TO TAKE PICTURES OR NOT TO TAKE PICTURES? THAT’S THE QUESTION.

Poverty is one of the many bitter social issues we have to grapple with everyday, yet it is not uncommon nowadays to see very rich people parade the poor on social media for the entire world to see. One wonders if these poor ‘beggars’ ever get to know that their sorry situation and the resultant aid were shown on social media platforms. In fact, in most cases, the poor never really beg to be given foodstuffs and other basic amenities by those with the means – more often than not, it is the affable who make unsolicited offers to donate one or two things that could range from simple foodstuffs to blankets, clothes and even money. The question we need to tackle here dear Sun Reader, is whether it is right for a helper helping the helpless to take pictures of their noble deed and then post it on facebook, twitter or Instagram. Opinion on this matter was actually divided when one day in the recent past, the diminutive local music star, Vee Mampeezy took pictures of himself donating foodstuffs to a family of the poor and then posted them on facebook. There were those who actually found it disturbing for Vee to be flaunting his philanthropic gesture and by extension, his richies, while others felt his posting of the pictures had actually inspired them to also do the same for the needy in their own villages. This latter group strongly believed that the pictures helped incite in them the spirit of compassion where they were prompted to serve humanity with the little they have. For the former lot, Vee’s was just an act to seek attention and to attract more likes on his social media page. Yet in both cases, the bigger picture would be to serve humanity – the satisfaction that you have helped someone in need. It could be for pure and genuine intensions with some people, while for others it could be for selfish reasons. Yet at all times we must always remember that it is this poor person and his feelings that matter. The receiving poor person may be happy for your donation yet uncomfortable with the camera – and they may not even have the courage to stop you from taking pictures of them receiving your goods for fear of losing out on the gifts. Remember that such people kana le bone have self esteem and worth, yet they may find themselves in a difficult position where they do not want to upset the giver. Some elsewhere may even be that needy but afraid to seek help for fear of our smartphones that actually outsmart us sometimes. So, dear Sun Reader here, we seek to find out what you feel about this matter - to take pictures or not to take pictures? Can’t the people even sue, should they tomorrow find out you have posted them on social media without their consent. What’s your take Sun Reader? Send your comments to: