More Good Men Photo

Photographer’s Note

I had no intentions to upload this picture but I felt compelled after last night's post and a subsequent comment by a fellow TE member Andre Roberge suggesting that the good men can only be found on the other side of the border from Pakistan.

Either Andre has a crystal ball or a goodness gauge which helps him measure the goodness in people. Quite a nifty little tool I have to say.

I post this picture – referring to both the Indian's and the Pakistani's as good men – to server two purposes. Firstly to clarify my stance on the goodness of people – all people – and secondly to elaborate on what I intended to convey from my previous note – since Andre's comment alluded to his elementary understanding of the semantics of the language.

So here is a picture of some more good men. Standing side by side, guarding a border which people with crystal balls erected, to divide the goodness and they are yet to find out that goodness knows no bounds. It has a tendency to transcend our biases, close mindedness our favourites.

macondo, trekks has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

InasiaJones (20102) 2009-09-16 3:52

Kamran,

I just felt that your title was lacking a bit of sensibility, when you consider the recent events. I have nothing against Pakistan, and actually I would like very much to go there eventually.

You don't need a crystal ball to understand my reaction, just read the papers. Maybe this will help you a bit and make you rethink about your provocative title. I think that your post of today is more neutral and appropriate. It is, indeed, a good clarification from your part.

Terrorist Sanctuary: Pakistan Provides Cover.

"Shortly after Christmas a Pakistani border guard wounded a U.S. soldier on patrol; Islamabad later argued that it might only have been a terrorist disguised as one of its soldiers. Pakistan appeared more concerned that America may have dropped a bomb on its territory when U.S. soldiers called for air support than that one of its own personnel might have aided America's enemies".

Chronology of terrorist incidents in Pakistan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_terrorist_incidents_in_Pakistan

Violence in Pakistan 2006-09

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_in_Pakistan_2006-09

Pakistan’s New Generation of Terrorists

http://www.cfr.org/publication/15422/

Pakistan and terrorism: A summary

http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RS22632.pdf

Pakistan: “Epicenter of Terrorism”

http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=34262

Pakistan can’t guard its nuclear assets

http://www.alternatives.ca/article544.html

Just let me know if you need more information about your few good men.

Andre

BennyV (4646) 2009-09-16 7:18

Wow...some discussion these two pictures of yours started, Kamran (even if it's just one other member to respond)!

Actually I thought both pictures are actually quite good pictures, actually. And the title "A few good men" to me in the first place sounds as a playful reference to a rather well-known American movie, and I quite like these playful references.

For me a picture being entitled "a few good men" by no stretch of the imagination implies that all those not in the picture are NOT good men.

Politics apart, I think most countries would regard their own soldiers as being 'good', what's the point if they don't? (Having said that, I believe there often is no point, but that's another matter entirely.)

O yes, did I mention I actually like the pictures?

Cheers.

Benny

macondo (13075) 2009-09-16 7:22

Hi Kamran.
First, I have to say that I was taken aback by your note, until I read Andre's ludicrous and hostile 'critique' of your previous upload. I don't think anyone with a passing interest in world events would have no knowledge of the fundamentalist movement in Pakistan and other countries, but to imply on that basis that there is no goodness in Pakistan is not what I expect on this site. He didn't really assess the photo at all; just seemed to think 'Pakistan', and 'good', experienced a meltdown, short-circuit or whatever, and did the old knee-jerk reaction. Very thoughtless, and backed up again today. I've read your reply and I think you've spoken very eloquently. The photo today does the same thing. I don't see terrorists in the picture. Neither country is without its flaws, nor their respective governments, and their long-standing dispute ironically reveals what you say, that goodness knows no borders.
Regards,
Andrew

[2]

alftrek (2791) 2009-09-16 16:52

Hello Kamran,
I actually like both of your post very much, especially this one in which the POV affords you the alternation of colours of similar uniforms. The exposure is good despite the dark uniform. It does look like a spectacular event which is never short of spectators. The scene at the border check point does not suggest any idea of the tension between the two countries, it looks like a celebrated, friendly and daily event.

I am pretty sure the title in your previous post is not hinting that only the Pakistani guards are good, it is just a general description for men in service for their country. I think harsh political response is not necessary on TE's platform.
Well done

Cheers
Alfred

daddo (11328) 2009-09-17 3:12

Salam Kamran. I have read your note and just a few minutes before Andre's public apology. I don't know where the good men are- they seem to be in short supply, that being the case for millennial. What disturbs me in this image is the fervour of the spectators. Coming from a part of the world which had disintegrated more than once, I pity us all that we cannot adopt your concept of goodness.How easily do we join the goosestep and chant slogans about US and THEM, before we scorch the earth. Technically it's an excellent shot with many expression to study. Regards. Klaudio.

Urs (2786) 2009-09-17 3:33

Hi Kamran

Politics is not clear cut, in particular not in the Subcontinent. There are bad and good men in Pakistan as well as India, that is normal. I have visited both countries, so I should know, I guess.

Kamran, sorry to say, you should not have selected this title. However posting your picture to TE is perfectly in order. And as we can see, your picture has made members think about, what is happening in the Subcontinent.

Looking at your picture from a technical point of view, it is crisp and sharp with vibrant colors. What disturbs me a bit, is the BG, which should be more out of focus, that the viewer really watches the solders. Possibly spot metering would help, to solve the distraction. Besides this, your photograph is a very good news shot. Well done

Best regards
Urs

aadilj (17950) 2009-09-17 22:17

Hey thats our side from your side and it looks the same! I love the scene and your composition...but its the adventure of looking at it from your POV thats far more enthralling Kamran. thanks a lot for this moment.
I only hope.....

delpeoples (5938) 2009-09-21 4:05

Hi Kamran, I think your Note more than says it all. I was saddened to see your previous photo misinterpreted by a man I consider to be both a gentleman and a very talented photographer. I am now glad that an apology has been made to you, whom I also consider to be a gentleman and a very gifted photographer. As to the photo, I like the blurred BG, the men dressed in black really jump out at you (excuse the pun :))) See you on the weekend, Lisa.

testmaniac (12084) 2009-09-25 21:54

Hello Kamran,good and interesting photo no doubt!

TFS and regards,
Phil

Photo Information

Copyright: Kamran Channa (kschanna) (2634)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-05-24
Categories: Festivals
Camera: Nikon D200, Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM, ISO 100, HOYA 77mm UV
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/160 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-09-16 2:48