I think with kids, really, it's the sum total of all experiences. Every day if someone treats you that way with no relief? Yes, of course that would have a huge negative impact overall. But children (and grown-up children) are surprisingly resilient and will latch on to any bit of love. That is why Big Brothers Big Sisters is such an important program: because often, all it takes is one adult showing interest and kindness during formative periods to give a child enough internal strength to overcome negative circumstances. That's how kids with difficult home lives often end up doing surprisingly well. Even a child with the most ideal home life is most likely going to go through periods, as @HollyGolightly said, of crying "all the damn time."
I totally understand your feelings, and in general I wouldn't do this just for a cute photo op. I just personally feel she was telling a very important story with those photos: the damage some of the political climate at the time (2006) was doing, not only to the world at the time, but also to the world those kids were going to inherit. The images of children crying were, as they were intended to be, an evocative wake-up call. To me, that series is analogous to vaccinations: kids hate 'em, and parents hate watching their kids cry, but we do it because it's important for their future. I love kids, and I'm a favorite aunt to quite a few, but if I thought it would make a positive difference in the world they'd inherit, I would flat yank a Tootsie Pop right out of their hands.
