Appalachian Lives

Rating:
Summary: Appalachian Lives
Review: As a native Kentuckian, Mr. Adams should be ashamed to present this work as even a part of the Appalachian culture. It is my opinion that he has sold out his heritage to make money on the disabilities and infirmities of people who have no idea of how they are being portrayed in these photos. There may be people who live this way in Appalachia but it is not unique to our area. Poverty is universal. As happens so many times, Mr. Adams, has searched out the worst in the Appalachian culture to perpetuate the stereotypes that we have worked so hard to overcome.

Rating:
Summary: Appalachian Lives
Review: As a native Kentuckian, Mr. Adams should be ashamed to present this work as even a part of the Appalachian culture. It is my opinion that he has sold out his heritage to make money on the disabilities and infirmities of people who have no idea of how they are being portrayed in these photos. There may be people who live this way in Appalachia but it is not unique to our area. Poverty is universal. As happens so many times, Mr. Adams, has searched out the worst in the Appalachian culture to perpetuate the stereotypes that we have worked so hard to overcome.

Rating:
Summary: Shameful Stereotyping
Review: Do not buy this book if you care anything about Appalachia and the people who live here. This book is so full of stereotypical images that it is useless as any guide or indicator of the real complexity of life in Appalachia. It is amazing to me that a publisher would continue to publish a book like this one after so much effort has been put into setting the record straight about Appalachia. This book is cultural exploitation at its worst.

Rating:
Summary: baffled
Review: I cannot be anything but baffled when I read some of these other reviews! Adam's is doing nothing to degrade or push anyone into a stereotype. He is a documentary photographer, obviously documenting a place in which he grew up. He isn't railroading these people. Have you read any of the texts that accompany his photographs? The photographs are stunning, the people real and dynamic. Fantastic book!

Rating:
Summary: Disgusting and disrespectful.
Review: I was shocked when I viewed the work of Adams. While I do believe that he is a talented photographer I believe his work and talent could be channeled to something better than reinforcing stereotypes of those who live in Appalachia. It seems that it is still politically correct to degrade the Appalachian 'hillbilly'. I was deeply offended by his work.

Rating:
Summary: Art for the intelligent, informed and open minded
Review: Those who have followed Shelby's work know of his deep respect for the friends and families he photographs. His talent, dedication and love for his subjects is apparent in his work and reinforced by his text. This third volume is a "must have."