[icernet] The War Media: Neutral Reportage or Non-Military Combatants?

[Arul Selvan]

    Since the other Gulf War (the one in 1991 not 1980-88), there has
    been much debate and postmodern reflexivity in the media about their
    role in war. If you recall, that one was hailed as the first real
    television war where we were permitted, and some would say forced,
    to view the proceedings in round-the-clock technicolour in our
    living rooms, cafes, bars etc. Much was made of the significance of
    media in determining public attitudes to war. So for example, that
    iconic picture of the little girl running down the road, alight with
    napalm, or Buddhist monks setting themselves on fire in protest are
    cited as powerful motivators for the anti-Vietnam War movement. In
    contrast, we were told, the videogame surreality of Gulf War I gave
    us a sense of detachment from the human element which in turn,
    bolstered a prowar public sentiment. Now we are transfixed by the
    second great television war, Gulf War II, and once again an
    examination of the role of media is relevant.


Source:
http://www.globalaware.org/Artlicles_eng/warmedia.html