Visual Representations of Refugees in German Media 2010 - 2020

This impactful and emotional photo captioned "Mother with child in Idomeni" was posted as the main image of a 14-photo series supporting the article "Wir müssen das Aushalten ausschalten" (We need to stop the turning off) by Der Spiegel on April 10, 2016. The photo series and article were documenting the harsh realities of tear gas being used on refugees at the Idomeni border, and comments from AfD Deputy Alexander Gauland claiming "We cannot allow ourselves to be blackmailed by children's eyes" were included in the article contrasting the jarring visuals. These are not the first comments made by the right-wing politician in an attempt to shut down or minimize the sympathy for refugees, and Zeit journalist Bernd Ulrich has called it a "political brutalization campaign."

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In the photo, a mother wearing a hijab clutches her young son as they both sob due to the tear gas used against them. This photo is used as the primary image for the article and is positioned at the top of the webpage directly beneath the headline, however, embedded within the article is a slideshow with an additional 13 images from the same region with similar tragic scenes. Although compiled into one slideshow by the editors at Spiegel, the photos used actually come from a variety of sources, including AP, Reuters, and an independent photographer. Through this expansive photo series, viewers are able to get a comprehensive look at the atrocities being committed against refugees at the Idomeni border with a weapon that is somehow banned in war by the United Nations but not banned for police use against civilians. 

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Through the decision to once again not limit themselves to the standard practice of one image for a news article, Der Spiegel demonstrates sympathy and understanding for the plight of the refugees and a genuine interest in promoting their welfare.