UNHCR/O.Laban-Mattei http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/special-envoy-angelina-jolie.html 

 

In many cases, humanitarian action is skewed through the presence of celebrities. This tactic works to bring publicity and following to issues, that could previously go unnoticed. Angelina Jolie was a Goodwill Ambassador from 2001-2012, representing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She worked to carry out over 60 field missions advocating for refugee and displacement matters (UNHCR). This image speaks to voluntourism--the process of participating in voluntary work or charity, but often rarely engaging in historical or longer term projects. Photos can be used to heighten awareness, to influence political agendas, and to demonize or negatively portray refugees. The images can be used as a mode of storytelling, which celebrities can easily play into. It makes one think about the engagement of various celebrities. Are celebrities just posing for a photo to raise publicity, or actually trying to work to make a difference by engaging with various refugee communities? Both can prove to be valuable in their own way.
 

Source: Laban-Mattei, O. "Special Envoy Angelina Jolie." UNHCR. Accessed April 16, 2018. http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/special-envoy-angelina-jolie.html. 

 

Theme: Here/There dichotomy - Use of refugee for publicity stunts, need for organizations to prove they are doing work 

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