It often takes a tragedy on an epic scale, such as the current migrant crisis, to make us realise the power that is contained within the art form of photography. Throughout the constant back and forth between those who want to allow migrants entry and those terrified of the (unfounded) consequences their entry could have on the country, photographs have been highlighting the horrific reality that many of the people are being forced to live through. The above picture was one of many that has done this.
Laith Majid and his family have now arrived in Germany, as this photograph shows. When you compare the difference between the two, it’s amazing to think that these people may have finally found some peace after their world became nothing but chaos for a long time now. How people can see stories of people such as Majid and not be compelled to not only help those in need but even just allow them into their country for a place to live.
A similar story went viral after this picture hit the internet, the man attempting to sell pens while carrying his young daughter over his shoulder. It’s clear by the photograph that the man is in dire circumstances, unable to truly provide for himself and young child. It wasn’t long before people were able to find this man. Once they did, something extraordinary happened.
Through an indiegogo campaign, people were able to raise money for the two migrants. As the campaign went viral, givers helped push the campaign well over two times the original funding goal. If the unpleasant pictures of these two desperate fathers are a indictment of the horrors capable of taking over when human beings allow it, then the resulting pictures show us what is possible when people choose to help those in need around them.
While these photographs are incredibly good at gaining support for those who are struggling in this world, we need to always keep in mind that these people are real human beings who need our help. They are not just images, they are just like us, but struggling with problems that we’ll hopefully never have to deal with in our lifetime.
