Re-thinking visuals: Understanding discursive reformulation of visuals to inform Peace Journalism

• Main Author: Saumava Mitra
• Format: Article
• Language: deu
• Published: Berlin Regener Publishing House 2014-10-01
• Series: Conflict & Communication Online
• Subjects: Peace journalism; discourse analysis; visual analysis; media representation; conflict; Afghanistan
• Online Access: http://www.cco.regener-online.de/2014_2/pdf/mitra.pdf

Current definitions of 'peace journalism' are inadequate to take on the full implication of the 'open' nature of visual content because normative discussions are restricted to explicit content of visuals while not underlining the importance of their implicit meaning. Analyzing a photo feature showing empowered Afghan women called 'Liberated in the Hindukush' published in the Foreign Policy magazine as a case study, the article identifies how the particular media product in question fits existing descriptions of (if only, 'accidental') peace journalism but its contextual re-deployment of meaning is contrary to its content. The article argues that the norms of peace journalism need to be revised to account for the subtlety of discursive re-appropriation and re-assimilation of media content, especially visuals.