Visual Content Analysis of Victimhood in Conflicts in Kashmir and Yemen

Abstract

This study examines 141 photographs of conflict victims in Kashmir and Yemen from two Pakistani English newspapers, "Dawn" and "The Express Tribune," during 2019. The analysis found that Kashmiri victims were more frequently humanized in the photographs compared to Yemeni victims, with a greater use of close-up and medium shots. Meanwhile, Yemeni victims were more often depicted through long shots, which suggests dehumanization. Additionally, the study found that men received more coverage in the Yemen conflict, while women were portrayed more often in the Kashmir conflict to generate audience sympathy. Violent events were the most commonly reported topic in both newspapers.