Mass Media and the Armenian Genocide Review

The role of mass media in the 20th century was instrumental in saving thousands of lives during the Armenian Genocide.
Modern social networks, news websites, and viral videos creates a state of information inundation, often urging action for crises such as the Syrian refugee crisis or mass violence in Myanmar.
Modern connectivity can cause individuals to feel overwhelmed by the scale of global issues, questioning the efficacy of small efforts or why they should care about distant events.
The Armenian Genocide, which began on April 24, 1915, prompted the largest mass media campaign of its era.
The success of the 20th-century campaign serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of collective action when humanity is at stake, despite the lack of modern instant connectivity.

Despite receiving first-hand reports of atrocities for years, world powers initially limited their response to condemnation of the Ottoman Empire.
The massacre targeted minority populations, which were largely comprised of Christian Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.
When governments failed to take decisive action, a group of American citizens mobilized to save victims of ethnic cleansing in war-torn Asia.
This mobilization was motivated by a moral sense of duty among a diverse group of individuals, including:
- Industrialists
- Ambassadors
- Missionaries
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Advertisers
- Presidents

The Near East Relief Committee (NER) was established to provide care and comfort to millions of suffering refugees in harrowing environments.
Financial Contributions:
- The NER raised approximately $\$117 \text{ million}$ in funds and supplies.
- In modern currency values, this total is worth over $\$2 \text{ billion}$ .
Human Impact:
- The organization saved over $\text{one million}$ lives.
- Among those saved were $130,000$ orphans.
The NER broke new ground in fundraising and modern mass media tools to build one of the most successful international relief efforts in modern history.

The NER strategically provided journalists with chilling, first-hand accounts of the atrocities committed against the Armenian population.
At the time, newspapers were the primary source of information for most Americans.
Stories and reports appeared regularly, and sometimes daily, in major publications such as:
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- The Los Angeles Times
- The Globe and Mail
- The Toronto Star
In the year 1915 alone, The New York Times published $145$ articles regarding the genocide.
Journalists utilized specific descriptors for the actions of the Ottoman government, labeling them as:
- Systematic
- Authorized
- Organized by the government

The NER utilized modern advertising techniques of the early 20th century to create simple but compelling images.
These advertisements were designed to appeal to the consciences of the American public.
Key Foci of Advertising:
- The victimization of women and children.
- The safety and welfare of children as a primary moral imperative.
- The unique role of the United States as the designated protector of the Armenian people.

In 1917, the NER expanded its outreach by utilizing the emerging industry of modern cinema in Hollywood.
The Film: Ravished Armenia (also titled Auction of Souls):
- This film told the true story of Aurora Mardiganian, a young Armenian girl.
- Aurora was forcibly deported from her ancestral home after witnessing the murder of her family and friends.
- Her narrative included being raped, sold to a Turkish harem, and being forced to convert to Islam.
- In a groundbreaking move, Aurora Mardiganian played herself in the leading role.
- The process of reliving her trauma for the film resulted in Aurora suffering a nervous breakdown.
The film was a critical and box office success, significantly increasing awareness and raising essential funds for relief efforts.

The NER utilized celebrity endorsements long before it became a standard practice for Hollywood stars.
Jackie Coogan:
- Known as "the most famous boy in the world," Coogan was child actor Charlie Chaplin's sidekick.
- The NER commissioned Coogan to lead the "Children's Crusade."
- This appeal targeted children in America and foreign nations to raise a $\$1 \text{ million}$ shipload of foodstuffs for orphans in the Near East.
Jackie Coogan’s Proclamation: "We who are in this Children's Crusade of Mercy must do our best for these orphan children. We shall do for them as we should like to have them do for us if we were orphans. The Children's Crusade must provide food for those inside the orphanage doors and relieve the sufferings of those outside."

By 1927, organizations representing over $75 \text{ million}$ Americans supported the NER efforts.
This level of support occurred when the total population of the United States was only $117 \text{ million}$ .
Mass media served as the primary tool to help ordinary Americans adopt an ethos of sacrifice and giving to those beyond their own borders.
This expansion of the "Universe of Obligation" allowed people to care for the neediest members of the global community.

Today's 24-hour news cycles and social media feeds allow images of mass atrocities to reach audiences in seconds.
Modern examples of displacement and persecution witnessed through media include:
- Thousands of displaced refugees in Syria.
- The forced banishment of the Rohingya in Myanmar.
- The mass slaughter and rape of Darfuri men, women, and children in Western Sudan.
- The ongoing persecution of various ethnic and religious groups globally.

Lesson Plan: "American Responses to the Armenian Genocide" from the resource book Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians.
Documentary: They Shall Not Perish provides an in-depth look at the Near East Relief’s response to the crisis (available via the organization's website).