It is sad and
unnecessary that any of these photographs exist.
Most of the
events chronicled here can be attributed directly to mankind’s greed,
intolerance, prejudice, inhumanity, lust for political power, and sheer
stupidity. The siege of Sarajevo, ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, famine in Sudan,
AIDS in Africa, devastated post 9/11 New Yorkers – generations of lives
needlessly wasted.
The people
portrayed in the preceding pages are heroes. Real heroes, unlike those shallow
icons from the worlds of cinema, fashion, or foodball, so carefully
manufactured to sell movies, newspapers, cars and sunglasses.
Innocent people
trapped and battered by circumstances beyond their control. Ordinary humans in
extraordinary situations, displaying immense courage, sacrifice, dignity, and
the determination to survive what has befallen them and their loved ones.
So don’t feel
sorry when you look at these pictures – feel angry that we need to be reminded
of such folly.
It is sad but
necessary that these photographs exist.
Tom Stoddart,
photographer
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