Let Silence Speak!

Theologian Mark D. Thompson of Moore Theological College said, “Perhaps the most powerful image of despair at the beginning of the twenty-first century is not found in art, or literature, or even popular music. It is found in a single photograph.” The photograph in question is that of The Falling Man, taken by Richard Drew of the Associated Press. In the aftermath of 9/11, people were yet to recover from an event that shook history, only to wallow in greater despair at this photograph of a man falling to death, forced to choose, in a dilemma that chills the soul. What we choose to dwell on here, is not this horrific tragedy but on the power of the photograph. In an instant, it captures a moment in history for eternity. Having the right shots can lead to very compelling advertising. It makes people think, feel and stirs the deepest emotions. An example that comes to mind here is of the Purina Dog Chow Campaign. With a simple picture of leftovers being fed to a dog shaped trash can, the company gets across the message that a thousand pictures of happy, smiling dogs cannot. Every dog owner cannot help thinking if he is indeed treating his best friend like trash. So how about a ‘picture perfect’ story for success?