The
Picture Problem by Malcolm Gladwell explores the expectations and
limitations of the photographic medium. Gladwell illustrates the parallels
between the use of photography in war and in the medical field, demonstrating
how dependent humans are on photography for truth. During the Gulf War, the Air
Force relied heavily on a $4.6 million device that used high-resolution
infrared photographs to navigate and target potential Iraqi scud missiles known
as Lantrin. Despite the outstanding capabilities the Lantrin brought to the
table, there was stillroom for human error. For example, the Lantrin would only
work when it was pointed directly at the target, and the screen the pilots were
using currently only had the capability of seeing six inches by six inches at a
time. Humans also lacked the knowledge of what the actual scud missiles looked
like. Without the necessary knowledge of knowing exactly what they are looking
for, and skill to skim the night sky fast and efficiently to locate and take
down the scud missiles, the mission seems almost impossible. Although, the
technology was a huge asset, the limitations of the Lantrin are apparent. At
the end of the day the Lantrin, itself, wasn’t capable of doing the tasks the
Air Force needed to get done.
Mammography is utilized in a
similar matter, in which humans put their faith in the picture of scanned
breasts for tumors and cancers. The picture would be just a picture of breasts
without human interpretation and understanding of how to potentially detect
early signs of tumors and cancers. Although patients often like to know the
size of their tumor from the x-ray, the visuals are often sometimes
misconstrued. Society is ingrained to think that a small spot is better than a
large spot, however, the visual misleads our intuition. Scientists and doctors
still are not able to give definite answers from mammograms. This is not only due
to the limitations of the photograph but also, our current scientific knowledge
and understanding. Radiologists and doctors can take thousands of x-rays and
still not be sure if someone with DCIS will lead to a serious health issue,
resulting in them treating them all. The mammograms limitations also include
tumors hiding in the densest part of the breast not allowing the radiologist to
see any signs of future health risks, as well as, not being able to indicate
whether or not the cancer has metastasized. However, despite these limitations the
use of the mammogram’s potential in indicating the detection of tumors or
cancer is evident and beneficial.
Mark Goldstein said “there is
nothing in science or technology that has even come close to the sensitivity of
the human finger… we simply don’t trust our tactile sense as much as our visual
sense.” This idea stood out to me because our fingers are an incredible
resource and just because we might not physically see something doesn’t mean it
is not there. If someone annually did a breast examination and realized
something out of the ordinary they should trust themselves that their hands
aren’t making something up. People need to learn to trust themselves and their
senses, and knowledge. Although we like to believe everything we see as truth,
and take it for what it is, that is not always the case. I believe we should
always second-guess what is in front of our eyes no matter what form of media.
I couldn’t help but think of Robert Capa’s photograph, ‘Falling Solider’, when
thinking that photographs can misconstrue the public. I think it’s especially crucial
nowadays where media is constantly around us in our day-to-day lives, to
remember all visuals do have limitations and they are not a guaranteed truth. Any
visual can also be staged or photoshopped to look as if something else had
happened. Photographs aren’t given a meaning until a human gives them a purpose
based off their knowledge, culture, experience, gender, skill etc.
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