Photographing old and young Moroccan people in their everyday life is plain voyeurism. I already wrote that in a previous blog; but more and more bloggers are still doing just that.
Thinking they see beauty. There is no beauty in photographing a little girl begging in the street, just as it is not a great picture to see an old man or woman sleeping in the streets of the old Medinas. I only see voyeurism in these photos combined with a lack of respect and patronising attitude.
Local Moroccans are not a rare species of animals. They are human beings, with dignity, feelings, integrity and a soul.
I read a blog the other day that published a photo of an old man having a snooze on his bags in Jamaa Lafna, in Marrakech. The photographer was so excited and proud of her picture and expressed her desire to meet the old man again and be able to give him the photo. If only she knows how little the man will care about the picture of himself sleeping in the street... The photograph and the photographer showed a complete lack of sensitivity and respect for others, not to mention a complete lack of brains too!!!
I don't feel the need or desire to go to any country in the world and point my lens at its local people in their local misery.
Maybe the explanation is: taking pictures of misery and showing it to others makes us feel superior and certainly feel better. It's insecurity, or maybe just a way of dealing with their own depression and their own problems...
If this is the case, then it's true - Morocco is becoming a destination for therapy , for psychological healing and to regain the feel good factor.
I will always have respect for ordinary people, genuine artists and authors who lived, visited or just appreciated Morocco. People who truly loved the country and it's genuine and unique beauty who were only looking for inspiration, discovery and learning. They respected and continue to respect the culture and its people. They appreciate but don't abuse the true generosity and beauty of Morocco and its people.
I am aware of blogs showing these type of photos with the sole real purpose of serving their own sense of well-being and their needs.
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