On equity and authenticity: decolonizing imagery of nigeria
Abstract
The negative narratives surrounding African affairs in Western media have been documented in numerous studies, but the work processes between African journalists and Western media have been less examined. This study focuses on work processes of Nigerian photographers working with Western media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to understand how they document authentic contextually-situated Nigerian life and the pressures they face to reinforce existing colonial narratives portraying Nigeria as underdeveloped and conflict-ridden. Ten photographers gave in-depth interviews discussing their experiences working for Western editors (for media and NGOs). These interviews identified patterns reinforcing visual tropes and colonial power dynamics.
Degree
M.A.