What's Wrong with #FirstWorldProblems

Journalist Teju Cole's tweet about "first world problems" - which refers to the inability to see others as fully complex individuals who are as keen on technology and pleasure as you are.

Poverty porn & Ethical Pornography

The worst implication of poverty porn is the representation of poor communities as victims rather than as survivors, who exhibit a resilient human spirit.

The rise & fall of poverty porn

Not-for-profit organizations find that sensational images are not as effective as providing solutions to their donors. Mama Hope provides a case study with the "Stop the Pity, Unlock the Potential" campaign.

The Misguided Focus of Advocacy Photography

At what cost are advocacy campaigns relying on poverty porn images to evoke sympathy and thus generate much-needed funding?

Regarding Humanity | A Space for Dialogue

Regarding Humanity fosters comment and debate on image, film, and program design in social impact.

Below are our three frameworks to create dialogue about cultural history, visual media, ethnography, and storytelling. We believe that by learning to See, Listen, and Frame the issue of ethical representation, we can shift toward greater accountability and effective action.

We will update the site with content and commentary periodically, so please visit often. If you want to write for us, watch this space. We will take submissions and seek commissions in the future.

We invite you to comment and debate on the examples in each section.

Explore a history of misrepresentation and power dynamics, become fluent in recognizing unethical representation in visual media.

Why ethnography is core to co-creation, how to inspire and integrate empathy, and best practice listening methods.

Understanding participatory communication, the language of agency vs aid, and how to tell the whole story.

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