The (in)disputable 'power' of images of outrage: public acknowledgement, emotional reaction, and image recognition. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dahmen, Nicole Smith; Mielczarek, Natalia; Morrison, Daniel D
• Is Part Of: Visual communication. Volume 18:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 453
• Page End: 474
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: digital news -- iconic images -- journalism -- photojournalism -- quantitative -- survey method; Visual communication -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Periodicals; Art and society -- Periodicals; 302.222
• DOI: 10.1177/1470357217749999
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-3572

Abstract

A recent news image – that of a drowned 3-year-old Syrian boy washed ashore on the Turkish coast as a result of refugees fleeing the ongoing war in Syria – resonated with international audiences and world leaders, becoming a seeming catalyst for action. But, as time has shown, the effect was short-lived. Through survey data, this research explores iconic images and visual collective memory throughout history and into the era of digital news and social media. More specifically, the research considers connections between public acknowledgement, emotional reaction, and image recognition. Studying such relationships will help us to further understand the (in)disputable 'power' that famous photographs possess to imprint themselves onto people's minds, thus leading to supposed effect and action.