The Vietnam War is often referred to as the “first television war”. The media had shown no filter to the American eye of the reality of a foreign conflict. Detached from the government's optimistic deception and uncensored on their televisions at home. Most would agree that media was responsible for causing a shift in public opinion from one supporter to another. In theory, it also explains how the media affected the outcome of the war. Despite all other conflicts during the time, there were many courageous soldiers whose charisma got recognition for their selfless act of heroism. An epic hero is defined by one’s personal accomplishments, as displayed through media in the Vietnam War and the vignette “How to tell a True War Story” from Tim
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Video technology was also improving and lightweight portable camcorders and audio recording equipment allowed journalists and reporters to capture the war close up and in great quantity. According to the Peace Review-Journal, “many wars fought by the United States have been possible only because the mass media provide the public with lies that paint opponents as evil, thereby generating popular support for previously unpopular or unknown causes” (Gan 1). This would prove problematic to the U.S. government when it came to censorship. Stories could be live or edited which could be done rapidly with the film being sent to and transmitted from Tokyo. In the first years of the war, the media portrayed a positive image of the conflict, with a clear U.S. victory in sight. On May 16, 2012, Army Specialist Leslie H. Sabo Jr, was acknowledged by former U.S. President Barack Obama by giving widow Rose Mary Sabo-Brown with the Medal of Honor. For Leslie's noble effort in protecting his troops in battle. “It's said he held that grenade and didn't throw it until the last possible moment, knowing it would take his own life, but knowing he could silence that bunker” Obama explained. “He saved his comrades, who meant more to him than life”. An epic hero who finally got the recognition he truly deserves where it was broadcasted through ABC News. At the time of combat, the impact of media exploited ‘media distortions’ due to television’s misrepresentation during the Vietnam
Video technology was also improving and lightweight portable camcorders and audio recording equipment allowed journalists and reporters to capture the war close up and in great quantity. According to the Peace Review-Journal, “many wars fought by the United States have been possible only because the mass media provide the public with lies that paint opponents as evil, thereby generating popular support for previously unpopular or unknown causes” (Gan 1). This would prove problematic to the U.S. government when it came to censorship. Stories could be live or edited which could be done rapidly with the film being sent to and transmitted from Tokyo. In the first years of the war, the media portrayed a positive image of the conflict, with a clear U.S. victory in sight. On May 16, 2012, Army Specialist Leslie H. Sabo Jr, was acknowledged by former U.S. President Barack Obama by giving widow Rose Mary Sabo-Brown with the Medal of Honor. For Leslie's noble effort in protecting his troops in battle. “It's said he held that grenade and didn't throw it until the last possible moment, knowing it would take his own life, but knowing he could silence that bunker” Obama explained. “He saved his comrades, who meant more to him than life”. An epic hero who finally got the recognition he truly deserves where it was broadcasted through ABC News. At the time of combat, the impact of media exploited ‘media distortions’ due to television’s misrepresentation during the Vietnam