Susan Sontag

In “Why We Take Pictures,” Susan Sontag discusses the increase use of technology and its ability to impact the daily lives of mankind. Taking pictures is a form of self-evolution that slowly begins to shape past and present experiences into reality. Sontag argues how the use of photography is capable of surpassing our reality by helping us understand the concept of emotion, diversity, and by alleviating anxiety and becoming empowered. Moreover, according to her argument, people are able to construct

enjoying them due to being so focused on taking the perfect picture. Others take pictures in order to cope with low self-esteem. No matter what the motive is behind a picture , good or bad, they all have one thing in common-- they tell a story. Susan Sontag argues that taking pictures is used in a way to defend against anxiety and also to gain power. I agree with Sontag’s claim and believe that pictures are also used in a way to manipulate society and also to inform the people of what is happening

extent to which the technological progression of social media would assert itself in contemporary humanity. A staple of the technological age engulfing society as we know it has been social media; blurring the lines between reality and technology. In Susan Sontag’s Regarding the Pain of Others she explains the influence photography has imparted upon humankind which, compared to it’s tremendous benefits upon society, can oftentimes do just as much harm. Studies by both Bucknell and Nottingham Trent University

event. On another note, one photograph could hold heartwarming memories forever. In addition, one photograph could stir a controversy that will have people debating whether an entity is real or not. Overall, as Susan Sontag mentions in her book Photograph, “Photographs furnish evidence.”(Sontag); in other words, whether if it is, good, bad, or misinterpreted, one photograph can be used as evidence that something in fact happened or is real.

the readers. In the story, Sontag structures the essay base on many historical events and other religious ideas to support her idea, how a woman sometime is only judge by her appearance. Specifically, Sontag uses three ideas in the story to support her argument. First is in history what the Greeks believe in a woman’s beauty. Second, Sontag discuss about how the Christian religion plays a major role in shaping how a woman is judge only base on her beauty. In the end, Sontag talks about in today’s society

Chloe Chrysikopoulos Holocaust Professor Gillerman November 20, 2014 Susan Sontag states, “The likelihood that your acts of resistance cannot stop the injustice does not exempt you from acting in what you sincerely and reflectively hold to be the best interests of your community.” (Sontag At the Same Time: Essays and Speeches) This quote, while not written to reflect the resistance of the Jews during the Holocaust, can certainly apply to their situation. There has been argument amongst

“The Way We Live Now” by Susan Sontag had a compelling writing style that gave off the impression that it was a gossip column. Sontag’s short story focuses on the conversations the unnamed central character’s friends have. This unnamed male has AIDS and his condition dictates these conversations. While getting treatment at a hospital, his friends visit and bring him gifts, such as flowers and chocolate. After a while, the doctor sends the unknown protagonist home; Quentin, one of his friends, moves

Sontag claims that “photography is, a social rite, but it can also be a defense against anxiety and a tool of power (page 130).” She backs claim by stating “photographs give people an imaginary possession of a past that is unreal, they also help people to take possessions of space in which they are insecure.” (Sontag page 131). In other words, having pictures allow people to tell stories that may not be exactly true. I agree with Sontag because I have witnessed and experienced how pictures can hurt

In “The Way We Live Now” Susan Sontag narrates the story of the AIDS diagnosis of an unnamed man and explores fear, anxiety and uncertainty in his friends’ reactions to his diagnosis. The story is set in a conversation mode to reveal the fear and stigma of society surrounding AIDS. In my essay I will examine how Sontag’s story highlights varied ways through which people who are close to or at least know an AIDS patient react to his diagnosis. In her short story Sontag uses point of view to reveal

whenever we desire. Although it can be argued that people are no longer enjoying experiences and becoming narcissistic by the amount of pictures taken, in Susan Sontag’s essay, “Why We Take Pictures”, she depicts her theory that photography can be used as a defense mechanism against anxiety and a tool of power. I personally agree with Sontag on the significance of photographs because it's pleasing have a physical record of an adventure or informational event or even in the remembrance of ones culture