Genocide in the Congo

11/29/2021

The Power of images and photos can change history and expose human atrocities. In 1905, missionary Alice Harris took photographs with her Kodak camera exposing the horrific mutilations of the Congolese people by the Belgium Government. King Leopold's rubber slave trade killed twelve million people in the Congo, while thousands of survivors were left with mutilated limbs. The photographs were published in newspapers around the world and helped to end King Leopold's reign of the Congo.
1. Discuss the power of photographs and smart phones in present society? What examples of injustices can they expose?
2. What effect do these images have on your thoughts regarding imperialism in Africa, specifically the Congo?
3. What connections can you make between the Industrial Revolution and Imperialism in Africa? How do they connect?

14 Comments

Andy Chau

11/30/2021 09:53:50 pm

Photography is able to capture moments to keep forever. Like above, Alice Harris captured a photo of mutilations on the Congolese by the Belgium government. In present society, smartphones are able to capture anything and at anytime in high definition. Also, the fact that a smartphone is pocket-sized, it's easier to capture any moment in the matter of seconds. In my own experience, these photos really show how gruesome and horrible times were. Mutilating people over rubber is just insanity, let alone abuse people. The Congolese did not deserve for their land to be taken and their people killed over rubber. The Industrial Revolution and Imperialism are connected. The Industrial Revolution boosted economic growth and technological advancement. Imperialism occurred after the Industrial Revolution, using it's results to advance on furthermore.

Tiffany Truong

12/8/2021 10:40:43 pm

1. Photographs and smartphones in today's society are powerful. It has the power to capture every moment/event within less than one second. Additionally, smartphones give us access to communicate with other people across the world through different platforms. Some examples are Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter...etc. When people go on these platforms, they could be informed of what is going around the world, and if there are any injustices. Some injustices that had exposed is discrimination, racism, homophobia...etc. Especially with advanced technology, people could capture events by taking pictures or recording videos. By posting it on social media, it helped a lot as a piece of evidence that shows the world what is going on. By using the power of the online community, and letting people know the situations, it is easier to get help.
2. I think the images affected me a lot of knowing how cruel and how overwhelming Imperialism is. King Leopold II established the Congo Free State by brutally seizing the African landmass as his possession. And even though they worked hard, they still get punished. With all of these words above, you can't actually imagine how terrible it is. However, with the help of Alice Seeley Harris, she took pictures and helped to expose the human rights abuses in the Congo Free State under the regime of King Leopold II of the Belgians. Seeing how people get hit and children's hands were cut off makes me know how brutal and terrible events that Imperialism created.
3. The Industrial Revolution was linked to Imperialism in that the Industrial Revolution created a demand for more raw materials and additional markets in which to sell products, which countries acquired by taking control of or influencing other countries. And both strained human capacity. It also shows the selfishness of humans and how they take advantage of their people just for their own benefit. And the most important thing is that the Industrial Revolution gave Europe the capability to take over so much of the world very quickly. The Western powers used their superior weapons and powerful iron warships to conquer much of the world, especially lands in Africa and Asia. The Congo only succeeded to take over Africa is because they have better technology, weapons, and medicines, this is because of the Industrial Revolution.

Stephanie yeung

12/1/2021 09:47:46 pm

In present day society, photographs and smart phones have the power to catch every single moment. While photographs are like evidence to one’s words, smartphones can expose opinions, experiences, and teach others about things society hides from their citizens. An example of injustice they can expose is the hate going towards one specific group of people. With smartphones, anyone can go on the internet and post their past experiences for everyone to hear. This helps others understand what has been going on in the world towards a specific group of people. The images taken by Alice Harris makes me feel repulsive on how someone can treat another human being immorally. Just because one has control over everything doesn’t mean that they can do something so immoral. Because of the industrial revolution, many people are getting wealthier and the money that goes into investing new inventions are improving our technology. With wealthy people obtaining this new technology, for example guns, they can use it to harm others and abuse their power over the poor/unarmed.

