What is the First Amendment? There are many thoughts which come to mind when asked this question. The First Amendment bluntly states the equal right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of peaceful gathering, and freedom of press. Not allowing the publication of books, magazines, pictures, or newspapers by any means, would violate this right. According to Derek Bok, "To disapprove of a particular form of communication.is not enough to justify prohibiting it" (Bok, 51). Nora Ephron states that "it is irresponsible. for newspapers to fail to show [pictures of dead bodies]" (Ephron, 113). Bok further supports Ephron in stating that the presentation of symbols, pictures, etc. "cannot be forbidden simply because it offends the feelings of many members of the community" (Bok, 52). The way people choose to express themselves can vary in many different ways. One form of this "self-expression" is photography. Through photography, a photographer can speak without the need for words. If freedom of speech suggests that all forms of expression are protected by the First Amendment, then photography most certainly is protected by the same amendment. .
In her article, The Boston Photographs, Nora Ephron argues the fact that the publication of photography should not be limited to what the public wants to see. Certainly, many people are not in favor of viewing pictures of "death in action" (Ehpron, 111), but according to Bok, it is not up to the viewing audience whether or not these pictures should be published. Of course, that same audience is entitled to speak their mind on the issue, but "It is important to distinguish between the appropriateness of such communications and their status under the First Amendment" (Bok, 51). Granted, photographs of death may not be suitable for many audiences, however, they should not be rejected publication. Just as photographers have the right to publish their expressions, the audience viewing those expressions has the right to disregard them.
