHIC

I see your point, but I don't think we need a warning about seeing the truth.

A picture speaks a thousand words.

May I ask - are you for or against offshore oil?



Members of Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research and the International Bird Research Center hydrate a Northern Gannet bird, which was covered in oil and cleaned from a massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico, at a cleaning facility in Fort Jackson, La. Saturday.

[jgraz]

77. Oh give me a fucking break

Are you capable of reading? You are? How very special for you.

Now go read a couple of my other posts on this thread. Maybe the clue stick will bless with a solid thrashing.

[flamingdem]

55. Whatever happened to reacting with anger to things you consider wrong

instead of focusing on your sensitivities?

Sadness blocks anger. You need your anger to take action so LOOK AT THE PICTURES.

[jgraz]

56. Whatever happened to actually reading posts before you respond?

I already take action every day to save suffering animals. What do you do? :shrug:

[flamingdem]

57. What I do is disagree that we need to cater to sensitivities when this is our reality nt

[jgraz]

58. Begs the question: what action have YOU taken as a result of images like this?

Be specific. (Hint: sitting on your ass posting shit on the internet doesn't count)

[jgraz]

59. * cricket noise * cricket noise * cricket noise * cricket noise * cricket noise *

I thought so. :eyes:

[glinda]

60. Thanks. I cannot look anymore. Makes me incredibly depressed and angry.

[femrap]

66. Pictures or

even discussions of suffering of animals or children can be strong psychological triggers that take people to places that are dangerous, scary, depressing and hopeless.

Can't 'people' understand that????

[ensho]

61. I disagree - hiding what is real, what is the truth is never wise

nt

[defendandprotect]

62. Think we all have to presume that ALL or ANY of the photos are going to be rough ...!!!

[femrap]

63. Thank you so much for this post!

I simply can't bear to see an animal suffer. I can't watch the Kentucky Derby or any other races due to NBC's constant airing of that poor horse's broken leg. It's burned into my memory.

I wrote them and complained...alas, what f*cking good did that do?

Again...thank you for your post.

Actually, I don't want to see any of the pictures. Maybe just the aerials that show where The Spill is spreading.

I'm to a point where I'm practically numb from all the crap of late. And 'numb' not in a good way.

[Truth2Tell]

67. An illistration for this OP...

[Name removed]

69. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Truth2Tell]

71. I get that the OP does animal rescue.

This isn't about that.

This is about the human instinct to not want to look. What is that about? The fact that the OP does animal rescue - so he already knows the realities - makes it even more interesting that he doesn't want to look. Why do none of us want to look the suffering in the face, me included? Not just from this spill, but all around us?

Call me a dick, fine. I would never alert that. It's like, your opinion man.

[jgraz]

73. Get back to me when you've had a dying bird vomit fuel oil in your lap.

Maybe then you'll understand why some of us don't want to relive the experience.

[TheKentuckian]

68. No sense avoiding the costs of our national policies, imo.

See it, be sickened by it, have your heart broken by it, hate it, demand it not happen again, insist on proper stewardship going forward.

[Withywindle]

78. K & R

Thank you - I agree.

Some people have PTSD, for heaven's sake. (It sounds like you do. I'm sorry. Thank you for all that you do, and for caring so much). Do the people who think putting a warning on triggering images is "hiding heads in the sand" not realize how debilitating being triggered can be? No one's saying don't post those images. Just give people the information to decide if they want to see it or not.

I really, really don't like surprise!graphic gory or tragic images, human or animal. Shock value doesn't have its intended effect on me, it just makes me feel very ill and dispirited and kind of dirty, like I've been made to be a party to exploitation.

There's a human impulse to look away, but there's also a human impulse to rubberneck, and that's not one of our better qualities. I feel that shoving horrible photos in someone's face is exploitative and callous. What does DU, collectively, think of anti-choice protesters with their giant bloody fetus pictures? It's not better when our side does it.