Yibo Wang link

12/1/2021 11:49:31 pm

1) In modern day, the photography can capture a moment that is important for me. The photography is a great carrier for information because we can visual observe the information from other sides of the world. It is more powerful and easier for people obtain the information from the photo, rather than read those boring books. Photography can be a very useful tool to capture evidence for injustices. You can clearly see the injustices from photo and the tone that photo try to tell us. It give us a strong emotion feeling for this is not correct and not moral.
2) This image affected my thought about the situation of Congo. From the information of this image want tell me, I know it must be a hard time for these Africans who work for other country. They are depressing, poor, and seem like no hope for the life. They even can have cloth for upper body. It make me empathize to them more and feel very emotional for them.
3) The connection between Industrial Revolution and Imperialism in Africa is the requirements of natural resource for Industrial Revolution cause European did the Imperialisms in Africa for rich natural resource. For provide more and more resource for Industrial Revolution, and earn massive amount of money, the kings, nobles, high class people, and many people used a extremes way to force African work for them and gave African's lands to them-Imperialisms.

Karla Ramirez

12/2/2021 12:23:44 pm

1) My oppinon that now Photography is the ultimate tool for capturing our surroundings with a realistic approach. now nature of capturing evidence, impacted the way we remember things from our past.

2) The effects badedon the image is imperialism in Africa, specifically the Congo about that the Colonialism is a huge impact on the lives of Africans the Economic policies were adopted by Europeans who destroyed the colonies.

3) Basically that Europe will expand, but the power to successfully take and maintain so many colonies overseas tand of industrial revolution will create Europe to take over colonies around the world.

belinda lam

12/3/2021 09:35:01 am

1. The power of photography with phones are extremely incredible. To have the power to create a memory and being able to look back on it anytime you'd like. It's as if you had stopped time and is viewable at any time. They don't always hold memories but can hold some terrible events that have happened. Photos can expose feeling like as if you're reading something, you can feel the feeling in the photo according to their actions. Their eyes and body language can tell many things

2. These images made me think that people would actually abuse their own kind for money. The people controlling the Congo are disgusting beating humans to even cutting off their hands and feet because they were not working fast enough. I find that unforgivable and disgusting. The people only wished to leave in peace. Even children were abused and woman were raped by the Congo controllers.

3. The industrial revolution was the force behind this New Imperialism, as it created not only the need for Europe to expand, but the power to successfully take and profitably maintain so many colonies overseas. They wish to take over everything.

Nashali Diaz

12/3/2021 08:30:44 pm

1.The power of photography is incredible cause it’s able to capture a moment in your life that you may not remember. But you can also read too much into photos and overthink it. A picture only captures one angle or “one side of the story” so you can never be sure what the picture really means unless you were there.

2.These images changed my thought on how it really is. I find it really unfair that they got their hands and legs cut off just because they would make a simple mistake.They didn’t deserve too loose their land and be abused. Their punishments were very extreme an I don’t believe any human should have to go through this.

3.The people in the higher class took advantage of their power and overworked their “workers” just to get what they wanted. The industrial revolution caused economic growth and was a success. But it was only made to cover up the new imperialism. And to take over everything.

Clarissa Tran

12/7/2021 07:50:06 pm

1. The power of photography is incredible because you can capture the moment to remember in the future. But the picture might not tell the whole story. You might see one thing but there's a whole other part of the story that you are missing.
2. This image change my thought about how they do things. They are doing really bad things to the people that are working hard to get what they want. If they don't do what they are ask to do they cut off their hands and feet. The workers don't deserve to be treated like this.
3. People in the higher class took advantage of their power and the lower class. They make them do all the work for money. The industrial revolution wanted to take over everything that the people own and do. It's like they are their parents. Telling them what to do and what they can have and not have.

Matthew Sarmiento

12/7/2021 10:06:27 pm

1. In today’s society, photographs can expose plenty of injustices as they can act as proof/evidence. With a smartphone, a camera can be easily carried around at all times, and evidence can be gathered at any given time with a click of a button. Additionally, the picture can be immediately uploaded to social media and spread rapidly. An example of this happening, can be seen when dashcam footage catches a Taco Bell Executive attacking an Uber driver. The recording was uploaded to social media, and was used as proof to fire and arrest the Taco Bell Executive. Back in the 1880s, there was no internet and social media, so it took time for the images to be published and distributed. However, with social media, the wheels turn much faster and the proof is immediately uploaded for others to view and share.

