Should war scenes and victims be presented to the public through the media?
I believe at times the general public are unable to process the intensity of war. People may react with harsh, emotional backlash. Misunderstanding of the circumstances can easily sway a person to form inaccurate beliefs, even belief systems. There is danger in allowing the public to view hardcore war pictures or footage.
I believe at times the general public are unable to process the intensity of war. People may react with harsh, emotional backlash. Misunderstanding of the circumstances can easily sway a person to form inaccurate beliefs, even belief systems. There is danger in allowing the public to view hardcore war pictures or footage.
However, as the First Amendment clearly states, it is a Constitutional Right for press to be able to express themselves without censorship. Therefore, I strongly believe in all war information, including video and photographs, be published in order for the public to see.
I passionately defend Freedom of Speech. I honor the United States of America for the many Freedoms I have, especially as a woman. Is Freedom always expressed and allowed? Of course not. We do not live in a Utopia. But our right to Freedom of the Press is an invaluable part of who we are as Americans.
Some photos may be viewed as sensationalistic. For example, this picture displays beautiful colors and artistic presentation. There are individuals who see this and will romanticize war; the photo may evoke a patriotism or pro-war that is not based on fact, but media. One must wonder if this as seen by some as art versus war coverage. And if so, does that say war is art? Regardless, there are photos, which are exquisite and the effect on some individuals may encourage them to participate in some way during a war. In fact these people are basing their conduct on seeing war from artistic photos, which do not represent the totality of the experience.
There are other not-so-pretty facts about our soldiers' behavior which will be made public. These sort of photos and footage are vital to our country. We must be able to see the truth, the whole truth, not just one side of it. As well, soldiers, whose actions are unjust, will be held accountable (Hopefully. Unfortunately cover ups are not all that rare.).
In regard to cover ups, Freedom of Press includes the Left. There are radio shows that are not funded by corporations that present the sort of news we do not hear on regular programming. Again, I am thankful for Freedom in the United States so both sides of the news are represented, albeit the Left is much more difficult to access.
See http://www.democracynow.org
© Steve J. Sherman
Journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez
See http://www.democracynow.org
© Steve J. Sherman
Journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez
War coverage truthfully communicated, not leaving any part out - even the ugly parts - is crucial to our country. We stand for Freedom. We must defend and protect our rights to express ourselves freely. The American way lives!