'PEACE ON EARTH!' - What do you think of this photo?

"Finally, Peace on Earth!"
Photo from Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page

"A picture is worth a thousand words" 

The idiom which refers to the notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image, or that an image of a subject conveys its meaning and essence more effectively than a description does, was made real when a Louisiana-based photographer posted a family photo she took in her Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page. As soon as the photo was posted, it quickly went viral that not only a thousand words, but tens of thousand words were contributed by netizens about the controversial Holiday-duct photo. 

The family photo shows the girls and the mom bound by Christmas lights and their mouths taped shut with neon green duct tape, as the dad holds 'Peace on Earth' sign while the little boy stands next to him, giving the camera a thumbs up. 

The photographer faced a big backlash for this holiday picture in a way that critics reportedly took issue with the picture, calling it sexist and promoting the idea of domestic violence and silencing women while others apparently thought the photo was just a harmless joke.

On December 15, Hawkes defended the photo and wrote on her Facebook page status, saying it was requested by the family pictured and in no way meant to promote abuse.

"After being silent, now isn't that ironic, I would like to speak! 

I have been called every name in the book, and have received some very hateful and vulgar comments and messages. I would like to say that as a female I do NOT and have never promoted violence to women! 

I do not support abuse, or the degradation of women. My controversial photo was taken by request by the family, and was in no way meant to promote abuse. 

This photo was taken with humor in mind, and was meant as a comical Christmas photo. I personally know this family, and have known them for many years. They are not abusive to their children in any shape or form. Also, I would like to add that no one was harmed during the process! So everyone have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and MAY GOD BLESS you and yours!"

This defense fell on deaf ears. With hundreds of shares, the company’s Facebook page has been shut down.

PHOTOGRAPHER’S FACEBOOK PAGE GETS SHUT DOWN AFTER CONTROVERSIAL HOLIDAY DUCT-TAPE PHOTO

I love Photography. I even would like to be a Photographer because pictures and images speak louder than words. So much can be extracted and communicated from a single photo. I am a visual-type of person for that reason. But even with the same photo, it may be perceived differently by others. It may mean differently to other viewers.

Since the time of Hippocrates, researchers and experts in the field of personality and human behavior have been seeking ways to understand how different personality and behavioral styles perceive things and impact others. It was found out that what is inside, what is hidden, what is not seen by others is what usually comes out when a person reacts. The thing inside of us is what comes out when we're asked how we perceive things and images.

So what is the intent of this photo? The photograph very loudly speaks what it intends to convey.

It was obviously meant as a joke. Maybe done in jest? To some it may have been done in poor taste. Others find it funny. To some it may be insensitive and disturbing. To others it could be degrading. Still others see it as artistic.

We cannot put judgment on the sentiment of the photo. The family meant it the way to be.

The value of the photo lies on how it is received.

How do you look at this photo? What are your thoughts about it?

The judgment is yours!

Here are two other photos that could have been taken together during the photo shot of that now controversial photo with the green duct tape

Johnson Family Photos
Photo from Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page

The photographer had so much fun with these three at the Grant Christmas Tree Farm!
Photo from Hannah Hawkes Photography Facebook Page

J u s t   t h i n k i n g   o u t  l o u d !