It wasn’t a war photograph, but it sure could have been.
The emaciated, sore-infested body of a mentally disabled man dominated Friday’s front page, his pain-filled eyes and grimaced mouth revealing volumes.
No, this wasn’t one of Saddam Hussein’s victims. This was Edgar Vannoy, a 25-year-old Kenmore man, whose mother and stepfather have been charged in the case.
Readers reacted quickly. Offended, appalled and repulsed were the three words used most often. The most frequently heard complaint — that the Akron Beacon Journal violated this unfortunate man’s privacy.
One woman was so horrified, she hid the front page from her children. Another called the photo “total abuse” by the newspaper.
One man said the photo was disrespectful to Vannoy’s dignity. “Think things through next time,” he advised.
Calling it tabloid journalism, Eloise Dunn of Wooster said there was no need for the photo. “Shock the jury, not the readers at their breakfast table.”
Bath Township reader Tamara Simich said the photo “victimized this young man a second time.”
Ruth Fee of Akron said the photo repulsed her, causing her to quickly turn the page. “I can’t tell you what’s on the front page today, I was so appalled. I just can’t imagine why you would do this.”
Cuyahoga Falls reader Kathy Johnson said she quickly put another section of the paper on top of the front page. “This isn’t something we can do anything about,” she said. “There is little call to action here.”
The editors who made the decision to use the photo might disagree with that, though. Something can be done when more people are made aware of problems that exist in the community. This photo was used because it effectively illustrated one of those problems.
“I don’t think many people want to acknowledge that something like this can happen in their own neighborhood,” said Susan Kirkman, assistant managing editor for presentation. “For this to truly resonate with readers, we thought the photo needed to be used prominently on the front page.”
Managing Editor Debra Adams Simmons said there was a lengthy discussion before the final decision was made. “We understood that some readers would be offended by the photo. We gave that careful consideration.
“But this was a story that needed to be told, and the photo was a powerful part of it.”
Other readers applauded the photo.
“This picture makes me sick,” said Greg Smith of Barberton, “but I was glad to see it on the front page.”
Smith, the father of a disabled child, said the photo and story will go a long way toward making sure this kind of thing never happens again.
Susan Lancione of Akron said it was difficult to look at the photo, but she agreed with the need to use it.
“Pictures are printed of abused animals and the public reacts with outrage; money and adoption offers flow in,” she said. “Should not the same happen for a human being? Is he any less worthy than these animals who are so frequently in the paper?
“Life is not easy for some of us; reality is not pretty. Perhaps by printing this photo and long article, you will save the life of another abused child or adult.”
Lancione gave one final observation: “This is a hard way to springboard discussions with your children and family regarding abuse, but it must be done. One person can make a difference.”
After listening to about two dozen readers and witnessing the newsroom discussions, I have to agree with Lancione. I cringed when I saw the photo. I was horrified.
Immediately, I knew that readers would object. Once again, this photo illustrates how a newspaper’s mission can conflict with reader sensibilities.
Sometimes it takes shock to bring about change. Sometimes it’s what a newspaper has to do.
