I come from the age of iconic photographs, not that long ago. Certain photographs, often published on the front pages of newspapers, would require that readers pay attention, focus on an issue (frequently a calamitous one such as war, famine, a natural disaster), and focus on it for the first time, or even re-think their positions. The photograph, even those of events happening far away, demanded attention. And while thinking about it, the reader knew that there were many others doing the same thing, reading the image, reflecting upon its meanings, perhaps even asking what they could do to help.
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