KEY POST - "Shock and Awe"

Shock and Awe

REFLECTION: 

INTRODUCTION:

Given the current state of our U.S. military and governmental decisions, JOU: Never Stay Silent continues to dissect the politics and journalistic approach to war reporting. In accordance with our course topics, the film, Shock and Awe, was able to climax a recurring historical pattern. 

In 2003 and now in 2026, the federal government continues to beat the drums of war while drafting claims of nuclear invasion. Shock and Awe highlighted the operational orders of the George W. Bush administration, particularly their decision to invade Iraq. 

Former President Bush
Addressing the Nation

The movie's primary characters were the Knight-Ridder News journalists. Knight-Ridder News was depicted as an outlet attempting to uncover the truth behind U.S. military directives. The film foregrounds the immoral actions of the mainstream media, specifically their effort to spread government propaganda. These efforts created a journalistic battle of inconsistent reporting. 

PRESS BEHAVIOR:

Following an analysis of Shock and Awe, a persistent concept was the behavior of press outlets. With the depiction of both news organizations, Knight-Ridder News and the main media outlets had distinct approaches. 

Knight-Ridder News focused on journalism ethics, serving as a watchdog to governmental corruption and fabrication. This newsroom was dedicated to uncovering the truth from insider sources. The journalists worked tirelessly to provide the American public with veracity, rather than blindly backing governmental claims.

Mainstream Media Outlets

On the other hand, mainstream media sources, such as The New York Times, continued to publish an echo of supposed Iraq-powered missile strikes and the government's warning of "threats" to national security. These outlets allowed disinformation to infiltrate their papers' publications, invading the minds of the American public. Outlets similar to The Washington Post were getting these updates straight from the George W. Bush Administration, setting the tone for societal opinion and blindness.

As uncovered in JOU: Never Stay Silent, the press's original objective was to support the public's voice, uncover government propaganda, provide reliable information on global events, and publish stories without the prevalence of political bias. With new business models and journalistic philosophies, the intention quickly shifted from honesty to financial gain.

PRESS V. GOVERNMENT CONFLICT:

In accordance with the pre-war period, natural conflict erupts between the press and the federal government. Presidential administrations, specifically the Commander-in-Chief, often expect the media to follow their initiatives, serving as a megaphone to spread their "insights." Once sources highlight an opposing narrative, the government indirectly silences these perceived "criticisms." Questions, concerns, and inconsistencies are left unresolved.

Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel

CONFLICT BETWEEN JOURNALISTS:

With the Knight Ridder journalists' distinctive path, conflict intensifies among industry associates. Emotions of outrage erupt from the public and other journalists as publications continue to contradict one another.

With certain outlets unleashing anti-war sentiments and others expressing eager anticipation, the public is left in a state of confusion. These disagreements were viewed during a scene with Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel. The two characters were enjoying a barbecue when a slight altercation erupted with two other men. Landay and Strobel attempted to back their outlets' findings, while the opposition argued using the claims of FOX News. This example highlights the effects placed on public opinion and resulting polarization. 

JOURNALISTIC HEROES:

In the film, the Knight Ridder journalists are depicted as heroes. This source uncovered the political facts rather than catering to one side of our already polarized nation. Therefore, the Knight Ridder's ethical conduct should be viewed as enlightening rather than threatening. As U.S. citizens, we must be informed on the TRUTH of governmental actions for our own education, critical thinking, and uprisings. As a result, the public, at large, should positively recognize these efforts and work to eliminate their own confirmation bias.

Former President Bush and
Current President Trump

PARALLELS BETWEEN 2003 AND 2026:

With the observations made in Shock and Awe, there were direct correlations between 2003 and 2026. In 2003, the Bush Administration was proclaiming that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and intended to strike the United States. Now in 2026, the Trump Administration is sending a parallel message with Iran as the primary aggressor. 

Now, there are similar tensions between journalists and the government. A distinct separation arises between the pro-war and anti-war voices.  The ability to analyze Shock and Awe highlighted the correlation between past military decisions and those occurring twenty-three years later.

As a result of the film, our current journalists should lead in accordance with the Knight Ridder news. The movie depicted the importance of honest and comprehensive publications, providing a hindsight 20/20. Overall, these historical events continue to underscore the significance of precaution, transparency, governmental oversight, and journalism ethics.