This is a picture of a Buddhist monk protesting the treatment of the monks in Vietnam. Photographer Malcome Brown shows Thic Quang Duc immolating himself on Saigon street on the 11th of June 1963. The monk became a martyr for monks he is the reason president Kennedy did not to interfere with the uprising and subsequent coup of president Diem, who oppressed the monks as he was part of the 10 percent of the Catholics in Vietnam. This mans heart was recovered from his body and put in a glass chalice and his body re-cremated. despite the pain he remained silent. He was also the Chairman of the Panel on Ceremonial Rites of the Congregation of Vietnamese Monks. The photo was one of many capturing the event Malcolm took several including the start and the end.
the picture is divided by lighting as the monk is dark and covered by smoke on one side and clearly visible. This contrast emphasised the duality of the act even if its unconsciously the faces are clearly visible showing everything from shock, awe, to thanks, as their were possibly many monks who knew what was happening and its meaning. He is a true martyr for Vietnam as he has willingly given his life to make a statement
The photo was taken at a time of day that show the shadows flow with the smoke, to emphasise with the message of the photo. The effect of the photo is to emphasised though the framing of the car. his car that he just got out of and got the gasoline and used to immolate himself. The other framing device is the fire itself showing the emphasis onto the monk.
The event was only ever captured by Malcomes photos, this is because there was a majority Buddhists occupation who had restricted access to imported luxuries, even without their devotions. The negative has no light within the fire so it makes a dark effect. The image depicts half the face covered in fire. The timing of the picture makes it better especially because of the context behind the photo.
He changed the entire U.S’s mind about the leader of Vietnam. He effected the world by ending his life, the act was the ultimate sacrifice, because of his sacrifice their was a new leader. John F Kennedy said that no other picture has stirred up such emotion. he stopped the raids on Buddhist pagodas and brought the US to help assassinate the leader of Vietnam. The monk also led other monks to follow his example to convince the public to help their people.
this was one of the first acts to stop Buddhist oppression by Catholics. The acts of this man changed the country for years to come. It is one of the most substantial events in history and shows you don’t have to start a war to win a battle. He is amongst the many Buddhist icons who have won a peaceful fight. He single-handedly stopped and started the coup
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