Gulf War, media coverage, image control, embedded journalists, Vietnam War, Balkans War, war euphemization, war esthetization, soft power, censorship, journalistic practices
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Abstract
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Abstract
Analysis of media coverage and image control during the Gulf War, comparing it to previous conflicts like Vietnam and the Balkans.
Extract
[...] This is also a war considered technological and euphemized because we schematize war with graphic animations. But we also talk about an aesthetic war (tracer bullets, green compared to fireworks). To remember: - Euphemization of the war - Esthetization of the war - Technologization of the war Journalist on board: embedded journalist with a military unit (he also lives with them). He is attached to a specific unit and subject to strict rules. He signs a charter established by each army and must comply with it in all circumstances. [...]
[...] What other reasons (beyond the reasons mentioned in the previous text) explain that mastering the images of war is indispensable according to the author? The main reason is that images are internationalized, we can no longer make certain opinions pass only to our people. But we also need to maintain control over the images. Certain images can be detrimental to our country because they demoralize our people and our soldiers. But on the other hand, we need to show that we are victorious without showing that we kill people. How were the images of the Gulf War channeled according to the author? [...]
[...] ) where civilians should not be. In the case of collateral damage, they speak of 'collateral damage'. We no longer talk about destruction but simply of 'damage' which implies an involuntary undertone and is part of the euphemization process. - The war could also be aesthetic. The bombing of Baghdad with green and yellow tracer bullets was compared to a fireworks display. - Scenes of the cleaned-up war are broadcast, leaving room for the audience's imagination. For example, a scene of charred cars but devoid of bodies leaves one to think of the full horror of what may have happened, but does not reveal a single body. [...]
[...] How have armies justified the creation of pools and the regulation of journalists' practice on the ground? The arguments put forward to justify the regulation of journalistic practices on the ground aimed to protect journalists, protect the lives of soldiers and prevent the enemy from understanding the strategies, prevent families from learning about the death of their loved ones in the press . In reality, it's so that the State can better control the images broadcast. Why build this argumentation? [...]
[...] - The military and political powers have put in place a censorship system to prevent the dissemination of images of death and avoid the creation of emotional shocks. - But the images were rather euphemized, staged, reworked to be able to broadcast them on television. - Journalists were integrated into military operations, ensuring the safety of journalists and controlling information. Their arguments: - common sense: we must protect journalists - morality and decency: the families of the victims must be informed first and not learn of their death through the press. [...]
