Famine in Karamoja, Uganda Photograph by Mike Wells Kelsy Abell

BACKGROUND MIKE WELLS, FROM UNITED KINGDOM TOOK THE PHOTOGRAPH IN 1980 DURING THE FAMINE IN KARAMOJA, UGANDA. Karamoja district has the driest climate in Uganda and is often prone to droughts. The drought in 1980 led to one of the worst famines in that area. 21% of the population (60% being infants) died.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS PHOTOGRAPH?

PURPOSE The photographers purpose was to show the extent of starvation in Africa and issues facing Africa. Also to put famine on the political agenda.

WHAT EMOTIONS ARE CONVEYED? WHAT MESSAGES?

WHAT EMOTIONS ARE CONVEYED? WHAT MESSAGES? Sadness Helplessness Hope Trust Love MESSAGE: The difference between the hand of a child in Uganda and that of a missionary. This relationship serves as a reminder of the obvious difference in wealth between developed and undeveloped countries. The reality of what goes on in places most do not see.

WHO IS THE AUDIENCE? The audience of the photograph is wealthy countries and caring/compassionate people.

HOW DOES THE PHOTOGRAPH APPEAL TO PATHOS? ETHOS? LOGOS?

PATHOS Appeals to emotions by making the audience feel… Agony Heartache Sympathy The audience can’t help but feel sympathy and sorrow for the child and the country, knowing the true severity of starvation there.

ETHOS The photographer establishes ethos by showing the harsh reality of famine and starvation in countries. Therefore he is credible and trustworthy.

LOGOS The image appeals to logic because it was taken during the 1980 famine when there was widespread malnutrition and impoverishment, which is depicted in the photograph.

WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE USED? The hands are the focal point, so that the audience focuses on the size comparison of the hands. The background is blurred. Contrast in skin colors. Hands are shown from above to get the full size of the hands, with the little one on top of the normal sized man’s hand.

SOURCES Wells, Mike. Famine in Karamoja, Uganda . 1980. World Press PhotoWeb. 28 Feb 2013. <Famine in Karamoja, Uganda >.