Iconic WWII Victory Kiss Photo Banned by Veterans Administration for 'Non-Consensual Act'
In a surprising move that has stirred both controversy and debate, the Veterans Administration (VA) has reportedly banned the display of Alfred Eisenstadt's famous photograph of a couple kissing on V-J Day, marking the end of World War II. This decision, grounded in the photo's portrayal of a 'non-consensual act,' reflects a significant shift in the interpretation of historical images and their place within modern societal values.
The photograph in question, captured by the celebrated photographer Alfred Eisenstadt, has long been celebrated as an emblem of joy and relief at the conclusion of World War II. However, a memo allegedly circulating online from the VA has sparked a reevaluation of the image's appropriateness for public display in its facilities. According to this document, the decision to ban the photo was made by RimaAnn Nelson, Assistant Under Secretary for Operations, citing concerns over the depiction of a 'non-consensual act.' The directive further advises those with inquiries to contact Lelia Jackson, Director of the Assault and Protection Office, although attempts to reach the VA for comment have reportedly gone unanswered.
https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/iconic-wwii-victory-kiss-photo-banned-by-veterans-administration-for-non-consensual-actCan't vouch for this site, but just heard about this on the ol' radio in the past hour.
Editing to add from a reputable site that this has been rescinded.
VA reverses plan to ban iconic WWII kiss photo from medical sites
Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough is overruling plans to ban the famous Times Square kiss photo marking the end of World War II from all department health care facilities, a move criticized as political correctness run amok.
The ban was announced internally at VA medical facilities late last month in a memo from RimaAnn Nelson, the Veterans Health Administration’s top operations official. Employees were instructed to “promptly” remove any depictions of the famous photo and replace it with imagery deemed more appropriate.
“The photograph, which depicts a non-consensual act, is inconsistent with the VA’s no-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and assault,” the memo stated.
“To foster a more trauma-informed environment that promotes the psychological safety of our employees and the veterans we serve, photographs depicting the ‘V-J Day in Times Square’ should be removed from all Veterans Health Administration facilities.”
The memo garnered public scrutiny after it was posted online by the X account EndWokeness on Tuesday.
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2024/03/05/va-reverses-plan-to-ban-iconic-wwii-kiss-photo-from-medical-sites/