The Mercy of Others

The Mercy of Others

These photographic images reveal through the lives and faces of individuals an 'interior presence' whose poignant energy and pathos communicate to the viewer the conflicting dynamics of love and alienation. Initially, each image comes alive as a living metaphor symbolizing the alienatation of the individual from the moral and spiritual bonds of communoity. But, more profoundly, each image penetrates beyond the 'metaphor of alienation' and discovers in the dynamic core of the person a certain restless and irresistible 'crying out for love and community.'

The metaphorical quality of this 'crying out for love and community' gives these images a unique capacity to establish a profound and lasting dialogue with the viewer. To be sure, each image presents a brutal and unsettling presence of moral and spiritual alienation. Many who see them will hesitate, grow uncomfortable, and perhaps recoil. Some may even take flight.



But, for those who go deeper, there is much more. For, by going beyond alienation, the veil over community is lifted as the viewer and the image are melded together in simple humanity. Each viewer becomes reminded of their 'higher self' and the potential they have for love and compassion, understanding and mercy. They feel a glowing sensation. Yet, they also awaken a sensitivity to their own vulnerability. Life is contemplated as though it were apart from the love and compassion of others. They imagine its horrors. They recognize their own 'crying out for love and community,' and realize in their need to 'belong' a dependency on others. They know that only love and compassion can ease the pain of aloneness, and recognize the moral indifference and emptiness of the contrary. A simple truth has been discovered: community can be forged out of the crucible of alienation only through the mercy of others.

Herein lies the crux of America's current social predicament. Only as a similar dialogue is replicated in the lives of individuals throughout America will the wounds of personal alienation be healed, and the ills of our society be ameliorated. If we but seize the moment, and set in motion a creative dynamic that will energize each of us to care for and to help one another through individual acts of love, compassion, understanding, and mercy the moral and spiritual bonds of community will be strengthened, the dynamics of our most fundamental institutions -- the family, the schools, and the churches -- will be renewed, and the quality of life for all Americans will be enhanced.

Gerald L. Campbell



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