Misery At Stung Meanchey, a photo from Phnum Penh, West

Photographer's Note

A young girl cries while sitting in garbage at the Stung Meanchey dump site in Phnom Penh Cambodia.

This little girl had cut her hand on a piece of garbage and was sitting alone crying. I approached her to look at her hand and she had suffered a puncture wound to one of her fingers. Her hands were blackened with grime and flys were landing on the open wound.

I walked down to the nearest shack that sold bottled water and then returned to search for the girl's mother with this girl in tow. We found mom, opened the bottle of water, cleaned the wound, and gave the rest of the water to the girl.

The point of this narrative isn't what I did of course, or even the girls situation and why she is sitting in a dump. The point that struck me was I could not find nor see any first aid kits with bandaids, gauze, hydogen peroxide, anti bacterial solution.....or anything else around here.

There should be a first aid kit in every garbage truck, on every tractor, and one kept down at the "store" (actually just a very poor plastic and wooden shack infested with flys).

Somehow, we have to make this happen rather quickly.

clnaef, robertosalguero, marknunnerley, vincz, Serendipity, sothy81, Stan, leo61, lacroux, robob, tigra, sadeik, ninaL, michiels, albertopiubello, prezntime, thea0211, ndb1958, Jeppe, Iuli, fkokol, jrj, wanderlust, alimo3, Talia, Traveller, happypoppeye, kajspice, Hellas, omerozden, MLINES, fabianfred has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

siamakjafari (1507) 2007-01-29 3:42

excellent moment ,poor baby!

clnaef (6289) 2007-01-29 3:45

Bonjour,
C'est vrai...on voit là toutes les misères du monde.
Bonne journée.
clnaef

robertosalguero (196) 2007-01-29 3:45

A very touchy picture though I think the need for a first aid kit is not as important as the need for changes to the society where she lives. It is sad to see this type of scenes still prevalent in our world when rich countries keep making record surpluses every year. Yes a first aid kit is essential here but a more caring government that looks after their citizens is also needed very soon to avoid this type of misery. Nice picture John. It truly open our eyes to what is still happening in our planet.

Roberto

marknunnerley (2778) 2007-01-29 3:51

Another fine example John. In your own way you are highlighting the terrible conditions here. I wondered the other day what would happen to these people if they were not allowed into these garbage sites, as they do at least seem to offer some form of income. But a point you have made is that it would at least help if there was some kind of first aid kit for such cuts as this young child has suffered. The image of this child holding her hand out would not go amiss on a child poverty campaign poster. This is great work John.
BR,
mark

lcelvenes (0) 2007-01-29 3:53

Hi John

I glad you shared this picture with us. With all beautiful and fantastic sights to see in this world (especially for those of us not directly affeced with the situations this little girl was facing), it´s too easy to forget that there´s a lot that needs to be done. The worst of it is that it would probably cost virtually nothing (for many us, anyway) to help get it done.

I´ll put in a couple of pointers on the photograph as well. Great sharpness on the girl, and I like how you see a long way into the garbage pile. With it blurred it adds to the size of it (for me it does). The little girl, her facial expression, the black hand, it´s one of those photographs that could go on the front page of news magazine, so if I´m to offer any editing advice, it would be for you to try a B&W conversion (just to see what it would look like, really).
Great work, both photographically, as well on having a great eye for important moments :)

Lars-Christian

vincz (19099) 2007-01-29 4:18

Very strong shot you are showing us here. Quality wise it is superb no question about it. But evidently its strength comes from what you are witnessing here. Things that we usually do not want to see because we would like to believe they do not exist on this planet. I wish many people do get to see this picture which gets us to face reality in such a strong way.

efetaylan (472) 2007-01-29 4:20

her yönü ile harika....

rajiv_077 (1412) 2007-01-29 4:39

Hello Zips

This is really outstanding picture, this picture saying 1000 of words, I have nothing more to say about it but this is a very great image.

Very well done

regards

rajiv

Serendipity (1045) 2007-01-29 9:19

Halala !
C'est une image tellement insupportable pour moi, mais il faut bien montrer cela pour que ceux qui peuvent agir se bougent un peu. Se mobiliser pour un tsunami c'est louable, mais il y a des centaines de tsunamis sur terre, et des tas de façons d'agir !!

Excellent travail de photo-journaliste.
Marc.

