The Role of International Development Funding-Case Studies and Examples
Discovering that my tax dollars were fueling such ignorance and prejudice hit me like a ton of bricks. This wasn’t just about one misguided question; it was about an entire system that stripped away the dignity of both Africans and black Canadians. The funds meant to uplift and support were instead being used to perpetuate harmful narratives and entrench systemic discrimination.
Health: The Face of International Aid
In health campaigns, the faces of smiling Caucasian women surrounded by African children are a common sight. This imagery, intended to evoke empathy and generosity, often backfires by creating a false narrative of the “white savior.” The African man standing behind the group, unsmiling, becomes a symbol of helplessness. This portrayal dehumanizes the man, reducing his identity to that of a passive recipient of aid. Meanwhile, the Canadian donor, seeing themselves in the smiling woman, is stripped of their individuality and cast into the role of savior.
Education: The Charity Model
Educational funding campaigns frequently show impoverished children in dilapidated schools, waiting for salvation from the West. These narratives dehumanize the children, portraying them as helpless and incapable of agency. The Canadian donors, depicted as the benefactors of education, are simultaneously dehumanized by being reduced to their financial contributions, ignoring their own struggles and aspirations within the Canadian education system.
Employment: The Promise of Empowerment
Employment-focused campaigns often highlight the success stories of individuals who have benefited from international aid, presenting a simplified narrative of empowerment. These stories, while inspiring, can dehumanize both the recipients and the donors. The recipients are seen as mere beneficiaries of Western benevolence, while the donors are reduced to their economic power, ignoring the complexities of their own work lives and economic challenges.
Housing: Building Hope
Housing campaigns frequently depict impoverished families in substandard living conditions, with Canadian donors presented as the providers of hope and stability. This narrative dehumanizes the recipients by portraying them as passive recipients of aid, unable to improve their conditions without external help. At the same time, Canadian donors are dehumanized by being reduced to their financial contributions, ignoring their own housing challenges and aspirations.
The Role of Language and Imagery
Language and imagery play crucial roles in shaping these narratives. Brené Brown’s assertion that “dehumanizing always starts with language” is evident in the terminology used in fundraising campaigns. Words like “savior,” “benefactor,” and “helpless” create a dichotomy that strips away the humanity of both donors and recipients.
Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow” provides insight into how these narratives are internalized. Fast thinking, driven by emotion and instinct, is triggered by the powerful images and stories used in fundraising campaigns. This emotional response often bypasses critical thinking, reinforcing stereotypes and dehumanizing narratives.
Conclusion: Re-humanizing the Narrative
In re-humanizing both the donors and the recipients, we can foster genuine connections, mutual understanding, and a more just world. Let us move beyond the dehumanizing narratives and work towards a future where everyone is recognized for their full humanity and potential.