2. These images are very sad. According to the video seen in class, that man is looking at the foot and hand of his daughter who was killed during King Leopold’s reign over the Congo. These images also affected me negatively and it made me think about the kinds of atrocities that have been committed, just for natural resources to get ahead of other colonies. It also made me think about the ways that those people can be helped, and if I cannot think of one, I can spread the word of what is happening. Then, others, who may have the power to make a change can begin to help.

3. During both the Industrial Revolution and Imperialism, nations raced to become the most advanced technologically. During the Industrial Revolution, they wanted to be ahead of the game through technological advancements in technology. However, they needed plenty of natural resources to do so. Therefore, Imperialism began, and the race to claim land containing natural resources such as oil, water power, iron, and other precious metals.

Hanna Liang- Period 2

12/8/2021 04:12:28 pm

1.) Photographs and smartphones have immense power in our modern world. Through photos, especially those in social media, society reinforces its expectations of how people should live their lives. Oftentimes, photos depicted in our electronic devices have the power to expose society’s injustices. For instance, photos of models may reinforce society’s beauty standards and affect how people of different body types see themselves. These photos may expose the issue of fatphobia and discrimination against people of certain body types, influencing those who naturally have society’s demonized appearance to feel like they are inferior to others. Another example of injustice shown through photos on social media are photos of protests for the Black Lives Matter movement. These photos show people of color standing up for their place in society and demanding equal rights. Photos of this protest moved many who saw them to support the movement and people of color to influence those in positions of authority to make changes that would benefit the lives of colored individuals. They also exposed the issue of racial injustice in American society, showing that although Americans claim that racial inequality was recognized a long time ago, it is still present in modern day.

2.) The image of the African man sitting in front of the cut off hands and feet of his family members shows me the extent of human greed. Seeing this image and hearing about the real stories behind them allowed me to realize the extent to which discrimination occurred throughout history. The imperialists who punished the innocent Africans of the Congo are so focused on the profits they make that they fail to realize that they have been harming their own kind. Colored people are still people and should be treated as such. Since we all have physical characteristics that make each and every one of us different, it is wrong to discriminate against people of any race or ethnicity. The individuals torturing these innocent workers lack the ability to treat others like decent human beings. Their inhumane acts against the natives of the Congo leave me baffled and afraid. If power and authority falls into the hands of cruel individuals, we will all suffer the consequences of their reign. It has made me realize the importance of electing leaders who intend to protect us and not use us for their own benefit.

3.) When the Industrial Revolution occurred, workers, especially textile workers, were forced to work under terrible conditions. Like imperialism in Africa, those who had authority over the workers were driven by the promise of profits. They disregarded the working conditions of their employees and focused solely on the results that would benefit them. During the Industrial Revolution, factory owners frequently exercised harsh discipline towards workers who they thought were not working hard enough, much like how workers in the Congo were punished. Similar to the Industrial Revolution, children were forced to work in the Congo and received the same inhumane punishments as working adults. Working conditions for workers in factories or coal mines of the Industrial Revolution and the forests of the Congo often decreased the lifespan of the workers. In addition, it was not unusual for punishments to lead to the death of working individuals during the Industrial Revolution or in the Congo.

Ashlin San Andres link

12/9/2021 08:55:17 am

1. Photos and videos are often taken, to commemorate a part of your life that you would like to remember or to look back at. Whether it's good memories or bad memories, it could be shown in that one still photo. What's important about photographs or smart phones in present society is that anyone could be caught doing something unjust or cruel to something or someone else. If someone takes out their phone and records and/or takes photos of these deeds, it could be spread to the internet, and essentially the world. Once that is posted on wherever site, it will stay there, leaving some sort of impact. Some examples of injustices that were exposed were things such as George Floyd's speech, the Free Britney movement, peaceful protests that were attacked, concentration camps in China, and much much more.

2. Just looking at this photo can make anyone sad. You can tell (even if there were colors in photos back then), that this is someone who is in conflict. In pain, in misery, in melancholy. This is someone, who unfortunately, had to mourn for people who he loved. People who didn't deserve to die, but due to their circumstances, did. This also shows how this was somewhat normal. To have severed limbs of loved ones because of their ethnicity, their color, their ways. Something that they can’t exactly change, so they face the wrath of their “superiors” instead.

