There's a really good podcast episode that dives into how photography rarely captures reality as it exists, but instead is the expression of the photographer. I came away from it with a greater appreciation of the art of photography, and also a more nuanced view on these kinds of staged photographs.

This photo was staged, but is it not expressing real feelings about the great depression? I get why people get angry when they feel like photographs lie, but I think the right response is the realize that all photographs lie to some extent. The photographer is showing you what they want you to see, framed and focused how they want it, chosen from dozens of similar shots to express the reality that they chose.

I wish I had more time to better explain myself, but I'll drop the podcast link in case anyone wants to listen.

https://radiolab.org/podcast/308563-truth-cannonballs