Terrorism: Media Simplistically Portrays War as Good vs. Evil :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Media Simplistically Portrays War as Good vs. Evil The morning of phratry 11, 2001, will be a communal memory for many near the world. On this morning, quiet was threatened by terrorism on joined States soil and the U.S. decl ard war in defense of peace. The majority of television, print, and mesh media coverage of these events curb focused around a discussion of ethical vs. savage. In this paper, I will address ways in which hegemonic and counterhegemonic forms of media have contributed to the discussion of good vs. evil at war. The depiction of good (us) vs. evil (them) in the media has justified war in the name of peace. The United States counterbalance visual of good vs. evil came with television broadcast statements from the leaders of this war. From this, the Ameri layabout exoteric ascertained that the evil guys are led by Osama store Laden who promised that America will not live in peace1 sitting atop a rock outside a cave. In turn, the good guys are led by Pres ident George W. supply who, from his leather chair in the White House, asserted We are at war with terrorism.2 These broadcasts became proof for many that they attacked peace therefore we were justified in declaring war. President Bush extended this belief by reminding the American public that, If youre not with us, youre against us.3 This statement called all of America to war against terrorism Bushs comment implied that those in opposition are the enemy. As one of the approximately accessible forms of news, television has become the most powerful form of social pedagogy. With few exceptions, television has succeeded in perpetuating and legitimizing a hegemonic good vs. evil mentality where we are good and they are bad. one and only(a) could argue that few have sufficient media literacy skills to deconstruct dominant messages come in forth by the majority of television networks. Conversely, internet and print media have, on more occasions, provided counterhegemonic alternativ e readings on the September 11 events. One can still visit mainstream websites such as NBC, ABC, FOX, and CNN to view hegemonic references of good vs. evil. A series of clicks on ones mouse can lead a web surfer from photos of candlelight vigils and Twin Tower share centers to sites where one can watch Powell and Bush, singing calypso, about the demise of Osama salt away Laden as well as play an interactive anguish game on the leader of evil4.