Someone posted this photo on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Facebook page yesterday. I don’t know who created it or who published it. Aesthetically, it’s a beautiful image. As a professional photographer for the last ten years, I admire the skillful lighting and the woman’s naked fetal-position pose to express her vulnerability. But note the writing at the bottom, that reads “When you have Multiple Sclerosis you never know what will expire next.” All over the woman’s body are stamps that say “use by”.

Really?

Because I almost cannot believe anyone would spend their time creating such a beautiful image, only to broadcast such a horrible message. This photograph is self-indulgent and self-pitying – an image that could only be created by someone steeped in a victim mentality. The woman depicted here is not just vulnerable, she’s helpless, and the MS monster can strike at any time, “expiring” the use of any one of her body parts. Perhaps someone might argue that this image is to create awareness about MS. But what exactly are we becoming aware of? That people with MS are self-pitying victims? Because that’s the message here.