Language and Power

The Language of Migration

In August of 2015, a migration debate exploded in the news media. Spurred on by the shocking
photo of a drowned boy, the migration crisis, as some are calling it, has been at the forefront of
the news cycle for the past month. The language of migration, immigration, and refugees is jam
packed with opportunities to discuss real world issues and global concerns in relation to how
language is being used, in real time, by politicians, the media, and every day people.

Look at the image and answer the following questions:

1. What is your initial reaction to the photo?

- Upon my first glance of the photo, I was struck by feelings of astonishment and sadness.
I felt as though we as people have failed in helping our society and raising awareness of
such situations. Such a young child should not have to be put in this type of dilemma, as
he has not even experienced the joys of life.

2. What makes the image so striking and disturbing?

- The thing that makes this image so disturbing and striking to the viewer is the fact that
the child is lifelessly laying on the beach floor. His position displays his helplessness, and
the small scale of his body compared to the vast beach. It shows how his circumstances
of being a migrant (most likely forced) led him to the end of his short life journey.
Specifically, we can see how other regions rejected the entrance of refugees, and thus
led to the desperate situation of them landing on sea. Moreover, the reality of this
picture, and the story it tells is what makes it such a disturbing image.

3. Why is there such an emotional response to the photo?

- As previously described, the photo portrays the helplessness of the little child in such a
major conflict. Undoubtedly, the public had an emotional response, specifically because
the victim in the situation was merely a small child. The fact that he had to undergo
these circumstances and withstand all this trauma sparked sadness amongst numerous
people. Additionally, the shock of the photographer, witnessing the death of a toddler
plays another role on the emotional response.

4. Does it take a photograph like this to elicit reaction and action in the public? Are
statistics just as powerful? What about an article or opinion editorial?

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- Yes, a photograph is just enough to cause an emotional response to the world, and
demonstrate the harsh realities of the world we happen to live in. Statistics and articles,
although just as important, do not play as great of a role in the reaction and action of
the public. Hearing that a child has died seems so miniscule compared to viewing a
lifeless body of a toddler laying on the beach floor. The photo has an impact on not only
our minds, but only our hearts, while writing is not as easy to be affected by.

Watch the video then answer the following questions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=bx_f_oE6oFk&ab_channel=WorldNews

1. What is your initial reaction after watching David Cameron’s short

interview/statement/response?

- After watching David Cameron’s short statement, I feel as if most governments,

specifically in Britain or France, are not open to immigrants, and do not see the
importance. I am also able to see how many people value the economy and growth of
their region over the aid of people in need. Overall, his response astonished me, and
demonstrated the true values of some people around the world.

2. How is language used and to what effect by Mr. Cameron?

- Mr. Cameron had an exaggerated use of language throughout his response, which was
evident through many of his remarks. For instance, the use of the word “swarm” to
express the immigration of refugees seemed inhumane and draws an unrealistic image
in the audience’s minds. Additionally, his statement that Britain should work with
France to secure their borders shows his exaggeration of the conflict, and how
governments are willing to take great extents to prevent people from entering their
borders, and specifically hindering their opportunities as well as growth.
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3. Did the news media over-react? Why or why not?
- I believe that the news media did overreact, as their usage of words displayed the
manner in which they saw this situation. Using words such as swarm makes it seem as if
enormous groups of people are barging into a country. Yet, the truth behind it is that
these people are solely looking for a stable living environment. Additionally, his mention
of the economic growth and job opportunities of Britain shows his mindset behind the
situation, and how he regards the entrance of these refugees as a threat to the growth
and opportunities within Britain. Lastly, when he called upon cooperation with France to
guard their borders, it showed how he was willing to go to immense measures in order
to prevent these people from crossing their borders.

4. Is it acceptable to use the word "swarm" when describing a group of people moving
from one place to the next? Why or why not?

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- The term “swarm” is not an appropriate term in this situation, especially speaking of
desperate individuals who have had to leave their origin countries. The word swarm is
typically used to described inhuman things, such as a swarm of bees or swarming flies.
Yet, using such a term to describe living individuals makes it seem as if they are not of
the same status of the interviewer, and that they have less value that typical individuals
that do not happen to be displaced. Instead, using a term such as displaced, immigrants,
and refugees is more applicable, as it more directly describes the state the people are
in.