I am totally flabbergasted that I had not heard the word that covers the United States policy of always having an enemy to justify its expansion of Exceptionalism initially in its conquest of America and now throughout the world. This policy of invoking ‘Good Versus Evil’ has been used to show just cause ‘for US actions abroad sometimes leading to the infliction of unnecessary and often avoidable suffering.’ This word is Manachean and has been co opted now by Israel for their in Gaza and Lebanon and I am sure a form for every other conflict. I do not believe there is a true good and evil in every conflict as one man’s terrorist is another’s freedom fighter .
Reflecting on media ethics in times of war demands a rejection of oversimplified narratives and an embrace of nuance. The conflicts in Iraq in 2003 and the recent violence between Israel and Gaza in 2023 illustrate how media coverage can shape perceptions of military actions. In both cases, journalists face ethical challenges as they attempt to report the truth while navigating political pressures and dangerous conditions.
In Control Room, Jehane Noujaim’s documentary shows how Al Jazeera and U.S. media differed in their coverage of the Iraq War. The film captures how Al Jazeera portrayed the devastation experienced by Iraqi civilians, contrasting starkly with the U.S. media’s focus on military operations. In one scene, an Al Jazeera producer notes, “History is written by the victors,” pointing to the inherent power dynamic in media representation. This statement highlights the imbalance in how conflicts are framed, with dominant narratives often crafted by those with the most resources or influence. The film illustrates the tension between truth-seeking journalism and the national interests that often shape coverage which was evident when questions were turned back on allied reporters and government officials who wouldn’t answer them. Lastly there was the horrifying scene where the US military media liaison justified the targeting of reporters whose only crime was to be in Baghdad.
Shifting to the more recent conflict in Gaza, the Fog of War podcast explores the complexities of reporting on the October 2023 escalation between Israel and Hamas. Journalists working in the region face intense risks, including physical danger and political backlash. The podcast discusses the limitations journalists encounter, such as restricted access to certain areas or information and the difficulty of verifying facts in a war zone. The podcast references several instances of stories spiraling out of control before the facts emerged such as the 40 beheaded babies and hospital being targeted. The speed by which one side can put out ‘a story’ certainly sways the narrative. These challenges create a “fog of war” where the truth becomes obscured by propaganda, incomplete reports, and high-stakes political interests.
One of the critical points raised in both the documentary and the podcast is the importance of fairness in media coverage. Fair reporting does not mean giving equal weight to all perspectives but rather providing context and transparency in the coverage. Media outlets must critically assess claims, particularly when those claims can fuel further violence or mislead the public.One fact is that journalists must avoid amplifying unverified claims and should be cautious when using charged language, such as “terrorist” or “genocide.”
For journalists, the ethical challenge lies in how much they should risk to report the truth. As both the documentary and podcast highlight, reporters in war zones often face life-threatening conditions, yet their work is vital to ensuring the public is informed. The role of the consumer is equally important—audiences must seek out diverse sources and approach coverage critically, recognizing the limitations and biases inherent in any report. The media in times of war should think of Enrique Dussel and boil their focus down to a commitment to truth, transparency, and a nuanced understanding of complex conflicts speaking from the side of those most affected.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/ip.2013.26
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/episodes/on-the-media-fog-war-deadly-reporting-gaza-israel
Hey Marc,
The statement you provided about “ Good vs Evil “ couldn’t have been said any better. Over the years there have definitely been a few times where the narrative of Good vs Evil was used to justify the actions the government took against some other countries. Not only do they think this approach justifies their actions, but they think it helps lessen the ridicule they will take from the public. Another one of your statements that caught my attention was, “This statement highlights the imbalance in how conflicts are framed, with dominant narratives often crafted by those with the most resources or influence.” This in my opinion shows how the side with the most influence over their media can greatly shape audiences opinions. Overall great blog post !
I want to make one of your observations into a t-shirt for the journalism department:
“Fair reporting does not mean giving equal weight to all perspectives but rather providing context and transparency in the coverage. Media outlets must critically assess claims, particularly when those claims can fuel further violence or mislead the public.”
Yes, please everyone. This.