AROBN54 (11065) 2007-01-29 9:46

Hi, John. A technically beautiful shot. Perfect POV, sharpness, depth. And a tragic reminder of what so many of the world's children suffer. I, too, think this should be seen by those who can possibly DO something about it. TFS, Shelly

sothy81 (9390) 2007-01-29 13:42

Wow this is a very nice one in your Stung Meanchey series. I am sad to see this photo. In terms of photography, this is an excellent shot with great focus and sharpness. You did an excellent job here. Sothy

Stan (2768) 2007-01-29 13:48

Hello John,
A sad but important photo testimony… of the inequality of the chances.
Good work!
Kind regards
Serge

leo61 (53805) 2007-01-29 13:50

Hi John!
An excellent,but together with your good note a very ,very sad shot.Her expression and the rubbish around her tells the trueth about many places in Cambodia.Í`ve seen simillar scenes at Tonle Sap.
Regards,Leo

robob (3646) 2007-01-29 14:41

Bonsoir John,
Une image très pénible et révoltante surtout quand il s’agit d’enfants !
Amicalement et bonne soirée à toi,
Robert

lacroux (4562) 2007-01-29 14:41

Bonjour John

Upsetting; thank you for them to publish such photographs. In front of such images, one can only keep silent oneself.
Continue.
Excuse my bad English but I wanted to write in your language.
Pierre

tigra (2968) 2007-01-29 14:58

Hello John
Very impressive capture!
Katia

sadeik (3264) 2007-01-29 15:31

Hmmmm, I have pondered over these problems many times. Ideally why should anybody have to find a living this way. On the other hand if this was not so, would they have starved to death eventually or found even more unsavory work of which I can think of some? Maybe a system of safe ways of working would be more helpful, a pair of gloves and some stout shoes may be more beneficial but yes some basic first aid at the dumps or even just clean water to wash the wounds would be a great start.
As for the really good first aid, yes it should be so but that may never happen. Then I wonder how strong their own immune system have probably become unlike many in the western world that seem to be suffering more from their own sanitation leading to poor immune systems.
A very thought provoking image and a very good reason for posting. How lucky we are, those that live or profess to live in a modern world with equality.

Simon

michiels (4170) 2007-01-29 16:30

hello John,

You are right, absolutely ! This should be on the first page of the newspaper, so that "worldleaders" could see and spent their money for this things instead of weapons. While traveling everybody has such a moment which take your breath away and you feel so angry !
best regards, inn

albertopiubello (2619) 2007-01-29 17:13

Hi John,
I'm agree with you at all! Unfortunately I know and I live such situation quite every day here in Cameroon...I wonder if I'd have to show some shot like that... but... people here don't like to show such images of their country...but... in the north of the planet many persons can't imagine situations like that... it's a very difficult choice.
Anyway I like your shot and your note: they're very impressive.
Alberto

marine-coeur (756) 2007-01-29 17:37

It is not easy to see this photo it's very sad , we need to help them. this photo is very well done and giving us strong message. `

ngythanh (8522) 2007-01-29 21:24

Good evening, John:
You simply took my hat off with this close-up picture.
I am honored to include this capture into my theme.
Thanks.

Thanh

Julian_K (1055) 2007-01-30 6:17

Hello John,
Incredible photo with an incredible story to accompany it. A very powerful and provocative image. Thanks for sharing,
Jules

prezntime (3946) 2007-01-30 7:58

Man...can't hide from this shot can we. Smack dab in the center of our vision. We do see shots like this quite often, yet I've never really stopped to post a comment. Here, this is just to powerful. I can't imagine...I mean, I have a daughter and this breaks my heart. Yet, it has gone on for all of human time and probably will continue. Well, unless we actually decide to use our brains...
Chris

ndb1958 (9289) 2007-01-30 13:13

Hi John,

I agree with you note. You're right. The photo is sad, yes it is.

But appart of all this the photo is such a great one! Her fine clothes full of dirt ... her expression. What a shot!

To my favorits.

Best wishes,
Nino

nspineda9 (355) 2007-01-30 23:09

u got my heart on this one my friend.tfs

sanalytis (1634) 2007-01-30 23:14

Hi John,

Truly gut wrenching, absolutely horrible and very tough to look at. You are so right, something has to be done. The photo itself is excellent, but I'm having trouble looking at it.

Spiros

thea0211 (1365) 2007-01-31 3:59

hi john,
good to have you back around here ... impressive portrait of this little girl and her happening ... and yes, i think you're right - things should change real fast!
technically: a perfect documentary image - very well done!
thanks for shooting and sharing,
dora

LifeLightDesign (0) 2007-01-31 19:57 [Comment]

Show Comment

fotohadi (2967) 2007-02-02 7:41

Hello Zips,Beautiful shot perfec POV WELL DONE AND GİVİNG STRONG MESSEGE.HADİ

AmiBe (6042) 2007-02-04 15:45

Hi John,
very strong and sad picture.
It's important to show situation like this one.
Good note as well, rgs

Jeppe (18654) 2007-02-06 16:38

Hi John

A very strong and touching image - good to read that there was help for her near by - thanks for sharing this great catch

Senk (2277) 2007-02-09 23:42

wow very good and alot of feeling it the pictures, this is the best pictures for me

take care

Seng

rafid76 (0) 2007-02-10 16:09

this is one of the most powerfull photos i have seen here on TE. the human tradgedy. my heart broke when i saw this beautiful young girl around trash. but im a hypicryte since i will feel sad for about 10minutes and go about my day, all i can offer is a prayer for the misfortuante and the promise in an ancient book.

Mathew 5
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousnes, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.....

