Comments on: After 50 Years, Battle Still Rages Over Iconic Photograph of Che Guevara

By: Venceremos

Venceremos — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:08:56 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbjr_cPS9_A

"We must bear in mind that imperialism is a world system, the last stage of capitalism - and it must be defeated in a world confrontation. We must eliminate the foundations of imperialism: our oppressed nations, from where they extract capitals, raw materials, technicians and cheap labor, and to which they export new capitals - instruments of domination - arms and all kinds of articles; thus submerging us in an absolute dependance." — Che Guevara

By: Venceremos

Venceremos — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:07:08 +0000

Che will live in the hearts of millions for all of eternity ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYwZP-98UqI

Hasta la Victoria Siempre!

By: Venceremos

Venceremos — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:02:11 +0000

“At the risk of seeming ridiculous, let me say that the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality… We must strive every day so that this love of living humanity will be transformed into actual deeds, into acts that serve as examples, as a moving force.”
— CHE GUEVARA

By: VivaChe!

VivaChe! — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:07:40 +0000

To me Che Guevara is one of the most heroic figures in world history who is a stoic example of what all those who speak of “revolution” should espouse to be.

This was a man who left a bourgeoisie comfortable life of the upper class, a potential well compensated career as a medical doctor, and a high regarded governmental position, each time to slog through the jungle and fight guerrilla wars against impenetrable odds = for a better and more equitable society.

Throughout his life Che tended to thousands of sick campesinos, helped construct dozens of schools throughout Cuba, worked in a Leper colony to helped those afflicted, and even when he was literally tied up in a small mud school house awaiting his own execution ! , still complained to the local teacher that in a nation where the leaders drove Mercedes … it was a travesty that the peasants were taught in a dilapidated place like he was in.

If the world had 100 Che’s … or hell even 10 … we would be in much better shape.

By: VivaChe!

VivaChe! — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:02:26 +0000

To the right-wing clown above ...

Che’s “CRIMES” were

~ Overthrowing a brutal U$ backed dictator allied with the Mafia (Batista)

~ Stopping American companies from owning 70 % of the arable land in Cuba

~ Teaching peasants to read, by bringing the Cuban literacy rate from 60 to 97 %

~ Having the 200 or so War Criminals who killed 20,000 Cubans for Batista shot against a wall

~ Speaking out against South African Apartheid to the UN in 1964

~ Fighting white mercenaries in the African Congo with an all black army

~ Speaking out against U$ and eventually USSR Imperialism while demanding that the poor of the world be allowed to live a life of dignity

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:46:20 +0000

Of course, artists and photographers would be warmly embraced by Che and his ilk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQcUkd1w_TY

By: Robert

Robert — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:39:51 +0000

The celebration of Korda's iconic image and of the life of Che is a cruel joke on those who are ignorant of history as well as a vile reminder for the survivors of the thousands he brutally murdered. Facts are stubborn things.

http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/individualPr...

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:31:22 +0000

“Che’s life is an inspiration for every human being who loves freedom, we will always honor his memory.” — NELSON MANDELA

By: rwanderman

rwanderman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:09:09 +0000

Jessica: I wonder what Korda would think of Greenpeace using the image, or another American-based human (or animal) rights NGO?

By: JessicaLum

JessicaLum — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:56:55 +0000

Back then, there was no copyright. Cuba had no laws and didn't register under the World Trade Organization until after Soviet Russia ended. I think that Korda was okay with the general use and redistribution of his image — after all, that is what helped boost him into the global limelight. Plus, he later landed a job as Fidel Castro's personal photographer.
It doesn't seem like Korda minded the mass printing of Che's photo — it became a symbol of revolution, of the era, etc., all things that Guevara himself was likely to appreciate as well. However, when it was “misused” to advertise vodka for a global corporation, Korda felt like it was exploitation of the image and an insult to Guevara's memory.
But a major difference is that when Korda won the suit against Smirnoff, he was recognized as the copyright holder for the image, and therefore held all the rights for reproduction from that point on.
I think it's sort of like Creative Commons — some items can be used with permission and in appropriate contexts, but cannot be remixed or adapted for commercial purposes. I guess that's where ethics can go both ways: it might be legal, but would it be ethical for a commercial enterprise to use remix image they don't own for profit?