The Refugee Crisis has been long talked about and publicized through media outlets nationally. While everyone has a different opinion on the refugee crisis a photographer’s is made clear through his/her work. At first glance when looking at his photo one will see that the refugees are struggling. They look sad and desperate for help. They have been outside for ten days. They are tired, dirty, and in need of assistance. However, when looking closer it is clear what Mauricio Lima, New York Times photographer wants us to understand. The color and action of the photograph reveal that the refugees are still struggling greatly even with the donations they have received, which shows us that the help they are receiving is not enough. 

The colors in this photo pop off of the page and possess a duel meaning. First, they are strong and vibrant. This is intentional on behalf of the men bringing the donations. They come with hats and scarves to the freezing refugees. As we can gather from the caption, this photo was taken in November in Idomeni Greece when the temperatures often get to single digits. The refugees have been stationed there for almost ten days and are now receiving new warm hats and scarves. Lima makes sure to highlight these new possessions. The hats specifically are royal blue The blue is deep, bright and strong. This strength and vibrancy is intended by those donating to bring a peace to the refugees in the chaos. The hats are intended to help them stay warm in their freezing environment, however, this is where the double meaning comes into play. Those who are donating brought these colors clearly to help them remain calm and at peace, to provide them with some solidarity. To the refugees though this is not enough. The colors being highlighted shows the contrast between their old and new apparel. There old clothing is not enough to keep them warm; and their new possessions consistent mostly of hats and scarves, nothing of substance like jackets or snow pants. This is what Lima wants us to see. For the refugees this is not nearly as helpful as the volunteers think it is. 

The rest of the refugee clothing is dark faded colors. Even the rare orange or pink shirt has been faded so much that it could be mistaken for a grey or brown. They are worn just like the people wearing them. At one point they and their clothing were both new and hopeful. They had not spent days outside in the freezing cold waiting for someone to help them.

In addition, the action going on in this photo further supports Lina’s point. The refugees are all reaching up to the same place. This emphasizes the unity in common suffering around them, they are all yearning for the same aid. Their arms all lead us to the men on top of the roof. It is clear that they are in distress. The man holding the garbage bag is stuck in between the two directions. His left knee is pointed toward the top of the roof implying that he is trying to walk in that direction to further help the refugees. His face though is looking in the complete opposite direction. It is looking outside of our frame of vision to where we infer the rest of the volunteers and donations are. His face looks concerned, just as the refugees below him. This leads us to believe that he is realizing that they are underprepared with aid. The materials that the men have brought with them will not suffice. They need to not only provide more materials, but add to what they have already given the people who have already been helped. We know this because those have received help are in the same crowd as those who have not received any at all. It is made pretty clear the expression on their faces that this their presence in the crowd is not coming from a place of greed but rather desperation and need. 

Lastly their facial and body expressions reveal a great deal about their current state. Both the volunteers and civilians are struggling. What was supposed to provided great relief has not which leads to an uneasy feeling among everyone. The man in the bottom left corner of the photograph has just one foot keeping him on the roof. He is barely staying on. This serves a symbol for all of the refugees who are barely holding on. They only have the slightest bit of strength left in them and are trying to use that as a catalyst to keep them going. Additionally, his hand is reaching for the same things that the refugees are reaching for. This is strange considering we can infer that he is a volunteer based on the condition of his clothing and shoes. He is obviously reaching for more supplies to assist all of the people who still need help rather than his own good. The man’s desperation shows how invested the volunteers truly are in the situation. Lima shows us that despite everyone’s best efforts there is much more that needs to be done to improve the situation taking place in Idomeni. 

Lima is sheading a light on a much bigger issue. Volunteerism, while it is important and an essential part of the world that greatly helps an overwhelming amount of people, does result in self-fulfillment. He/she challenges us to self-reflect. To ask ourselves whether or not what we are doing is truly for the people in need. Is it really helping them or are we subconsciously helping ourselves more?