Running head: SEARCHING FOR ASYLUM 1
Searching for Asylum: A Critical Analysis Essay of Antonio Masiello’s European Migrant Crisis
Samantha Lopez Cruz
Keiser University
, SEARCHING FOR ASYLUM 2
Abstract
The European Migrant Crisis is due to the European Union’s (EU) incapability to control
the numerous amounts of Syrian, Afghan, and Iraqi refugees coming into their territory. People
are relentless to get out of the warzone and are willing to do anything for freedom. The journey
is so treacherous that thousands have lost their lives from either attempting to escape war lands
or by drowning during sea travel. This has led to many women, men, and minors left
unaccompanied and having to fend for themselves. Antonio Masiello’s photograph named
“European Migrant Crisis” captures the true essence and struggles of refugees as they attempt to
disembark a boat to land. This essay argues that Masiello aims to make people aware of the crisis
and to demonstrate the weak efforts the EU has taken in aiding their incoming immigrants thus,
highlighting the struggles these immigrants have acquiring a sense of security. The photo further
appeals emotionally to the audience, making them want to do more to help. This is further
explained and analyzed through the imagery the photograph depicts.
Keywords: European Migrant Crisis, refugees, migrants, Antonio Masiello, escape,
Europe, photograph, analysis, imagery, scenery, journey, contrast, color, danger, flee, crisis, sea,
struggle, immigrants, asylum, freedom
Searching for Asylum: A Critical Analysis Essay of Antonio Masiello’s European Migrant Crisis
Samantha Lopez Cruz
Keiser University
, SEARCHING FOR ASYLUM 2
Abstract
The European Migrant Crisis is due to the European Union’s (EU) incapability to control
the numerous amounts of Syrian, Afghan, and Iraqi refugees coming into their territory. People
are relentless to get out of the warzone and are willing to do anything for freedom. The journey
is so treacherous that thousands have lost their lives from either attempting to escape war lands
or by drowning during sea travel. This has led to many women, men, and minors left
unaccompanied and having to fend for themselves. Antonio Masiello’s photograph named
“European Migrant Crisis” captures the true essence and struggles of refugees as they attempt to
disembark a boat to land. This essay argues that Masiello aims to make people aware of the crisis
and to demonstrate the weak efforts the EU has taken in aiding their incoming immigrants thus,
highlighting the struggles these immigrants have acquiring a sense of security. The photo further
appeals emotionally to the audience, making them want to do more to help. This is further
explained and analyzed through the imagery the photograph depicts.
Keywords: European Migrant Crisis, refugees, migrants, Antonio Masiello, escape,
Europe, photograph, analysis, imagery, scenery, journey, contrast, color, danger, flee, crisis, sea,
struggle, immigrants, asylum, freedom
