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, forget be a communal memory for many around the world. On this morning, peace was threatened by terrorist act on United States scandal and the U.S. declared contend in defense of peace. The majority of television, print, and internet media insurance coverage of these events have focused around a discussion of straightforward vs. evil. 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 first optic of good vs. evil came with television broadcast statements from the leaders of this war. From this, the American mankind ascertained that the evil guys are led by Osama bin plastered who promised that America will not live in peace1 sitting atop a rock outside a cave. In turn, the good guys are led by chairperson George W. Bush who, from his strap 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 i of the most accessible forms of news, television has become the most muscular 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 could palisade 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 much occasions, provided counterhegemonic alternative readings on the September 11 events. One can motionlessness visit mainstream websites such as NBC, ABC, FOX, and CNN to view hegemonic references of good vs. evil. A serial publication of clicks on ones mouse can take a web surfer from photos of candlelight vigils and Twin Tower donation centers to sites where one can watch Powell and Bush, singing calypso, about the demise of Osama Bin sloshed as well as play an interactive torture plot of ground on the leader of evil4.