"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment by Nald:
Sometimes I'm taken aback by how many people in this world just don't want to believe that there is a dark side lurking just around the corner, next door, or even behind a closed door in their own home. This image is VERY powerful in so many ways, technically spot on IMHO and a very emotional subject matter that is unfortunately becoming more than uncommon in this day and age.

I'm really not surprised by most of the reactions you received on this image; a capture like this will stir the soul of the viewer and make them question their own surroundings and the grasp they have on their little slice of life. As I stated before I find this image powerfully moving and thought provoking. A real slap in the face back to a sometimes unpleasing reality that ought not be ignored. I would hope that the few who view this photo, regardless if they like it or not, would take the time to ask themselves if they've spoken to their children, nephews or nieces, even cousins about the effect drugs can have in their lives; and the lives of the people who love them.

This image stirred the soul of this one viewer and I can tell you in all confidence that I will be talking about the effect of drugs with my boys earlier than expected. They are the most precious things in my life and I will do everything in my power as a parent to educate them and pray they make the right decision on their own when the times comes, because the time WILL come in this day and age.

I applaud you for your courage in creating this image as well as entering it into a challenge that yes, was a "light hearted challenge about pencils" sometimes just when you think that life is all warm and fuzzy it rears its ugly head. It's not a matter of always looking at the negative side but rather addressing the dark in order to walk a little more peacefully in the light.

Well done,
Steve

Message edited by author 2007-10-25 11:34:51.

B U T T S
by nutzito

Comment by thegrandwazoo:

Originally posted by kaarissaa: looks kinda pervertive dontcha think?

No! It looks fantastic and should have been in the challenge. I believe it would have done quite well! Dig it! :-D

Blue Jean
by nutzito

Comment by fotomann_forever:
Such a nice bum.

B U T T S
by nutzito

Comment by fotomann_forever:
My favorite subject. :-)

"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment by Rgarcia:
I also left a comment in the thread. For the record I think this is an excellent image, regardless of how disturbing it is at the same time. It definitely belongs in posters at schools througout the world, forcing adults (parents and teachers) to talk about this ongoing reality.

"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment by manish:
Its an excellent image with a great concept for the challange as well as for creating awareness against drugs. The very fact that many people found it offensive is a sign of success for the image.its draws a quick reaction, it connects immediately and one gets a feel that this kid is doing something what he should'nt. That surely drives down the point that how children get influenced by the happening around them and they try to imitate elders both in positive as well as negative way. Its depicts a very simple and common happening around us when a child tries to take a chalk or pencil and imitate a smoker - harmless in my opinion. Just by 'not' shooting an image and closing out eyes, we can't expect to deal with serious issues.

Message edited by author 2007-10-24 05:27:30.

"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment by movieman:
Well I think it is disturbing, and that's why it's great. It put out a lot of emotion, both good and bad, and that's what art is. GOOD art at that.

I think it's poignant, and I hope you post the poster when you're done with it. And good luck as well.

I think you really created a great photo and idea here.

"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment by Jimbo_for_life:
Awsome photo, many of the older people might be discusted by it, But some of the younger generation have seen this as common monkey see monkey do. The guys i went to school with started doing drugs around 5th and 6th grade. Its a shame to think how could someone so young and innocent commit something so harmful to themselves. Younger childern today are becomming more prone to drugs, being brought up in a family where the older sibling smokes pot, shoots haroin, or drinks every weekend. Who else would a child look up to rather than there own flesh and blood? Some people dont think its possible. This photo, as far as i can say, is just the beginning of an reality we all seem to never want to face. This photo is one that should be put on the front page of yahoo instead of some review of some football game or the latest coolest movie. This reminds me of an email i got once about the school shootings. It reads as follows:

Dear God:
Why didn't you save the school children
at...
Virginia Tech 04/16/07
Amish Country, PA
Wisconsin
Columbine High School
Moses Lake , Washington 2/2/96
Bethel , Alaska 2/19/97
Pearl , Mississippi 10/1/97
West Paducah , Kentucky 12/1/97
Stamp, Arkansas 12/15/97
Jonesboro , Arkansas 3/24/98
Edinboro , Pennsylvania 4/24/98
Fayetteville , Tennessee 5/19/98
Springfield , Oregon 5/21/98
Richmond , Virginia 6/15/98
Littleton , Colorado 4/20/99
Taber , Alberta , Canada 5/28/99
Conyers , Georgia 5/20/99
Deming , New Mexico 11/19/99
Fort Gibson , Oklahoma 12/6/99
Santee , California 3/ 5/01 and
El Cajon , California 3/22/01?
Sincerely,
Concerned Student
---------------------------------------------------
--
Reply:
Dear Concerned Student:
I am not allowed in schools.
Sincerely,
God

Message edited by author 2007-10-24 01:13:27.

"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment by Sachlichkeit:
This is easily one of the best images I have seen on this site. It is fantastically creative. The composition is top notch, and your execution created an image that is loaded with symbolism and raw with emotion.

To those who were 'shocked and outraged':

We live in an age where children as young as 2 are being sent to see psychologists. Zoloft, Prozac and other 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor' (SSRI) drugs are consumed in greater quantities than Advil. Read 'A Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. Here, I'll even post the link to amazon. //www.amazon.com/Brave-New-World-Aldous-Huxley/dp/0060929871

Don't get me wrong, children should not shoot heroin. But keep in mind that this is art. It is not meant to be taken as a prescription for the day to day life of first graders.

"Deadly School Games" - Pencil
by nutzito

Comment by levyj413:
I'm going to leave my comment here and in the thread, because I think a permanent record is important on this shot.

I think your reasons for doing the shot are 100% admirable, and I hope they select this. You went for a young kid imitating an older one, and at least one of the commenters got that point (even though it caused confusion).

In the context of the challenge, though, with nothing to go on but the title, you risked anger and you got it.

This is one of those images that really needs context to be appreciated.