ABSTRACT
Laura Watson, Brisbane Youth Service
Is there ever truly an ethical way of presenting someone’s suffering and misfortunes? When speaking for others, sharing and ‘benefiting’ from someone’s own words, what ethical guideposts should we navigate by?
There is ongoing debate regarding the appropriate representation of recipients in charity campaign materials that are intended to accurately define and represent social problems while also maximising fundraising success. Discomfort at the use of potentially exploitive images and narratives lay at the heart of this debate.
It is not uncommon for those working closely with vulnerable people to be concerned about the use of their clients’ personal stories for fundraising purposes. Even where a person is happy to have their experiences shared, it can still make others feel uncomfortable.