3. Both the Industrial Revolution and Imperialism in Africa had many faults. Both overworked their workers, and punished them if they didn’t do work that was up to their expectations or if they felt too tired to do the work. Although the Industrial Revolution was more focused on new inventions and machinery rather than cash crops, both time sets made their workers produce a ton of the same items. Both times were also super money hungry and competitive. With the Industrial Revolution, many areas tried to make better, faster produced, items that could sell well in the market. With Imperialism Africa, many African or Asian countries were forced to focus on cash crops, to sell more to the industry. In a way, both of these times connect from the overworking of people, the cruelty behind the workers, and the want for more money.

Jarika Chen

12/9/2021 08:56:26 am

1. Photographs and smartphones are used very often in present society to document things that we see. When there’s a fight, people pull out their phones to record, when we’re at a concert, we pull out our phones to record, when there is a danger we pull out our phones to record. We document these moments because we’re able to refer back to them whenever. They can be used for memories as well as evidence for injustice and unfair acts. Like Alice Harris, she was able to document and spread the word about the Genocide of the Congolese people. In the present day, we’ve been seeing many acts of unjustness in the system. It is almost instinct to press record when we see an official stirring up trouble with a random POC. We do this because, like Alice Harris, we need to document and spread awareness so that more people can acknowledge these unfair acts.
2. These images made me think more about society. It made me think about how people are willing to kill and torture other people because they’re hungry for money. I think about how Africans were separated and forced to work. One of the only things they can do to keep themselves holding on is by making friends with other Africans forced to work. All of a sudden, the next day they can’t find them, but one of their limbs rests on the ground. The pictures I saw made me think of this which is the goal of photographing times like imperialism in Africa, specifically the Congo. The goal is to give us a single scene from the “movie” (reality), let us interpret it, and take action.
3. Both the Industrial Revolution and Imperialism in Africa, people with more power, force and take advantage of people with less power for labor and money. In the factories, workers had to work in a difficult workspace with dangerous equipment. During Imperialism in Africa, people’s limbs were on the line if they didn’t harvest enough resources. These two connect because due to the Industrial Revolution, Europeans needed more natural resources to process. This made them Imperialize Africa to flourish their industrial businesses.

Joseph Villasenor

12/13/2021 01:42:52 pm

1~ Photos are a big part of a mobile phone, others use it for good and others use it for bad. The power 1 picture can hold varies on if its bad or good, most people take photographs to capture the moment so they have memories of themselves. You can also use a camera to expose somebody of be a witness in something in just a click of a button.

2~It actually saddens me for me to look at images of people missing limbs and other parts of their body, seems kind of unreal what people of their own kind would do such a thing for money. The workers should not be treated like this.

3~ The people in the higher class really took advantage of their workers just to get what they " wanted ".The industrial revolution caused economic growth, and yes, it was a success, but it was only made to cover up the new imperialism.

Joseph Tiscareno

4/7/2022 10:04:51 am

3- Photos are a big part of a cellular device, some use it for good and others use it for bad. A cellular device can be used for many things one main reason is for either pictures or texting. Texting has become huge to this generation. Some people use it to mainly text their friends or to call a family member. Across the 11 countries surveyed, people’s attitudes toward mobile phones tend to be largely positive. In most of the countries, a large majority say mobile phones have been good for them personally, and many also say mobile phones positively impact education and the economy.

2- The image of the African man sitting in front of the cut off hands and feet of his family members shows me the extent of human greed. It made me think about how people are willing to kill and torture other people because they’re hungry for money. I believe that they made the africans work and do labor. I think one main reason on how the africans starting working better and doing more is when they met other people that were doing the same job as them. They are depressing, poor, and seem like no hope for the life. They can't even have cloth for upper body.

3- The industrial revolution was the force behind this New Imperialism, as it created not only the need for Europe to expand, but the power to successfully take and profitably maintain so many colonies overseas. The industrial revolution created the need for Europe to take over colonies around the world. During Imperialism in Africa, people’s limbs were on the line if they didn’t harvest enough resources. This made them Imperialize Africa to flourish their industrial businesses.

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