The Junior Subsidiary Branch of the Cuban Red Cross in 1898 during the Spanish American War
Dublin Core
Title
The Junior Subsidiary Branch of the Cuban Red Cross in 1898 during the Spanish American War
Description
The above image depicts the junior subsidiary branch of the Cuban Red Cross in 1898 during the Spanish American War. During the early years of the ICRC, despite their pro-peace sentiments, they supported wars waged in an attempt to civilize the non-Western World (Palmieri, 2015, p. 989). The ICRC believed that through Western civilizing missions such as colonization or conquest non-Western individuals and indigenous populations around the globe could be cleared of their ‘barbaric ways’ subsequently enlightening them and eliminating these societies ‘warlike habits’ (Palmieri, 2015, p. 989). This, the ICRC hoped would eventually contribute to the humanization of warfare and its ultimate elimination (Palmieri, 2015, p. 989). Additionally, in an attempt to civilize the greatest number of people, the IDRC attempted to expand their organization through subsidiary branches such as the one pictured above (Palmieri, 2015, p. 989). “This binary vision of civilization versus barbarity persisted at the ICRC, though in a more nuanced form, throughout the first half of the twentieth century” (Palmieri, 2015, p. 990).
Additionally important to mention that, as noted in the Gorin reading, “humanitarian photography has its own ‘language limits. While its emotive power is undeniable, it is necessary to reflect on the goals assigned to it” (Gorin, 2012, p. 1378). During this time in history, the ICRC photographers wanted to convey the organization and its good deeds without providing context or shedding light on the other acts committed or permitted by the organization in the name of civilization. Thus, photographs such as these serve as a “record of a century marked by deeds of extreme heroism as well as utmost infamy, bringing hope as well as despair” (Gorin, 2012, p. 1378).
Additionally important to mention that, as noted in the Gorin reading, “humanitarian photography has its own ‘language limits. While its emotive power is undeniable, it is necessary to reflect on the goals assigned to it” (Gorin, 2012, p. 1378). During this time in history, the ICRC photographers wanted to convey the organization and its good deeds without providing context or shedding light on the other acts committed or permitted by the organization in the name of civilization. Thus, photographs such as these serve as a “record of a century marked by deeds of extreme heroism as well as utmost infamy, bringing hope as well as despair” (Gorin, 2012, p. 1378).
Subject
GROUP PORTRAIT; RED CROSS; FLAG; CHILD; WOMAN; AUXILIARY ROLE
Creator
ICRC
Date
1898
Format
photograph, black and white print
Source
V-P-HIST-00288, ICRC Audiovisual Archives, https://avarchives.icrc.org/Picture/3531
Rights
Copyright, ICRC, https://avarchives.icrc.org/
Citation
alexhwilson, “The Junior Subsidiary Branch of the Cuban Red Cross in 1898 during the Spanish American War,” Recipro: The history of international and humanitarian aid, accessed April 26, 2024, http://omeka.uottawa.ca/recipro/items/show/106.