Blog 6

I think there are quite a few reasons why antiwar voices are not given a more prominent platform and are needed to be sought out to find. One of the first things that came to mind was the relationship between the media and the government. Many mainstream media outlets rely on government funding and information. Without these, their ability to efficiently report on issues is significantly diminished. Additionally, after some research, It seems that the government presents itself and the military as heroic and necessary, while at the same time demonizing the enemy. Antiwar voices that challenge the opinion of the state, could be portrayed as unpatriotic. 

Another reason could be the media. Media outlets are tied to their advertisers and those advertisers most likely have their own agendas. For these media outlets, it can be seen as bad business to criticize the government or military. So antiwar outlets may be hidden to maintain positive business growth.

Finally, the last factor that contributes to the need to search for of antiwar websites is the wealthy who have a large influence in the mainstream media. These people may include politicians, military leaders, or businesses who have an interest in maintaining the status quo for their own personal benefit. These people could have a lot to lose and may take precautions to quiet those antiwar views. If we look at someone like Elon Musk, he has a huge amount of power to influence the media.

As a result, it is necessary to seek out obscure websites to hear strong antiwar voices and access a more diverse range of perspectives on issues of war and foreign policy. Antiwar voices should not be thrown in the back of the cabinet and forgotten about. The media should cover all views, whether or not they align with the government or their own beliefs.

 _Citations:

A propaganda model. A Propaganda Model, by Noam Chomsky (Excerpted from Manufacturing Consent). (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://chomsky.info/consent01/

Simon, J. (2019). The new censorship: Inside the global battle for media freedom. Amazon. Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com/New-Censorship-Freedom-Columbia-Journalism/dp/023116064X

War and media since 9/11 - Piers Robinson, 2019 - sage journals. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2023, from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0267323119875251

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