Generally so, but more when it is photo-realistic, and more so when it is against groups who are discriminated against. So eye mouths on Zuck? Not so much. I’m not a fan, but it’s not the same as trying to make a woman look older and more wrinkled, or making an African American look darker.
So, no, your premise that I must object to every altered image of a person does not hold up. Also note that I have multiple responses in this thread because of people advocating for digitally altering Conway’s photo.
Whoah. I did not know I had to go back to kindergarten here with you. OK. People with gaunt, lined faces are not necessarily evil. They’re just old, or dehydrated. Yes, I know that’s the way witches look in fairy tale books, but we’re trying to do better than that now.
If the image had altered to make a Jewish caricature of him, photo realistically or otherwise, then yes I’d object. A racist trope is that being Jewish, and looking Jewish, is a signifier of evil. I’d hope you would object, too. Are you saying you wouldn’t?
One aspect that would make me object to altered images is the extent the alterations go to the things people use to discriminate against the class of people. Women are discriminated against, among other things, based on their attractiveness, which is part of why trying to make Conway unattractive in a photo as part of an argument against her is objectionable on principle.
Spinning it off is legit as it is a side topic. Perhaps it should be called “BoingBoing doesn’t have to have standards of any kind because it is a blog”?
(I don’t think management believes BB doesn’t have to have any standards, mind you, but that is what you were essentially arguing in your “reminder”.)
I am sitting here, amazed at the fervor with which some of my neighbors are advocating for their unrestricted right to use misogynistic insults on Boing Boing.
FWIW, I feel like you have a valid point. There are whole classes in how photo-manipulation in media distorts perceptions and influences opinions. But too many just aren’t having it. Lead a horse to water and all that. But don’t feel like you have to make yourself horse defending it. At this point you’ve explained it well, they either agree or disagree.
