journal article

British Photographic Propaganda in World War II: How Arabs are visually framed?

Dashti A.A.; Abdelrahim Y.A.; Dashti A.A.; Al-Kandari A.A.; Hayes J.

Publication year: 2024
Source / journal: media history
Country of origin: Canada, Kuwait, USA
Language: English
Authors’ affiliations: Mass Communication & Media Department, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Hawally, 32093, Kuwait, Mass Communication Department, Kuwait University, Kuwait, School of Communication and Culture, Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd, B Victoria, Victoria, V9B 5Y2, BC, Canada, Management, Marketing and International Business Department, Palm Beach Atlantic University, 901 S Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, 33401, FL, United States
Import source: Scopus export

Abstract

The study of an Arabic newspaper published by the British during World War II shows how photographs played an important role in the propaganda campaign to gain Arab support in the Middle East. While the newspaper purported to cover the war, in actuality, the content contained mostly cultural photographs that contributed to the Allies’ implementation of psychological warfare, particularly emphasizing Arab identity, lifestyle in England, development in the Arab World, and the solid Arab–Allies relationship. The results of this study demonstrate how photographs played an important role in the propaganda machine, which, in this case, was intended to positively impress Arabs and Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula and turn them against the Axis. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author keywords

arabs, propaganda themes, visual framing, visual narrative, warfare, world war ii

Open DOI