The Picture Problem

The problem outlined in The Picture Problem seems to be a combination of human error and the faults of images. Although technology may advance exponentially each year the human mind does not, that of course takes centuries of evolution. Mammograms can now spot the minutest of irregularities in breasts and satellites can pinpoint the location of a suspicious vehicle in a foreign country but it is not guaranteed that the radiologist or the CIA analyst can correctly interpret the image these technologies provide. In each case discussed in the New York Times article it was the lack of knowledge needed to accompany the respective image that lead to a problem. In the case of the targeted ball bearings factories in Germany during the Second World War, the Allies were able to locate the factory and use the Mark XV to calculate the most accurate bomb release time and demolish the buildings. After the fact, when it was revealed that Germany could fair well without the bearings, the military was left looking foolish for not investigating their target to the fullest extent, leading them to lose dozens of planes and pilots. Again we see in the case of the photographs produced by Secretary of State Colin Powel that allegedly provided proof that the Iraqi government was harboring weapons of mass destruction, were very much open to interpretation. Multiple analysts had different opinions on what the images actually contained, leaving a number of holes in Powel's argument. Therefore the problem with pictures isn't necessarily that the pictures are faulty or misleading but without the pertinent information or skills to investigate and image the mind is left to imagination. This gap between reality and interpretation can lead to complications, whether it be over-diagnosing DCIS as life threatening conditions or unnecessary bombings resulting in loss of life.