Warning this post contains nudity or sexual activity (according to Facebook)
Regular readers of my blog would be aware that I try and stay away from controversy whenever possible as people with mental health issues are often vulnerable and I endeavour to adhere to “Primum non nocere” (First, do no harm).
However, I recently received a message from Facebook stating that it had removed one of my posts on my personal page because it violated community standards and could be considered offensive. I do not know who reported it nor do I particularly care. Additionally, I am unsure as to when I posted it, but it would have been quite some time ago. I no doubt did post it, as I find contrast can be helpful at times to help cultivate gratitude when we feel life is hard. Despite me appealing, Facebook declined to overturn their original decision.
Here is the offending photo:
So is this photo offensive? I initially thought not but after some reflection I decided that maybe Facebook was right. Here is what I find offensive in relation to this photo. According to World Vision “Globally, 844 million people lack access to clean drinking water. Every day, over 800 children die from dirty water, due to diarrhoea caused by poor water, sanitation and hygiene and scarce or unreliable water and sanitation facilities in many communities around the world.” In 2018 “Worldwide, 2.1 billion people still live without safe drinking water in their homes and more than one billion people still have no choice but to defecate outside”. So well done Facebook for protecting us from offensive photos.
I did however find another photo I think is more offensive. Worldwide over 1,800 Billion dollars is spent on the military and yet we can’t find enough money to ensure everyone has access to clean water.
Hopefully Facebook will keep a look out for this offensive photo as well. Which photo do you find more offensive ?
Wishing you all the best in your journey
Phil Miranda
Sources:
https://www.worldvision.com.au/global-water-crisis-facts
Military Expenditure By Barnhorst – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76931758