Malcome Browne's The Burning Monk

In Malcome Browne’s photo called The Burning Monk, the ethical issue raised is the means and extent of protest. The monk, Thích Quảng Đức wholehearted believed in the freedom to practice Buddhism and was willing to sacrifice himself to garner attention. However, many people would argue that his form of protest was too radical and not ethically correct; self-immolation takes protest too far. Regardless of how radical and shocking a protest may be, or how uncomfortable it makes people feel, it is still ethically just if it is in service of a good cause. After all, the more radical your protest, the more radical the response; Thích Quảng Đức intended for there to be a massive and radical response to his protest so he acted accordingly. The ethical
Throughout the background of The Burning Monk image, the consequences and results of his protest are apparent. Many of the bystanders are holding hands over their mouths and have expressions of shock; one of the consequences of his sacrifice is the jarring and agitational response it invokes in people. Secondly, another consequence can be observed through Browne’s image by viewing the type of people his self-immolation took place in front of. Many of the people in the background are monks who are supporting him and his cause; as a result of his sacrifice he inspired the movement and other people to continue his mission. The far-reaching consequences of his protest can be seen by the international response; “No news picture in history has generated so much emotion around the world as that one” (John F. Kennedy). The monks protest did not die down and fade, but rather spread to a global audience and global awareness of his cause. Thích Quảng Đức’s self-immolation had far reaching and inspiring consequences that can be observed through The Burning Monk image itself, and the international response to