HUMAN SUFFERINGI N F U N D - R A I S I N G A N D M E D I A

THERE IS A GREAT DEALO F H U M A N S U F F E R I N G

Media can play an important role in educating people about the extent of human suffering and what they can do about it.  It is through most media that people will see and be exposed to the impact disaster and conflict has on individuals, families, and countries around the world.

IN THE WORLD - MORE THAN MOST PEOPLE KNOW.

Done correctly, media emphasizes our common humanity and encourages solidarity with people affected by emergencies.  For the purposes of fund- raising, some media coverage portrays people as helpless and waiting for responders from other countries to swoop in and save them. The reality is communities are always the first ones to respond to an emergency.  That can get lost in the commercials with celebrities and sad music. 

IT IS A MISTAKE TO THINK THAT DISPLACEMENT CAN NEVER HAPPEN TO “US” LIKE IT HAPPENED TO “THEM” BECAUSE WE ARE SOMEHOW DIFFERENT.E M E R G E N C I E S C A N H A P P E N A N Y W H E R E . W E N E E D T O A S K O U R S E L V E S H O W W E W O U L D W A N T T O B E P O R T R A Y E D B Y F O R E I G N M E D I A I F W E L O S T O U R H O M E S , O U R L I V E L I H O O D S , O U R W A Y O F L I F E . T H E S U F F E R I N G O F A P O P U L A T I O N S H O U L D B E C O N V E Y E D , B U T S O S H O U L D T H E I R R E S I L I E N C E . S U F F E R I N G I S N O T A C O M M O D I T Y .

IN MANY COUNTRIES, LIKE THE UNITED STATES

PEOPLE TEND TO GIVE GENEROUSLY WHEN A MAJOR EMERGENCY HAPPENS, ALTHOUGH LESS SO FOR THE LONG-

TERM--BUT-IMPORTANT INTERVENTIONS THAT CAN PREVENT EMERGENCIES FROM HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE.

Climate change adaptation may not be sexy, but considering the extent of natural disasters associated with it, it is essential.

This is part of the challenge - not just conveying human suffering and what to do now but how to prevent suffering into the future.  More than a one time donation, we need educated engagement on a wide range of issues - how we donate, how we vote, what we buy and where.  Every purchase is a vote for the kind of future we want.

So yes, media/social important is important for raising fund-raising and awareness but it can also be inequitable. Some images perpetuate negative stereotypes in order to work on previously-established emotional ideas. Some emergencies receive a great deal  of media coverage and others not at all. Where the coverage is helps dictate where the money goes.

For example:

T H E HA I T I EA R T H Q UAK E C O V E RA G E V E R S U S T H E C HAD LAK E

BA S I N S I T UA T I O N :

T H E HA I T I EA R T H Q UAK E C O V E RA G E V E R S U S T H E C HAD LAK E

BA S I N S I T UA T I O N :

Most refugees live in cities - but camps attract journalists like moths since the images conform with what people

expect when they think of refugees.

Image from Al Jazeera

Most refugees live in cities - but camps attract journalists like moths since the images conform with what people

expect when they think of refugees.

Image from The Atlantic

Stories of hope and success do not necessarily sell newspapers or raise funds.

Duncan photographed Edward Kabzela of Chagunda Village, Malawi. In one he was asked to look and act poor, seen on the right, whereas in the other he was asked to come looking as successful as possible, seen below.

In the one picture, he looks hungry, impoverished, and like a beggar.

In reality, he is a successful local mechanic and tobacco grower, and also works for a basket- weaving business, as well as considering investing in a tuck to being a transportation business.

Images from http://www.uniteforsight.org/

For example, A “Perspectives of Poverty" project was recently implemented by Duncan McNichol of Engineers Without Borders Canada. 

J O URNA L I S T S AND OTH ER WR I T ERS MAY NOT UNDERS TAND HUMAN I TAR IAN ASS I S TANCE BAS I C S , B IAS I NG TH E I R REPORT I NG - CONFUS I NG RE FUG E E S , MIGRANTS , AND I N T E RNA L L Y D I S P LAC ED P ERSONS .

They may be more inclined to interview government sources who speak their own language rather than talking to the people affected by the conflict - it requires some effort to line up interpretation and gain access to certain areas. Communities are the first to respond to an emergency but journalists may not be on the scene until the international response has already kicked in. 

Sensationalized images of grief and suffering may resonate emotionally, garner donations, and rack up

Facebook reactions, but they do not always treat people with the humanity and respect they deserve. In the end, it is up to us, as well as media and aid organizations, to be

responsible in how we produce and consume information - retaining the urgency while giving respect to

the individuals and communities portrayed.

THANK YOU!V I S I T B R Y A N S C H A A F . C O M F O R

M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N