NYT Slideshow as an Organizing Tool

                An old but popular quote “pictures speak louder than words” never grows old. And when you’re talking about comparisons, photojournalism is a wonderful tool. The New York Times publication, “Rallies Across the Globe Protest Economic Policies” appears online as a slideshow.  It depicts protests that were held around the world on Saturday October 15, 2011 in support of New York City Occupy Wall Street protestors. Together, the photos show that a social movement is rippling throughout the world, but when comparing them, the photos show that the core and strength of the movement is presently located in New York City. A photo taken at Washington Square Park clearly tells readers that a crowd too big to fit in the photo capture, was present. Other slideshow photos, such as the one taken in Los Angeles, show passionate but smaller protests. And this is why the photos are so important.

                For protest organizers around the world, this is very useful information. The photos allow readers to see and feel the growing power and diversity of the movement in a way that words can’t. And organizers can draw on the visuals and gather a true sense of who is part of the movement.  We can note that the movement is becoming more diverse, while we observe where more outreach is needed. Thanks to the slideshow, the public was provided with a quick and understandable analysis and comparison of the protests. Hopefully by the time the next slideshow appears in the New York Times, we will see thousands gathered in the places where only hundreds were photographed before.