To Show or Not to Show? The Depiction of Terror and Death in Nairobi
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Date
2022-11-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Media Ethics
Abstract
This study examines the metajournalistic discourse reflected in the use of
corpse images from the DusitD2 terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya, in
January 2019. Drawing from concepts such as responsibility and resistance
ethics, this study explores the viewpoints of Kenyan journalists and bloggers.
Situated within qualitative research methodology, the findings suggest that
the New York Times’ use of victims’ corpse images reflects a double standard
and visual bias, and its defense of the news report can be considered an
example of professional posturing. Conversely, sharing of perpetrators’
postmortem pictures produced mixed findings among audiences. While online
circulation was blamed on bloggers’ inexperience, it was also seen as a sign
of victory for the value of visual evidence. This study also contributes to the
scholarship on use of graphic images by drawing on African ethical systems
and just war theory
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Terrorism- Nairobi
Citation
Okoye, J. S., Mule, D. & Obonyo L. (2022). To Show or Not to Show The Depiction of Terror and Death in Nairobi. Journal of Media Ethics. 37(4). pp 238-251. 10.1080/23736992.2022.2142124
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