The Human Zoo w/ Fernanda H. Meier

Photographer, writer and traveler Fernanda H. Meier has learned many things while documenting stories from around the globe. She speaks with Tamara about the importance of being purposeful in collecting and sharing stories of trauma and ensuring journalism is in the best interest of victims and survivors whose stories are being documented.

“It’s great to tell stories, but just make sure you’re telling the real story, not the one you want people to see and hear,” Fernanda says.

Fernanda also discusses the ethics of capturing images that depict someone’s trauma, the impact of war photography, and the concept of “the human zoo,” in which experiences and events are viewed and presented through a harmfully narrow lens. Tamara and Fernanda contemplate the ethics of profiting from the stories of others, and the idea of compensating subjects for the use of their images.

Resources:

fernandameier.com

Elephant Nature Park

Wildflower Home

Teens of Color Abroad

As per trauma-informed practice, each guest in The Trauma Beat podcast is afforded the opportunity to review and veto a list of anticipated questions before the recorded conversation. Ongoing, informed consent is sought throughout the production process.

This conversation was recorded in November 2023.

For more trauma-informed storytelling resources, visit pickupcommunications.com.