I’ve been watching a fair amount of the news coverage of the war against Iraq on the major networks, and I’m constantly cringing at some of the terminology that the newscasters are using.
In addition to seeing the same video clips over and over, you hear the same phrases time and again. I really don’t understand why, when referring to protests, the reporters say “anti-war” for protests against the war and “supporting the troops” for protests in favor of the war (I think that’s what they’re trying to convey at least). I don’t see how these are mutually exclusive. I support our troops. I don’t want them to get injured or killed. I don’t want them to suffer, and I also oppose the war. I don’t think we, as a country, should be at war. So how would a reporter characterize me on the seemingly bi-polar scale?
Similarly, I hear reporters talk of “patriotism” as opposed to “dissent”. Again, I think I’m patriotic. I love the USA, but I also disagree with some of our policies. Doesn’t everyone? Don’t we have two major parties that are never fully satisfied? So if all people dissent, are there no patriots? That’s ridiculous.
A few nights ago, as the US bombed Baghdad, the use of the phrase “shock and awe” was out of control. I remember being similarly annoyed during the 1992 Olympics when gymnasts kept on “nailing the landing”. Reporters during the massive bomb campaign over Iraq must have said “shock and awe” hundreds of times. Sometimes they tried to mix it up with other nouns, but they almost always began with “shock” and ended with “awe”. Never once did I hear the adjective version: shocking and awful.

(a) Reality TV shows are increasing popular, and the networks are starting to embrace product placement as a viable alternative to traditional ads (that can be skipped using new technology such as TiVo).
(b) Coverage of the war in Iraq is essentially a reality TV show. (I find it especially disturbing that the networks each have their own version of a giant title and theme song every time a commercial break ends. It looks like “NFL on NBC” or something.)
a + b = war product placement.
So far, Hummer has been the only company to successfully place their (near) consumer products on the battlefield in full view of the cameras. This, of course, is because the Hummer was a military vehicle first, a civilian transport later. It might be impossible for even the biggest US brands to get pass the military’s regulations, but I would be surprised if Coca-Cola hasn’t already attempted to get every soldier drinking a cool refreshing Coke as the cameras snap their photographs. It’ll be interesting to see if anyone tries any Hummer-style reverse product placement (marketing a consumer product based on something already involved in the war). How long before Kraft MREs appear in little boy’s lunch boxes across the country? “As seen in Iraq War!”

“I want you to make a special run to Autobot City on Earth.” Mr. Prime heads to the middle east. (via Sherry)