I believe that when we see a politician grace the stage and promise "solution" we project the superhero image onto them and all of a sudden they take on God-like responsibilities (which later prove impossible to fulfill). Take current U.S. President Barack Obama for instance. During his campaign, it was hard to determine which was stronger: Obamas celebrity status or his political presence. He was on talk shows, made into pop-art and trending all over social media. Soon after his election, it became clear that Obama's promise of change would be harder to achieve than it seemed. A year after his election, support for Obama wained. Was this because he was doing a poor job as a politician? Had he lied just like all his predecesors in hopes of getting into office? No. Obama simply wasn't saving the world in the superman like manner that Americans had envisioned he would.
In the case of the war in Iraq, a solution is hard to determine because the blame cannot be placed on any one party. Consequently, I feel it is imperative to examine the role that the global community played in the War in Iraq. Terrorism, in essence, is the act of instilling terror. The attacks on the World Trade center achieved this effect. However, it is interesting to re-evaluate the source the terror sprung from. At first glance, the blame can be put on Al Qaeda. However now, years after 9/11, I am beginning to view the course of events through a new lens. I have begun to factor in the role of the media in the terrorization of the world. My research has provided me enough evidence to choose a suspect of my own.So I believe our hero who, had they acted properly could have prevented the War on Terror and provided solace in a time of global turmoil is the American Media.
Watch this clip from Fahrenheit 9/11. Start at 8:29.
Media is the most influential institution in North American society. Each day we are bombarded with advertising, news updates, and social media feeds. The technology (smartphones, facebook, twitter, online news, blogs, youtube etc.) we use today, provide a vast array of opinions which influence our own ideals and values. While media can be positive and beneficial; it is often harmful, misinforming, and confusing. Post 9/11, CNN and ABC News among other networks began covering the war in Iraq and the hunt for terrrorists. The program titles involved words like "Terror Watch!" "The Fight against Terrror" and "American Heroes". Images of flames, explosions, and a soundtrack of grunge guitar rock were all parts of the over-exagerrated program intros. The programming on television perfectly echoed the idea that no one was safe.
As I mentioned before, I feel that the solution to the war in Iraq begins with ourselves. It is evident that the idea that "the Government will take care of it" is not realistic. If we want influence on what happens in our world, we must take charge of our own ideals and values. A nation full of sheeple will not change anything. Being cognizant of how media affects us is invaluable. Carrying cell phones, watching tv, and having a constant social media audience at your fingertips; comes with responsibilities. In 2001, we let the media control the evolution of our thoughts and ideals. The result was fear, racism, and a lack of dialogue. Assumptions and misunderstanding arose. This problem was fixable and the solution fell upon ourselves.
It has taken years to re-adjust the prejudices that were formed as a result of the media's coverage of the war in Iraq. Sadly, some people will carry those beliefs for life. This story should be a lesson to us all. I think sometimes we forget that not everything the news says is 100% accurate. Human beings are impressionable. We don't always see how powerful that is. Media is as much of a tool as it is a weapon. If used improperly, it can have detrimental impacts on massive amounts of people at an alarming speed. Before we take in media or formulate ideals based on media, we must check in on our own beliefs and emotions. Ultimately these are the only tools we have to determine how we feel about each issue life presents. We must remain vigilant. For on occasion, we get the opportunity to be superheroes.
I always love reading your blog because of your strong opinions and interesting perspectives and this post was no exception. First off, the idea that Obama cannot be a superhero is definitely true. But what bothers me especially is that voters dont blame themselves, they are in fact the people who put him in power. People will always blame other people and never accept responsibility. With the media part, its very clear that they had imposed a sense of fear upon the nation but when I consider that in Canada most of the major networks are owned by the same company, I wonder how much are we being brainwashed as well. I would love to hear your perspective on Canadian media. Also, while reading your blog I recalled a vivid memory where I had joined my dad in one of the protests and marches he would be a part of and this one was only a year or two after 911. I remember how his sign said BUSH BLAIR WAR CRIMINALS and how much it had angered some people to the point where they would want to start a physical fight with my dad. People dont understand the meaning of terrorism or else theyd know who the real terrorists are...
ReplyDeleteThanks Neena. In Canada, I feel that our media is not always socially just mainly because of the American influence on the news broadcasted. In my own house, I know that my mom always regarded CNN as the most reliable news source, which obviously was not the case. Canadian media is heavily influenced by the US and I believe that that is truly where the problems stem from. As far as Canadian broadcasting goes, I am a strong supporter of the CBC. I find their articles unbiased and expository of many facets of each issue. In Vancouver, I find the media especially conscious and socially just. The Georgia Straight was started as a protesters bulletin in the 60's. Today, the Georgia Straight still holds onto its alternative take on the news, but is considered mainstream throughout the city. I appreciate living in a city that views the world through that sort of lens. In many social-justice situations, Canada has been a leader in making progress. I am interested to see if the US will eventually come around and start to follow the lead of Canada and other countries in Europe that have demonstrated socially just society.
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