On Photography , Susan Sontag

“On Photography”, Susan Sontag

Group Work: With your group, discuss photography in terms of the following concepts in Sontag’s writing. 1) Locate the quote(s) that relate to the concept; 2) explain the quote in your own words; and 3) provide your own examples to illustrate. Be prepared to discuss your findings with the rest of the class:

GROUP #1: What are Photographs? Acts of appropriation (4) Packages for the world and packaged themselves (4) Evidence (5) An Interpretation of the World (7)

GROUP #2: Photography as Activity of the Masses An Aggressive Act (7) Activity of the Masses-- Social Rite of Family Life (8) A Principal Device for Experiencing Something (9-10) Defense Against Anxiety. Imitation of work. “A Chronic Voyeurism Leveling the Meaning of all Events” (11)

GROUP #3: The Photographer’s Relationship to Subject An Event in and of itself (11) An Act of Non-Intervention (11-12) A Predatory Act (14) Addictive Fantasy Machinery (14-15)

GROUP 4: Desire, Nostalgia, Morality To Touch With Pathos (15-16) Both Pseudo-Presence and Token of Absence (15-16) Talismanic (15-16) (Possessing magical power.) Stimulant of Desire (Sexual) (17-19) Stimulant of Desire (Moral) (17-19)

GROUP 5: Corruption Corruption of the Senses--Deadening of Consciousness (20-21) The Opposite of Understanding (22-23) Irresistible Mental Pollution (24)