Photos Degrading

I am compelled to write this letter of concern regarding the series of photographs of two transients that appeared in The Times on May 13. To remain silent, I feel, would be an expression of my approval of this type of journalism.

My first thought upon opening to these photographs was that the wrong paper had been delivered to me. This journalistic style is more characteristic of one of San Diego’s other newspapers. I am in genuine awe that the Los Angeles Times would print this series of photographs.

I interpret these photos of the two transients and the caption that followed to be very sarcastic in nature. Why photographer Dave Gately felt it necessary to degrade these human beings during a very low point in their lives is hard for me to comprehend. Society already holds firm to the stereotype of the transient as was depicted--drunk and in the gutter. Perhaps this scene happens all too frequently, but so does the scene of the middle- or upper-class barhopper getting behind a lethal weapon, the automobile, after happy hour.

The three-sentence explanation increased the cynicism of the photographer. For the Los Angeles Times to ridicule these two men is a sad reflection of the values held by our society today.

The Times has run several positive articles on the homeless or transients and shown true concern. I congratulated your paper for making the public aware of a side to the homeless that most are not aware of. However, if one picture is truly worth a thousand words, then you published a 3,000-word story that serves only to reinforce the stereotype of the transient as a drunk, lying in the gutter.

DIANE A. ROGIER

La Mesa