Readers React: Why glorify the San Bernardino shooters by printing their photos on the front page?

To the editor: Why do The Times and other news outlets insist on immortalizing terrorists by displaying their photos repeatedly? Pictures of the San Bernardino killers took up much of Sunday’s front page. (“They met online, built a life in San Bernardino — and silently planned a massacre,” Dec. 5)

This plays into the plans of these monsters and encourages others seeking immortality. Even when law enforcement tries to downplay the identities of the perpetrators, the media find a way to do the opposite.

If you need to print photos, I have a suggestion. Print pictures of law enforcement, the armed forces, nurses, doctors, teachers and parents who teach their children right from wrong and to value humanity.

Sari Beth Goodman, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Maybe the caption under the photos on Sunday’s front page should have read, “You too can be this famous — just buy a gun and kill as many people as you can, and we’ll do the rest.”

The Times and other responsible media should acknowledge that by providing this over-the-top focus on these killers, you are contributing to the likelihood of future similar acts.

Your coverage can be just as informative and useful without this intense focus on the individuals who did it. Those photos did nothing to advance the story.

Ric Schwartz, Oak Park

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook