From Print to Profit: Unveiling Necrocapitalism in the New York Times’ Coverage of American Occupation in Ayiti
Date of Award
Winter 3-22-2023
Document Type
Undergraduate Honors Thesis
Degree Name
B.A. in Sociology and Criminology
Organizational Unit
College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Sociology and Criminology
First Advisor
Jared Del Rosso
Second Advisor
Lisa Martinez
Third Advisor
Jason Jeffries
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
Necrocapitalism, Haitian occupation, Neo-colonialism, Historical memory, Public policy
Abstract
On July 28, 1915, Ayiti experienced the first regional neo-imperialist experience when the United States began their occupation of the nation, lasting over 20 years. This event was critical for the transformation of modern post-colonial states. The 1915 occupation was carefully orchestrated and justified through media manipulation, with The New York Times playing a pivotal role in shaping domestic attitudes favoring intervention. By framing Ayiti as primitive and unstable while prioritizing foreign interests, the Times' narrative depoliticized the necrocapitalist occupation, obscuring its underlying racist, economic, and military motives. Necrocapitalism refers to the use of death and destruction as a source of profit and a means of controlling populations and territories. This case study explores the complicity of media in legitimizing neo-imperialist actions, offering insights into how powerful nations justified necrocapitalism. The U.S. occupation of Ayiti set a precedent for future interventions, illustrating how powerful nations choose to rationalize the murder, rape, and labor exploitation of marginalized populations under the guise of aid and stability. Recounting this history is crucial for recognizing and resisting contemporary forms of necrocapitalism in global power dynamics.
Copyright Date
6-3-2024
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Rights Holder
Karene Cyprien
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/vnd.ms-powerpoint
Language
English (eng)
Extent
10 slides
File Size
1.2 MB
Recommended Citation
Cyprien, Karene, "From Print to Profit: Unveiling Necrocapitalism in the New York Times’ Coverage of American Occupation in Ayiti" (2023). Undergraduate Theses, Capstones, and Recitals. 45.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/undergraduate_theses/45