(Ir)religiosity

Last time, I mentioned the blatant biases, omissions, and failings of the corporate media in the United States in regard to non-domestic acts of violence, and as of late, the war and occupation of Iraq.  I touched on the fact the in our minds, only Americans matter when it comes to international violence and I ended with the question: Why are we indifferent when it comes to this?

Over the next few posts, I want to unpack several reasons that I believe will help answer that question.  But before I do I want to make it clear that I don’t believe the blame to this phenomenon should be placed solely on the corporate media.  True, they are more culpable, they are in fact — at least in theory — obliged to report to us the viewers, and to speak the truth.  That is true and deserves attention because they have failed by all accounts. But I think this phenomenon is bigger and more widespread than just that.  Individual conditioning and indifference coupled with the fueling of the corporate media machine has ultimately led to our collective indifference in regard to non-American violence (e.g. the war in Iraq, the conflict(s) in Africa, etc.)

So, let’s look at the first reason and perhaps the most obvious, at least in terms of the current war Iraq, the most current and ignored example. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a while since I’ve done a blog series.  I don’t anticipate this being a long one, but it’s something that has been in the back of my mind for quite sometime.  So here goes.

It’s quite interesting — especially considering that this is an election year, and a presidential election at that — to periodically step back and take a look at the media coverage of the war in Iraq and other international news, specifically those dealing with violence and death. 

Take the typical evening newscast for example.  The majority of the coverage will undoubtedly be focused on the upcoming election, the two candidates (like there is ever only two), and why we as citizens should engage in divisive, polemical arguments for or against either one.  The rest of the coverage will more than likely speak to the plummeting economy, rising gas prices and the deteriorating environment with mention of a celebrity scandal or an isolated domestic act of violence. 

Currently there isn’t much variation to that formula.  Mention to the war in Iraq or any other international incident, especially acts of violence, by and large, aren’t covered; and when they are it’s only because American civilians were killed, injured, or in some way jeopardized. Read the rest of this entry »