Napalm Girl Photograph - Redieat Abebe

    This picture by Nick Ut, a Vietnamese photographer, depicts children running away from their village after a napalm attack. The picture appeared in American newspapers in 1972 and spurred great controversy. It was very shocking to viewers and President Nixon even questioned its authenticity. The photographer went on to defend the authenticity of the picture for years. He states that his picture truly depicts the horror of the Vietnam War. This caused many Americans to question the nation's involvement in the Vietnam War. 

    The composition of the picture reflects Ut's disapproval of the war and his concern for its victims. The focal point of the picture is the naked, little girl—identified as Kim Phuc—who is screaming in horror after having her clothes burned off her body. Her two brothers are running on the left side of the image and her two cousins run holding hands on the right. The terrified expressions of the children contrast dramatically against the stoic and calm demeanor of the troops. Moreover, the smoky background provides some context for what the subjects are running from. This photograph not only shows the suffering of the specific subjects but also captures the tragedy of the whole Vietnam war. 

    After the picture was taken, Ut helped the little girl by rushing her to a hospital. Doctors predicted Phuc would die but the popularity of the photograph raised money for her recovery. She later emigrated to Canada and stayed in contact with Ut, even calling him "Uncle Nick".