The refugee crisis has become one of the most rampant and growing global issues, predominantly in the Middle East. Terrorist and militant groups have been steadily emerging for the past few decades and have been terrorizing, murdering and displacing millions of civilians. Those who survive attempt to flee to surrounding countries seeking protection in refugee camps. Although refugee camps are designed to help and meet basic human needs, they are still characterized by vile sanitary conditions, crime, lack of supplies due to insufficient attention and funding, and illness. Refugees must embark on life-threatening and strenuous journeys to get to these camps and still rarely find sanctuary. The life of a refugee is not only taxing on the minds, emotions and spirits of the people, but also their bodies. On the cover of the June 1985 addition of the National Geographic magazine is a portrait of a young twelve-year-old refugee living in a refugee camp in Pakistan. The photograph, shot by National Geographic journalist, Steve McCurry, quickly became known as “Afghan Girl.” The public worldwide was taken back by this striking image because of the girls piercing green eyes in contrast to her duskier, dirty skin. Through color and line the photo “Afghan Girl” by Steve McCurry depicts the suffering and deterioration that refugees endure. 

First, the negative effects of being a refugee can be seen in the colors in the photograph “Afghan Girl.” In the photo, the green in the background is a dark, musty green. The density and depth of this forest green background gives the image a depressing and gloomy feel as opposed to being lively and comforting if it were to have a lighter, brighter green background. If the green was more vivid, then the photograph would not feel as melancholy. The background then blends underneath the Afghan girl’s hijab to her shirt which is the same mildewed green color. Green is color typically associated with optimism, safety, harmony and growth, but in the case if this photo, the green gives of a negative feel. Resting on her top is the Afghan girl’s hijab. Her hijab is a rusty, burnt red-orange color which gives the feeling of the photo being worn and tattered. The red-orange is an interesting contrast to the forest green behind it. The color of the hijab warms up the picture and brings the viewer back to the innocence and delicateness of the girl. The color contrast of the background and the hijab helps represent the suffering of refugees by emphasizing that pure things like children are forced in these dreadful, grim situations. Next, the appearance of the girl’s skin is noticeably dirty. The darker brown specks and shading throughout her face show that she has clearly been through some tough conditions. Her face is not shining and youthful looking as it should be but rather it looks slightly more aged. Lastly, the girl’s piercing green eyes. Her eyes are the brightest and most prominent feature of the whole photo. The intensity of the vibrant green gives the viewers a sense of urgency and it is almost like a call for help. The contrast between her eyes and her dark skin also helps accentuate that urgency. Even though the bright green stands out among the other dull, dusty colors it tells the viewers that she is in pain.

Secondly, line helps the viewers see the suffering and distress that refugees have experienced. First, there are tears in her hijab at the shoulder. This shows that her clothes have been tattered and mangled throughout her time as a refugee. Next, the rounded oval-like outline of her hijab draws all the attention to her face. Her jawline is the first area of importance because there are two straight lines that make up her strong pointed chin. The sharpness of her jawline makes her seem more stern and mature. Children are known for having round faces therefore intense jawlines are associates with maturity. Next, the structure of her lip is very similar to her jawline. Four fairly straight lines make up her upper lip which girls the Afghan girl a serious expression. Her lips are pressed into a hard, stiff line rather than a smile. Lastly, the lines making up her eyes are important for capturing and understanding the intensity of her eyes. Her eyebrows are lightly furrowed and hard-pressed strongly against the top of her brow bone and eyes. This exudes the suffering and hardship she has been through. The pain is clearly evident in the power and sharpness of her eyes.

The suffering and deterioration that refugees endure is depicted in Steve McCurry’s National Geographic photo, “Afghan Girl,” through color and line. The contrast between the burnt red-orange girl and the forest green background shows how even innocent children are sucked into the refugee crisis, with the red-orange being innocence and the green being depression. The girl’s bright green eyes also provide contrast but to the warmth of her purity because her eyes are like an intense silent cry for help. The lines that make up her face are those of someone who has experienced much more in life but they show that she has also endured a lot. This is one of many photos that National Geographic has showing the brutality of the refugee crisis.
