War Photographer: Themes; Our increasing indifference to the victims of conflict

“War Photographer: Themes” - Indifference to Victims of Conflict

Detachment And Evasion

The phrase “Finally alone” suggests the isolation of the War Photographer, hinting at a broader isolation and disinterest in society towards the victims of conflict.
Expressions such as “the reader’s eyeballs prick with tears between baths and pre-lunch beers” indicate the only brief, fleeting connection the majority of people make with the matter, demonstrating our collective aversion.
The words “Something is happening” can be interpreted as an indirect accusation towards the uncaring, indifferent stance of society, as it is presented in a paradoxically casual manner, despite referring to catastrophic events.

De-Sensitization and Un-Responsiveness

The use of juxtaposition in “A hundred agonies in black-and-white” demonstrates the contrast between the violence of conflict and the monochrome, detached reality presented in newspapers.
The use of simile in “as though this were a church” signifies the photographer’s respect and dedication to his job, however, it also indirectly portrays the audience’s disinterested attitude, treating serious issues with a religious, unquestioning acceptance.
Duffy’s use of euphemism in “they do not care” forcefully represents how society is unresponsive and indifferent to the brutal realities of war.

Media and Indifference

The metaphor “the editor will pick out five or six for Sunday’s supplement” exemplifies the media’s power in influencing and shaping our perspective, implying that society only sees what they choose to show.
The imagery of “reader’s eyeballs prick with tears” between domestic moments reveals how the horror of conflict is just another story in the newspaper: transient, quickly forgotten, thus indicating society’s increasing indifference.
The closing words “the reader’s eyeballs prick” serve as a chilling reminder of a society more interested in the aesthetic and artistic value of war photographs than their harsh actuality, pointing out our emotional detachment and desensitisation to the suffering of conflict victims.

When analysing “War Photographer”, it is crucial to highlight the points where Duffy highlights the disconnect between the harsh realities of war and the indifference of wider society. Relevance can be established by linking these points to specific lines in the poem, and by maintaining a focus on society’s escalating desensitisation towards victims of conflict.