The symbolic dimension of the Zapatista mask

Abstract

The research is about press photography and the discourse it produces. The photographs that show the EZLN guerrillas with balaclavas have different functional meanings. Beyond its military security function, the anonymity of the EZLN guerrillas achieved a different reach within the collective imaginary. The balaclava became an expressive element, associated with activism and positive propaganda such as equality or freedom. The denial of identity amplified the advertising impact of the insurgent movement. We analyzed 299 photographs collected from January 4, 1994 until December 30, 1994, of which 114 are from the newspaper El País, 122 from El Mundo, and 63 from ABC. For this article we have analyzed the symbolic value of the balaclava and specifically of five images that we understand are relevant to the development of our argument. The balaclava is used as a form of secrecy. Using the balaclava implies a new identity, becoming a guerrilla. The civilian population makes use of the balaclava or uses handkerchiefs to hide their face in order to show empathy for the EZLN or the identification with the ideology. The most relevant conclusions are that the balaclava serves to protect the identity. In the Spanish press analyzed, the balaclava loses its association with the criminal and takes on an aspect of justice. The balaclava becomes a symbol of intergenerational equality and a propaganda force of the ideas of the EZLN.

Keywords

• máscara
• chiapas
• zapatistas
• elzn
• fotoperiodismo
• fotografía de guerra
• prensa