An open letter to all staff and members of Pentax User

I would like to make a request.

So let’s have a grown up discussion.

At this moment in time, I am angry, very angry. But please read on to the reason why.

Could all images of firearms, either in the gallery, in the forums, or as an avatar picture be categorized as an offensive image and be removed. I know these are pretty rare. But last Friday, in the city that we live in, 50 people were murdered. This was done with the same sort of weapon as is currently shown in the gallery at this very moment in time. The shootings were done in two places of worship. I am no means a religious person. One of these places backs up onto a school. During the shooting, the city was placed into lock down until the gunman was stopped. Members of the public, as well as the police put their lives on the lines to stop this person.

My thoughts go out to the people who have been directly affected. There are 50 people currently being buried in a mass grave. Those other 50 people who survived being shot, will have both the physical as well as mental scars to deal with for the rest of their lives. My other half works within 600 meters of where one of the shootings happened. She could hear the gunfire as people were being killed. Her profession being part of the crew that puts people back physically together again. I could give you some factual accounts, but I do not think that this is the correct place.

At this very moment in time, just under 400 000 people are in mourning in this city. I have no idea what the rest of the country is feeling like, but I can only guess. Everyone I have spoken to knows someone who has been effected directly.

I understand that this is a UK site. I lived there for seventeen years. The UK has had Dunblane, Australia has had Port Arthur, and America, well let’s not even go there. I am not having a go at gun owners. I have owned firearms for pest control. Not the type designed to kill people. There is something seriously wrong with the human race when guns are glorified.

I have not read if this sort of image is deemed as offensive already. If you think that I am over reacting, please let me know. It has been one hell of a week.

This is open to discussion.

Regards

Gary

Most definitely our thoughts go out to all our New Zealand friends - you may be a long way away but we are well aware of the pain that has resulted from terrible atrocities.

As for the image, it may be an innocent still life in another context, but in the current situation especially could well be taken as very insensitive. I have removed the image and am sorry that it has caused the offence that it clearly has.

If there is any image or post that is seen as inappropriate then a PM or a Report should see it being dealt with as soon as we do our next sweep of the forum.

Thank you John.

Regards

Gary

I am in full agreement with your proposal Gary.

Like you I found the posting of a military firearm photograph on this forum deeply disturbing when I came across it last night. In light of the Christchurch mosque carnage it was at best insensitive, but I am also worried about the increase of this genre of photography on public photographic websites and social media.

John, I appreciate that you took prompt action to remove the offending image, and note your advice about reporting inappropriate images.

Some of the images that are beginning to appear even on media that you think you control (i.e. one's own timeline on Twitter) are beginning to show glorified violence, particularly with firearms. We should not entertain it here as it can never be considered other than offensive, whether by design or implication. Even traditional hunting scenes are now offensive since the unnecessary taking of any life has become unacceptable to all but a few.