Today is a sad day among those who have been affected by the work of Tim Hetherington, who most recently directed, Restrepo. His work, specifically in Restrepo, offered the world a new perspective on war and those who are caught in the middle of it. Tim was certainly not the first war/humanitarian photographer, but his work was unique in that it forced you to look at the intimate details, a view from the inside. Tim was able to take an issue that has global implications, such as the war in Afghanistan, and present it to the world on an individual scale. This is what set him apart from the hundreds of other combat correspondents throughout the world, his ability to personalize the experiences of men and women caught in a war thousands of miles away from the main streets of the Western world. We have lost an important visionary today, a true voice of the people that have suffered the horrors of the killing fields.
We can take solace in the fact that Tim was doing what he loved and though it seems a horrible way to die, I imagine Tim would have it no other way. To die doing what he was created to do, to bring us out of the comfort of our seemingly petty lives and force us to empathize with those who struggle daily for the freedoms we take for granted.
We can take solace in the fact that Tim was doing what he loved and though it seems a horrible way to die, I imagine Tim would have it no other way. To die doing what he was created to do, to bring us out of the comfort of our seemingly petty lives and force us to empathize with those who struggle daily for the freedoms we take for granted.
I first met Tim just a few short months ago, at a Q&A session at the school of Journalism at WVU. He took the time to answer my many questions regarding his work and his passion, which I shared with him. In addition, he provided me with some valuable insight and direction for our project, The Graffiti of War. After that he kept in touch via email, keeping tabs on the project’s success and just a few weeks ago, I spoke to him regarding his trip to Africa. As always, he was generous with his time and offered me some advice and promised to touch base with me upon his return from North Africa. That would be the last time I had the pleasure of his guidance.
Going forward, those of us working on this project, should honor his memory by working that much harder to showcase the realities of conflict and the human stories that transpire within these global struggles for freedom and democracy. It is because of Tim’s work, that we know the names of those who fought courageously in the Korengal Valley; it is because of his vision that we see the human side and personal experiences of those who live the realities of war. We can honor his memory and ultimate sacrifice by continuing his art, his passion and bring the reality of conflict home to those who can make a difference in the lives of those living it and dying for it.
Going forward, those of us working on this project, should honor his memory by working that much harder to showcase the realities of conflict and the human stories that transpire within these global struggles for freedom and democracy. It is because of Tim’s work, that we know the names of those who fought courageously in the Korengal Valley; it is because of his vision that we see the human side and personal experiences of those who live the realities of war. We can honor his memory and ultimate sacrifice by continuing his art, his passion and bring the reality of conflict home to those who can make a difference in the lives of those living it and dying for it.
Instead of a moment of silence, I'm sure Tim would prefer a lifetime of service and dedication in the pursuit of understanding and empathy. In your honor, Tim Hetherington, may your memory live on through the lives of those you have touch through the sacrifice of your life.
Tim Hetherington: 1970 - 2011
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Jaeson "Doc" Parsons
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