Terrorism: Media Simplistically Portrays War as Good vs. Evil

Media Simplistically Portrays War as Good vs. Evil

The morning of September 11, 2001, will be a communal memory for many around the world. On this morning, peace was threatened by terrorism on United States¹ soil and the U.S. declared war in defense of peace. The majority of television, print, and internet media coverage of these events have focused around a discussion of good 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 States¹ 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 led by Osama bin Laden who promised that ³America will not live in peaceŠ1² sitting atop a rock outside a cave. In turn, the good guys are led by President George W. Bush who, from his leather chair in the White House, asserted ³We are at war with terrorism.2² These broadcasts became proof for many that ³they² attacked peace therefore ³we² were justified in declaring war. President Bush extended this belief by reminding the American public that, ³If you¹re not with us, you¹re against us.3² This statement called all of America to war against terrorism; Bush¹s comment implied that those in opposition are the enemy. As one 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 mentality where ³we² are good and ³they² 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 events. One can still visit mainstream websites such as NBC, ABC, FOX, and CNN to view hegemonic references of good vs. evil. A series of clicks on one¹s 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 Laden as well as play an interactive torture game on the leader of evil4.