If you’ve watched the news lately, you may have noticed that a lot of the images of migrants are blurred, but not all of them. Some news media will blur, and some will not. It can be a contentious issue and an especially confusing one.
There are a number of reasons why the news media may decide to blur the images of the migrants. Let’s explore a few of them…
Legal and Ethical Concerns
One of the more common reasons why the news might blur images of migrants is to follow legal and ethical guidelines. They may be trying to help protect the privacy of these migrants who are seeking asylum or are in the process of trying to obtain legal status. Blurring their images prevents them from being identified, which could potentially put them at risk of persecution or even danger.
Sometimes, news media may need to follow certain legal or ethical guidelines that require them to ask for consent from people they interview and/or photograph. In these cases, if a migrant (or anyone) does not want to have their face shown, the journalists would need to blur their face before the image or video is shared.
Fear of Retaliation
Another reason why the news media might blur migrants’ faces is to protect them from potential retaliation. Migrants who speak out about their experiences or share their stories with the media might be at risk of harassment, threats, or violence from anti-immigrant groups or individuals.
In some cases, the fear of retaliation might extend beyond the migrants themselves to their families or communities. By blurring their faces, journalists can minimize the risk of harm and ensure that the migrants’ stories are told without putting them in danger.
Perpetuating Stereotypes
While blurring migrants’ faces can be a necessary measure in some cases, it can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and dehumanize them. When migrants are portrayed as faceless and nameless, they become more like objects than people, and their experiences and struggles are reduced to statistics and political talking points.
Journalism Standards
Journalism has standards that require the protection of sources and subjects. Additionally, blurring their faces helps to ensure that the focus of the story remains on the issue, rather than the individual.
This can have serious implications for how the public perceives migrants and how policymakers craft immigration policies. If migrants are seen as faceless and nameless, it’s easier for people to dehumanize them and to support policies that are harmful to their well-being.
Fostering Empathy and Understanding
On the other hand, showing migrants’ faces and telling their stories can foster empathy and understanding. When we see the faces of real people who are going through difficult experiences, we are more likely to feel compassion and connect with their struggles.
By telling migrants’ stories in a respectful and nuanced way, journalists can help humanize them and create a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of immigration. This can be especially important in a political climate that is often polarized and sensationalized.
Ultimately, the decision to blur migrants’ faces is a complex one that requires careful consideration of legal, ethical, and humanitarian concerns. Depending on the news outlet, these concerns may be different.
Written by Lane K for Newsbreak ~ June 16, 2023