Pictures that Lie

I chose the digitally altered photograph of O.J. Simpson which appeared on June 1994 cover of Time magazine. The picture was manipulated from the original mug shot; Times made Simpson many shades darker in the altered photo. The reason I chose this pictures is because the altered picture purposelly darkens his features which prompts people to think that he is more aggressive, and possibly even guilty. Unfortunately, society often associates darker skintone with more aggressive personalities, and Times used this societal prejudice to help them sell magazines. Furthermore, the fact that Times released this darkened photo of O.J. Simpson right after the arrest, means that it was deliberately trying to effect the way people view Simpson, which can negatively effect the outcome of his court case. Hence, it was undoubtedly harmful to O.J. Simpson and his future trial by tainting his image.