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Stupidity at the Flag Ceremony


Stupidity at the Flag Ceremony
Photo Information
Copyright: Clement Le Flem (Timmok) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 253 W: 17 N: 106] (784)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-01-09
Categories: Daily Life
Camera: canon EOS350D
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/60 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-05-20 1:15
Viewed: 543
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
When in Amritsar, I made my way to Attari for the Flag Ceremony at the border between India and Pakistan. The border authorities on both sides were playing music to get the local crowds cheering and shouting their hatred for their neighbour. I was lucky to capture this moment which I called "If you hate Pakistan, put your hands in the air" (on my Flickr account, where you can find other pictures from my recent trip to India, Philippines and China), as some men had come down to the road to dance on some loud dance music played by the border people. Being a westerner, I could go as close as the fence between the two countries, while an Indian would have been kicked away from it...

On the way back I really felt bad for having been part of such a farce, unwillingly being part of such a message of hatred towards a country that I would have wanted to visit if not for the unrest after Benazir Bhutto's death. Lahore is only 30km from there...
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Critiques [Translate]

Clement, I read your note with great interest. It does indeed seem farcical. And apart from religion, what difference is there between the people on both sides of the fence?
The photo is very well taken, showing a marvellous contrast between the soldier and the citizens in their tracksuits and denim. Great colour and very effective shallow depth of field. Really good.
Regards,
Andrew

  • Great 
  • daddo Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1721 W: 29 N: 1803] (8103)
  • [2008-05-21 0:08]

Hi Clement. It is all such a sad reflection on human nature. Some say that our brain is part reptilian, where the basic urges of aggression live. I think you caught this aspect of our nature most vividly.I have also seen shots of the guards near the border crossings doing their ritual dance/goose-step,bright with their fanned turbans, like some male pheasants ready for territorial battle. Having come from the Balkans, I know all too well where all this may lead. You were ideally placed to get the gestures and expressions.Great photojournalistic shot. Regards. Klaudio.

  • Great 
  • cbrman Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2927 W: 303 N: 3735] (13796)
  • [2008-05-29 4:00]

Hello Clement,

Une image qui dénote la facilité avec laquelle les gens peuvent être manipulé si ils sont dans le besoin ou que l'on sait s'y prendre.
La plupart des guerres démarre de cette manière.
Une très bonne image d'actualité.
A+

Dominique

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