If I sat down to count the number of times I have exhibited bravery in my life, it would take me a while. Not because of the number of occasions I would need to recall; but because I would have trouble remembering any. There was that time when I almost argued with she who must be obeyed’s choice of parking spot; but I wisely chickened out before proceeding. But apart from that I have confined myself to my very small comfort zone.
I did venture out during the red shirt protests in 2009, but that was a fairly benign envrionment.
Interesting to note the number of police actively involved in managing the red shirt protests, compared the current conflict where they only turn up after something has happened……
So I have a very high regard for those who put themselves in harm’s way in order to capture conflict. And I have no higher regard than for James Nachtwey. If you want to see the extent to which this guy has risked his life over the years, watch the documentary “War Photographer”. They put a small video camera on top of his camera and record what he sees when he goes out into a war zone; balls of steel.
At the age of 65, I assumed he had retired and was now pottering around his garden taking photos of birds. But no, yesterday he was out on the streets of Bangkok and was shot. The reports initially said he had been killed, then they decided he had been wounded in the leg, then they announced he had just been grazed by a bullet.
Even so, if that had been me I would have left the country for somewhere quieter and less bullet-ridden immediately. But not Mr. Nachtwey. He was out on the streets again this morning, minus the usual press gear of helmet and flack jacket.
Respect.
I told she who must be obeyed the story. “If I was his wife I wouldn’t let him do this” she observed firmly. “If you were his wife he would probably complain about your choice of parking spots” I didn’t reply because I have no wish to start being brave at this time of my life.