An unobstructed view of the image.
Below is a link to the blog.
Ka’ren Collier
McPherson
Com 3253
September 18, 2022
Ideological Criticism of Brookings Blog of the war in Yemen in the shadow of Russia’s war on Ukraine
a. The story behind the image and main idea of this blog was inspired by the ongoing war in Yemen and the West’s fascination with Russia’s war on Ukraine. The war in Yemen began in 2014 after many years of conflict, while Russia’s war on Ukraine began in February of 2022. While Russia’s war on Ukraine has begun only recently, it has continued to receive around the clock news coverage in western countries; continued coverage of which has been notably absent of the war in Yemen.
b. The image at the top of the article was taken in Yemen, sometime during the eight-year conflict. It is an image which captures the devastation that has been left behind following attacks in areas which are currently occupied by civilians. The image shows a woman wearing a multicolored hijab and a full-length skirt. The woman is carrying an infant in her left arm and clothing in her right hand while a toddler follows closely behind. In the background there are piles of stacked bricks, cardboard boxes, and cylindrical shaped objects; assumedly storing what could be gathered of their remaining belongings. The piles are covered with scanty, tattered tarp. The dirt ground beneath their worn shoes is covered with articles of clothing, cardboard boxes, and trash. The woman is looking downward with unease, mid stride, at only what is immediately in front of her. This image captures the essence of war and the devastation it leaves behind.
c. Ideological criticism is a collection of values, beliefs, or ethics that influence modes of behavior for a group or culture. This form of rhetorical criticism is used by scholars whom are interested in gaining an understanding of a culture's values. Cultural ideologies are complex. Ideological methods may come from ideologies such as Marxism, feminism, structuralism, deconstructionism, and postmodernism. These ideologies may be considered radical due to their criticisms of traditional patriarchal society. Ideological criticism may be used to examine what cultural values influence their interest in certain wars or conflicts.
d. The ideological criticism of the image and article with which it is associated provides insight into the cultural values which impact the uneven coverage of the war in Yemen and Russia’s war on Ukraine and how that imbalance has affected the Yemenis. Yemen receives a significant amount of its wheat imports from both Russia and Ukraine. Russia’s war on Ukraine has significantly impacted the Yemenis costs for importing grains, fuel, and fertilizers. This increase in costs is significant for a country whom is forced to rely heavily on humanitarian aid for survival. Ideological criticism would lead us to ask, “Why is this story not receiving more airtime and awareness in western countries?” To begin to answer that question, we must evaluate the collection of values, beliefs, and ethics that influence the modes of behavior in western culture. Western cultures value individualism, kinship, and democracy. Western culture believes in freedom of choice to the extent that those choices align with western values. Western culture ethics are largely drawn from Christianity. Christian ethical values include honesty, nonviolence, and charity; none of which can be associated with war. So, why publicize Russia’s war on Ukraine and not the war in Yemen? Western culture values kinship. Ukrainians share common characteristics and/or a common origin with a large population of westerners. Although the war in Yemen has been raging for eight years, it has generated few news publications and little news coverage throughout western countries. In viewing the image and blog through an ideological lens, we are able to better understand why certain news generates more attention in western cultures than other news. This understanding may be utilized to engender positive changes in reevaluating the value of kinship and its influence in western culture.
e. The application of ideological criticism to this image and blog are useful when considering rhetorical criticisms and their utility because it helps to increase our awareness. It also expands our understanding of cultural interests and values across multiple nationalities in western cultures. It is through ideological criticism that we may begin to improve through an expanded understanding.
Credits:
Created with an image by Anna - "male and female hands together, on them a heart painted in yellow and blue colors of the Ukrainian flag. Family, unity, support. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a request for help to the world community"