Telling Truths: A Study of Social Activism Through Photojournalism

By Morea Steinhauer
Contributing Writer
“These pictures hold a meaning of realization with myself, my life and my daily living. They have brought me tranquility and peace; a meeting with my present, my future and my past… All is connected.  All goes hand in hand like links in a chain.  I have loved this experience (and) it has been very special”.  -Y. Martínez, personal communication, May 2, 2009

One of the greatest privileges I experienced while attending the University for Peace was work and research leading up to the book and exhibit A través de mis ojos, mi vida en Costa Rica (Through my eyes, my life in Costa Rica), showing at NDSU’s Memorial Union Gallery April 1-17. This work exemplified media justice in action; the opportunity for mutual mentorship and empowering others to find their own voices and share their own personal truths. The research resulted in the recognition that our stories are powerful – that each of our own personal life journeys and experiences are uniquely our own to tell, important to share, and a critical component and testament to the fabric of the community in which we come from and contribute to.

The project analyzed the unique concept of photojournalism used as an effective tool of empowerment and communication as well as self-expression. Co-sponsored by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Asociación de Consultores y Asesores Internacionales (ACAI), the project allowed seventeen Colombian refugees (selected randomly) living in Costa Rica to tell their stories. Participants were taught basic concepts and principles of photographic design. They were then given journals to write down their reflections, digital cameras and these simple instructions to complete their research over the course of six weeks: photograph anything you like, keeping in mind the following questions: (1) What is your life in Costa Rica like?;  (2) What is good/positive about your life?; (3) What challenges do you face/changes you want to see?

The skills learned by participants were only a small benefit when weighted against the opportunity to tell their own stories and the significance behind their lived experiences. Given the limitations that everyday people face in accessing media sources, other than as consumers, the project afforded the refugees the ability to express themselves; give voice to to their daily realities and their issues—as they saw them, not as others project them.

The results of the research have been profound.  Typically the word “refugee” provokes negative imagery with the prevalent knowledge of the struggles that refugees face. However, although the images taken by the participants reflected the complexities and struggles of their daily lives, overall the images were hopeful and positive.When the images were complemented by participants’ reflections and compared to the works of others, even deeper meanings surfaced. Images that seemed insignificant standing alone became profound and essential components of the exhibit, as the themes resounded in others’ and repeatedly acknowledged each others’ life experiences. Participants were able to see their interconnectedness to each other; the cohesiveness of their shared stories; and the depth and transformation the experience had on them.

“At all moments we travel as we are pilgrims, in search of refuge to protect our life – our country of origin doesn’t matter – what matters is our coexistence, respect and love” (M. Toro, personal communication, May 2, 2009).

None of the participants can be neatly pigeonholed in one category: refugee. They showed themselves to be sisters, fathers, volunteers, business owners, artists, and friends as well. Their refugee status was just one component of many within their lives. Their images were of hope and life, not of tragedy, loss and despair. It is truly inspiring that although they have all faced grave great difficulties, it was these complicated realities that they felt the most compelled to share.

“I felt important by being able to do this photo workshop and learn new things. I hope people become conscious of our position as refugees, since we are good people and it doesn’t mean we are all involved in the guerrillas and in drug trafficking. As a matter of fact we displace ourselves to other countries for the same problem – for not accepting what they want us to do … that is why we prefer to get out, before getting involved in things we shouldn’t” (M. Cárdenas, personal communication, May 2, 2009).

When asked to articulate what the experience was like, it was the sharing with other people, the learning, the laughing, the crying, and the listening they enjoyed the most.

Yudi explained “these pictures hold a meaning of realization with myself, my life and my daily living. They have brought me tranquility and peace; a meeting with my present, my future and my past, which are the people I love in my country. All is connected. All goes hand in hand like links in a chain. I have loved this experience (and) it has been very special” (Y. Martínez, personal communication, May 2, 2009).

Advocacy has long been the preferred medium for stories like those of these refugees to be told, but this project teaches us that self advocacy and empowerment can be much more powerful forms of media justice. All of our individual life experiences and circumstances shape our perspectives and how we see and engage with the world.

Ramón explained it best in his exit interview “...everything that one learns in life will at some point be used” (R. Valencia, personal communication, May 2, 2009) because ultimately it is about sharing their stories so that others may gain a different perspective.
 
This exhibit not only educates the public about the power of self advocacy and empowerment, but also makes us think about the idea of empowering others to become their own advocates through a variety of media sources: photojournalism, print media, radio, and art. Giving avenues for everyday people to tell their stories on their terms is an important right of self expression that all people should enjoy.

Given the opportunity to employ this research model locally, unheard voices within the Fargo/Moorhead and Upper Midwest Region would have a new venue to speak. What stories has our community been silent on and which need to be shared with us?  Utilizing this type of research within our community is a new concept, but one which would have great impact and help shape the understanding we aspire to share with our community to obtain a more meaningful and profound understanding of other points of view.

The exhibit, consisting of 45 images and reflections by the participants, will be on display at the NDSU Memorial Union Gallery April 1-17 with opening reception Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 4-6pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Steinhauer’s research has been published in The Broker, a magazine and online publication based in the Netherlands and can been found at http://www.thebrokeronline.eu. She has a masters in Gender and Peacebuilding from the United Nations mandated University for Peace (UPEACE). She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) with a BA in American Studies and a BS in Individualized Studies in Photography Arts in Business.  Her interests focus on photojournalism, mentorship, and social activism as she is actively engaged within the Fargo/Moorhead community working on social and media justice. Join Steinhauer at 4:30pm Tuesday, April 6 2010 at the NDSU Memorial Union Gallery to hear research findings and experience.

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