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

Media Simplistically Portrays War as Good vs. Evil The morning of September 11, 2001, entrust be a communal memory for many around the world. On this morning, peace was threatened by terrorism on United States soil and the U.S. declare war in defense of peace. The majority of goggle box, print, and internet media coverage of these events have focused around a discussion of good vs. evil. In this paper, I willing 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 first visual of good vs. evil came with television broadcast statements from the leaders of this war. From this, the American public ascertained that the evil guys are direct by Osama bin Laden who promised that America will not live in peace1 sitting atop a rock external a cave. In turn, the good guys are led by President George W. Bush 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 and only(a) of the most 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 wit where we are good and they are bad. One could argue that few have sufficient media literacy skills to deconstruct dominant messages put forth by the majority of television networks. Conversely, internet and print media have, on more occasions, provided counterhegemonic alternative readings on the September 11 even ts. One can still visit mainstream websites such as NBC, ABC, FOX, and CNN to slang hegemonic references of good vs. evil. A series of clicks on ones mouse can take a web surfer from photos of candlelight vigils and Twin rise donation centers to sites where one can watch Powell and Bush, singing calypso, about the demise of Osama Bin Laden as well as play an interactive crucify game on the leader of evil4.