[2]

eylul (0) 2007-02-10 16:11

impressive picture
i want to help to her but how???
like another world
i m so sorry

[2]

polter (7217) 2007-02-13 9:23

Hello !
You've got in your gallery plenty of extremelly great photos. But I think one have to start with this one - very true and very moving. And great one. You've managed to change this little child's cray into a great cry of human beeing.
Greetings T.

iamxa (2960) 2007-02-16 9:57

No words. Your photo is great but the moment is horrible. I see children like yours in other parts of the world and I always ask me why. No answer.

jdwyer264 (1082) 2007-02-17 6:49

Its a sad state of affairs that such poverty and pain makes such good subjects for photographs. But it does and this is a great shot, full of genuine emotion. The sharpness and composition.
Needless to say it is sadder that such poverty exists anywhere with such wealth in other areas, it doesn't make sense to me how governments can stand by and let such injustice exist.
TFS

dilane (853) 2007-02-17 11:54

Hi john
what strong picture! I like, we can't forget this girl.
she is very beautiful with a beautiful dress and she cry in rubbish
regards dilane

fkokol (1636) 2007-02-21 17:44

Very impressive shot and note. TFS,

Figen

pack (331) 2007-03-05 6:42

This is really show emotion !!!
I like it :)

Pack

jrj (34839) 2007-03-09 6:26

Strong photo JB and a tragic story to see the little girl in this environment. An ugly world as we 'allow' children to grew up at a garbage place. Your capture and crop is good in a 'photojournalistic' way. Added as a 'favorite' - to not forget..

Shen (44) 2007-03-12 10:24

respect for you ! Great shot also... to show what happens over there...

kai (422) 2007-03-14 7:50

excellent photo, First I saw this photo. It's already sad and after your note, it's become more emotional. I'm totally agreee with your note and wish that one day in the shot future there will be no more time like this image. : )

alimo3 (6849) 2007-03-22 8:20

Hi John,
this is a good and very strong image,
i also know this place wich is for me "hell on Hearth" i took some image but didn't post it on TE.
the face of this little gir ltalk s by itself.
well done.

Tom

Talia (242) 2007-04-08 21:36

oh my god. how horrifying!
i'm glad you helped the girl rather than just snapped a photo. the problem is so huge. thanks for bringing it to light with your note!

I can't add points to a photo like this...feels really strange to. even though you did a great job wih it. you must understand...
Talia

fleurdaubergine (358) 2007-05-20 12:13

Cette photo parle d'elle même. La photo est pafaite, mais c'est difficile de dire qu'elle est belle. L'instant et la réalité transperce, on oublie le rôle du photographe. C'est plus qu'une photo, c'est un engagement. Félicitation !!

happypoppeye (4813) 2007-05-26 2:23

John,

Why did it strike you there was no first aid?
Do you think that if a first aid kit was put in every garbage truck, tractor and store that they would be there a year, let alone a month from now?
I think you are thinking in a non third world / western sense. If I lived in a garbage dump in Cambodia and someone put a first aid kit somewhere I could get to it, the first thing I would do is sell it to buy food or "needs". A first aid kit is basically a crude form of insurance. Something not "needed" in a place like this but an actual luxury. Do children die because of it, yes. Would it make places like this better. Yes. But I think you have to start at the bottom. They need food and shelter. A place like this is has more of a "animalistic" thinking. Survival of the fitest. It is the way of the world. Money is more important than a child halfway around the world. Ignorance.
I could go on forever.

Why not find some way of getting these children out of the dump instead of putting first aid in the dump?
I see you are from the US. Even in a country with as much money as we have there are no first aid kits in any tractor I have ever seen. Probably not in any garbage trucks either.

On that note, I commend you for doing what you did and are doing. Most people would have taken the photo amd left. I'm not trying to put you down or anything like that. Far from it. I actually agree with you but the situation as it is now will prevent your comment from working.

On another note, great photo and great note. Color and composition and really good. The child and her expresiion is priceless and hopefully will "get" to some people. The DOF is good also. Great work. It's people like you you that will get the ball rolling and make Cambodia better. Just keep going at it. Something needs to be done. Maybe you are right. I don't know. If you are looking for help let me know also.

John

Hellas (6180) 2007-08-20 2:29

Congratulations John,
for your interest about that girl as well as for sharing the shot with all of us.
My kindest wishes,
Athanasios.

MLINES (12422) 2009-12-20 21:47

Hi John, I agree with you it is such a sorry story that some children need to "live" like this, if that is the right word, maybe exist is better. I have seen similar situations, though not quite as heart-wrenching as this. I wonder if this sort of existance will ever cease? Very good photo-journalism. TFS. Murray.

Photo Information

Copyright: John Brown (zips) (1958)
Genre: People
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-01-15
Categories: Daily Life
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, RAW
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/640 seconds
More Photo Info: view
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): The Hidden Life of Garbage /2/, hard life, °°Simply Great - Portraits/People°° [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-01-29 3:36
Favorites: 17 [view]