[M]ass media has taken a new role in warfare. No longer is it used strictly for direct propaganda purposes, but it also possesses the ability to subliminally promote patriotism and fear; the fuel to gain the support amongst the masses for a war over seas. Like most large-scale public/private organizations, major networks such as CNN, BBC and NBC have their own agendas to follow. That said, it's important to note these bias, considering these corporations control what the general public is able to see. In the United States, the war in the Middle East is a major topic for news networks. With a nation filled with people constantly in fear for their national security as well as their troops overseas, it is an ideal opportunity for news networks to gain financially off of their fear and insecurity. To guarantee this financial capitol, it's very important that these corporations maintain the fear and uncertainty that keeps viewers returning to their screens.
[M]edia sources such as big budget films; albums and books can have a similar effect on the public, but can also promote patriotism amongst the masses. The recent release of 300 is a film created at an ideal time. It portrays a small army moving into the Middle-east to fight against a tyrannical power. While the immediate understanding of this movie is strictly based around action, thrill and entertainment, ultimately the film becomes a piece of propaganda promoting patriotism and confidence that the "mystery army" from the west will dominate the middle-eastern threat. Although, this may be a positive confidence re-enforcement in times of low moral for a country in defence of its security, when a war is created for the wrong reasons, this kind of media creates confusion amongst the masses, and phases out awareness.
[M]edia also can become a very important tool to raise public awareness. Wars such as the civil war in Rwanda have had much positive media involvement. Although in this case, the majority of media coverage was after the fact, the release of Hotel Rwanda created a large buzz around the mass genocide that took place in Africa. The film not only educated the public about the horrific event, but it created more public interest around other conflicts in Africa; the film even started a foundation led by lead actor Don Cheadle. This type of media coverage for wars is of the utmost importance to not only spread awareness but also eventually gain empathy from other nations and inevitably their support.
[M]edia sources such as big budget films; albums and books can have a similar effect on the public, but can also promote patriotism amongst the masses. The recent release of 300 is a film created at an ideal time. It portrays a small army moving into the Middle-east to fight against a tyrannical power. While the immediate understanding of this movie is strictly based around action, thrill and entertainment, ultimately the film becomes a piece of propaganda promoting patriotism and confidence that the "mystery army" from the west will dominate the middle-eastern threat. Although, this may be a positive confidence re-enforcement in times of low moral for a country in defence of its security, when a war is created for the wrong reasons, this kind of media creates confusion amongst the masses, and phases out awareness.
[M]edia also can become a very important tool to raise public awareness. Wars such as the civil war in Rwanda have had much positive media involvement. Although in this case, the majority of media coverage was after the fact, the release of Hotel Rwanda created a large buzz around the mass genocide that took place in Africa. The film not only educated the public about the horrific event, but it created more public interest around other conflicts in Africa; the film even started a foundation led by lead actor Don Cheadle. This type of media coverage for wars is of the utmost importance to not only spread awareness but also eventually gain empathy from other nations and inevitably their support.
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