Ideas and Forms in Art: Stories on Love, War & Industry, and Women: A Gould Center Passion Project

The Terror of War

I remember seeing a picture of a child suffering and it had to do with napalm. It was in my high school U.S. History textbook when we covered the Vietnam War. In order to find the photo I wanted to include(the one below), I had to look for it. While I wish I never have to face “pictures of kids with napalm” or “Vietnam War children” ever again, it’s images like this that give history a purpose. As a student, facing the history of wars, like the Vietnam War, is so important. It’s even more important when your own country is responsible for the suffering.

[insert image] 

When I see an image like this, I have one of those “does God exist” moments. It’s terrifying that any child had to feel this way. Five children, all who appear to be under the age of ten, are running from what’s behind them. They’re screaming. We don’t know where they’re running and I doubt they did either. I can see what they’re running from. What’s behind them is clear: U.S. soldiers and  an explosion. Another picture gives a second perspective of the same children.

[insert image] [insert photo]

We can appreciate a happier ending here though. In this article, the photographer behind these pieces shares his friendship with the now grown up nine year old running in the photo.

This page has paths:

Contents of this path: