Abstract

Making Room for Refugees is driven by the question: How can western countries become a part of the solution in the global refugee crisis and accept more refugees? This question can be answered utilizing a myriad of methodologies; however, the purpose of this study is to address this question from the field of history, media representations, and individual refugee narratives. Chapter One explains the relationship between the global actors involved including governmental and non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and refugees. The current crisis is discussed in relation to the tendency for the global north to represent refugees in a dehumanized state. In order to combat this dehumanization, a conversely humanized representation must be researched, implemented, and valued. Chapter Two explores four examples of humanized refugee narratives and asks the question, in communicating the refugee crisis, how best can western media outlets advocate and represent refugees in a humanized and dignified manner? These multimedia campaigns offer a unique set of methodologies that incorporate education, emphasize emotions, and communicate with clarity and convenience. Chapter Three implements these techniques through the application to an oral history narrative with Fatima Adam, a refugee from the Darfur Genocide, who currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Lastly, I conclude with reflection on the process of conducting the oral history, and include policy prescriptions for western organizations when representing refugee narratives in future campaigns.

Advisor

Pozefsky, Peter

Department

Global and International Studies

Disciplines

Other International and Area Studies

Keywords

refugee, migration, humanization, dehumanization, narratives

Publication Date

2018

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2018 Heather C. Lockhart-Neff