Media Representations Media is a powerful tool that many can manipulate to put forth their own agendas. ISIS’ use of media is quite sophisticated and represents a new age of high-tech terrorism. Their propaganda videos depict high-definition, graphic executions. Some are sceptical of their sophisticated filming techniques and multiple camera angles, as they are a group whose headquarters are in the midst of bomb-ruined areas (Durden, 2015). The high quality of ISIS media propaganda in contrast to their seemingly in-ruins location speaks to their global connections. Media is significant not only in what ISIS puts forth, but in how they are represented and the events perceived. “In every war there is a difference between reported news and what
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Cockburn successfully explains how ISIS uses media, and criticizes the role of reporters. The use of videos by ISIS has amplified their political impact, as more people can actually see what they are doing which creates more fear (Cockburn, 2015). These clips also exacerbate the “othering” of ISIS and the West. ISIS’ use of the media is very deliberate, as it helps build their name and their legitimacy (Rose-Redwood, Arab Spring & Middle East Geopolitics, 2015). For example, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris, but even if it was not them it would be to their benefit to claim accountability as that even further creates fear towards them. The use of war reporters perpetuates the idea that war can be sufficiently described by only understanding military combat (Cockburn, 2015). This overlooks the highly political aspects of war and what contributes to acts of …show more content…
Propaganda videos “[fire] no gun, [drop] no bombs, but as a psychological weapon aimed at destroying the will to resist, [they] are just as lethal,” as they instill fear and propagate the discourse of “us” vs. “them” (Capra, 1997, p. 328). The discourse of “good” vs. “evil” and “us” vs. “them” is called Manichean Dualism, and it is used by state and non-state actors to push forth agendas (Rose-Redwood, Geopolitical Codes, 2015). The psychological effects of media are vast, and contribute to building the strength of organizations we are taught to fear. For example, after the attacks in Paris media outlet headlines were full of speculations of next attacks in DC or New York, which spread more fear (Rose-Redwood, Arab Spring & Middle East Geopolitics, 2015). Fear is powerful tool in politics, as it can be used to gather support from citizens for the exclusion of specific groups and to “terrorize them into obedience and submission” (Schmid, 2005, p. 137). Cockburn also glosses over the role of social media. Social media can be a positive force, such as when youth during the Arab Spring used it to increase communication amongst themselves. But as they lacked sophistication and clear plans, their efforts were co-opted (Rose-Redwood, Arab Spring & Middle East Geopolitics, 2015). Social media is also used by ISIS, showing that
Cockburn successfully explains how ISIS uses media, and criticizes the role of reporters. The use of videos by ISIS has amplified their political impact, as more people can actually see what they are doing which creates more fear (Cockburn, 2015). These clips also exacerbate the “othering” of ISIS and the West. ISIS’ use of the media is very deliberate, as it helps build their name and their legitimacy (Rose-Redwood, Arab Spring & Middle East Geopolitics, 2015). For example, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris, but even if it was not them it would be to their benefit to claim accountability as that even further creates fear towards them. The use of war reporters perpetuates the idea that war can be sufficiently described by only understanding military combat (Cockburn, 2015). This overlooks the highly political aspects of war and what contributes to acts of …show more content…
Propaganda videos “[fire] no gun, [drop] no bombs, but as a psychological weapon aimed at destroying the will to resist, [they] are just as lethal,” as they instill fear and propagate the discourse of “us” vs. “them” (Capra, 1997, p. 328). The discourse of “good” vs. “evil” and “us” vs. “them” is called Manichean Dualism, and it is used by state and non-state actors to push forth agendas (Rose-Redwood, Geopolitical Codes, 2015). The psychological effects of media are vast, and contribute to building the strength of organizations we are taught to fear. For example, after the attacks in Paris media outlet headlines were full of speculations of next attacks in DC or New York, which spread more fear (Rose-Redwood, Arab Spring & Middle East Geopolitics, 2015). Fear is powerful tool in politics, as it can be used to gather support from citizens for the exclusion of specific groups and to “terrorize them into obedience and submission” (Schmid, 2005, p. 137). Cockburn also glosses over the role of social media. Social media can be a positive force, such as when youth during the Arab Spring used it to increase communication amongst themselves. But as they lacked sophistication and clear plans, their efforts were co-opted (Rose-Redwood, Arab Spring & Middle East Geopolitics, 2015). Social media is also used by ISIS, showing that