Thought you might be interested in how your "symbolic" picture featured
on Time Magazine is regarded by the ethics rules of these organizations:

National Press Photographers Code of Ethics

Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images’
content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in
any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.”

Associated Press.

AP pictures must always tell the truth. We do not alter or manipulate
the content of a photograph in any way. The content of a photograph must
not be altered in PhotoShop or by any other means. No element should be
digitally added to or subtracted from any photograph. The faces or
identities of individuals must not be obscured by PhotoShop or any other
editing tool. Only retouching or the use of the cloning tool to
eliminate dust and scratches are acceptable. Minor adjustments in
PhotoShop are acceptable… (but) … Changes in density, contrast, color
and saturation levels that substantially alter the original scene are
not acceptable. Backgrounds should not be digitally blurred or
eliminated by burning down or by aggressive toning.


Reuters:

No additions or deletions to the subject matter of the original image.
(thus changing the original content and journalistic integrity of an
image). No excessive lightening, darkening or blurring of the image
(thus misleading the viewer by disguising certain elements of an image).
No excessive colour manipulation. (thus dramatically changing the
original lighting conditions of an image). Only minor Photoshop work
should be performed in the field (especially from laptops). We require
only cropping, sizing and levels with resolution set to 300 dpi. Where
possible, ask your regional or global picture desks to perform any
required further Photo-shopping on their calibrated hi-resolution screens…