“ Naturally the common people don\'t want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. ... Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country”.
1. Truth or Propaganda | Decoding Gulf War and Iraq Crisis |
2. “ Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. ... Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country”. — General Herman Goering, President of German Reichstag and Nazi Party, Commander of Luftwaffe during World War II, April 18, 1946.
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4. | The Background of Gulf War| | Oil controversy during Iraq (France and Russia support) and Kuwait (US and UK support). | Iraq invading Kuwait in 1991. | US bombed several times and got a “ pride” victory.
5. | The Background of Iraq Crisis | | Iraq avoids UN’s Peace Treaty in 2002. | Fear of Saddam Hussein , and his biochemical and nuclear weapon. | Fight from freedom and against terrorism, Iraq may support 911 terrorists. | 11/8/2002 UN agreed US to attack Iraq when Iraq rejects to disarm.
6. | Encoding, Transcoding, and Decoding | | Both these two conflicts are for world peace or economic benefit? | The relationship between Two Bushes and Hussein is the enemy in national interest or personal power? War for Peace or Oil? | Bush said “We will fight on one voice.” But there are too many demonstrations, why he still insist to war?
7. | Diagnostic Critique| | Is there any direct evidence to prove that Iraq support 911 terrorism? | George W. Bush wants to fight for his people or only for his father? | Media and mass communication tried to make a close interaction between 911 and Iraq to legislate the coming war.
8. | Hegemony and Ideology| | US is the most powerful cultural imperialism in the world. Globalization becomes some kind of Americanization. Cultural Hegemony influence the resentment in Middle East including capital economy, democracy, and religion. | Americanization have become a deep Ideology. You should follow the US rules, and you could have some opportunity to win the game.
9. | Conclusion| | War for oil or for peace? | Leading to individual interest or national benefit? | Fight in one voice is a kind of democracy? | Media still play a powerful role of propaganda and encoding some deep Ideology and hegemony.
10. | Reflection| | Media culture didn’t tell you the lie. All they want to do is to tell you the truth, but not whole truth. | Media literacy is a powerful tool that teachers should help students to learn how to deal with the information explosible world. | See a example from www.news.bbc.oc.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2219758.stm