How Western Mainstream Corporate Media Perpetuates Propaganda to Support Genocide
Western mainstream corporate media uses language and propaganda to support genocide.
Western corporate media outlets filter, omit or sensationalize information to maintain a particular narrative that supports military interventions. By controlling the dissemination of information, the media can steer public opinion toward accepting war as a necessary and justifiable action.
One of the key factors contributing to the perpetuation of war-related propaganda in the Western corporate media is ownership and interests. Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman introduced the "propaganda model" in their book "Manufacturing Consent." Western media, primarily corporate-owned and influenced by political and economic elites, serves as a means of propagating dominant ideologies and interests. In the context of war, this means presenting narratives that align with government agendas and corporate interests, often downplaying dissenting voices. Major media outlets are owned by large conglomerates or individuals with vested interests in the defense industry or political establishments.
These entities directly profit from war or military interventions, creating a potential conflict of interest. As a result, media outlets support narratives that favor military actions to protect their financial interests. Major media conglomerates like Comcast, Disney, and AT&T control significant portions of the industry through subsidiaries like NBC, Disney-owned networks, and WarnerMedia. Consequently, there is an incentive to emphasize the sensational aspects of a story, potentially painting a one-sided or biased picture that supports war.
In some cases, governments may withhold access to important information or interviews unless media organizations are willing to present events in a manner favorable to government policies, including those related to war. This embedded journalism can lead to a partial perspective, as journalists may develop a pro-military bias, and their reporting can become sympathetic to the military's goals and objectives.
Many Western outlets use “active voice” which tends to be more direct and places emphasis on the subject performing the action, while passive voice can be used to shift the focus onto the action or make it less clear who is responsible for the action, which can be a common technique in propaganda to avoid accountability.
Media outlets in Western countries invoke nationalism and patriotism to garner support for military actions. They frame war as a means of protecting national interests and security, emphasizing the need to unite against external threats. Such narratives can lead to public support for war, as it becomes synonymous with defending one's country.
Islamophobia is the main driver of Western media in dehumanizing Muslims and supporting war by amplifying prejudice and fostering an environment where conflict seems justifiable. Media outlets, consciously or unconsciously, often depict Muslims as a monolith and a threat, relying on harmful stereotypes and biased narratives that stoke fear and prejudice. This portrayal creates a dangerous "us versus them" narrative, leading to public support for military interventions or policies disproportionately targeting Muslims. Racism props up capitalism and is needed to justify a hierarchy for war.
People tend to consume information from sources that align with their existing beliefs and opinions. This phenomenon creates echo chambers, where individuals are exposed to a single perspective on war and related issues. As a result, media outlets cater to their target audience by perpetuating propaganda that resonates with preexisting beliefs.
The same media outlets, institutions, nationalist perspectives, and even some well-known figures played a pivotal role in advocating for the U.S. military intervention in multiple interventions around the globe. Media, such as Radio Free Europe(and Radio Free Asia) funded by the US Congress, played a crucial role in promoting Western ideologies during the Cold War, receiving substantial funding and reaching millions of people.
The US often portrays anti-US or anti-NATO countries as dictatorial and intervenes under the guise of averting humanitarian disasters. From the end of World War II to 2001, the US initiated 201 out of 248 armed conflicts in 153 locations, accounting for over 80 percent of total wars. Since 2001, US wars and military operations have resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
Iraq War (2003):
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs): The Bush administration and some media outlets claimed that Iraq possessed WMDs, providing a primary justification for the invasion. However, no substantial evidence supported this claim after the war.
Aluminum Tubes: Some media outlets reported that Iraq's purchase of aluminum tubes was evidence of a nuclear weapons program. This information was later discredited.
Afghanistan War:
Post-9/11 Reporting: In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, there was significant pressure on the media to support the war in Afghanistan. This led to uncritical reporting and a lack of in-depth analysis.
Civilian Casualties: There have been instances of underreporting or downplaying civilian casualties in Afghanistan. This has raised concerns about the accuracy of casualty figures.
Vietnam War:
Tonkin Gulf Incident: The media played a significant role in promoting the narrative of the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which was used as a pretext for escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Later investigations suggested that the incident was not as it had been initially reported.
Ukraine War:
Annexation of Crimea (2014): When Russia annexed Crimea, the media played a significant role in shaping public perceptions. Western media often framed this event as an unlawful and aggressive act by Russia, emphasizing the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. While the annexation was widely condemned internationally, media coverage simplified the historical and ethnic complexities of the region.
Noam Chomsky, Jeremy Scahill on the Russia-Ukraine War
During the Afghanistan War, many journalists were embedded with military units. This arrangement allowed journalists to be closely associated with the military and often resulted in reporting that was sympathetic to the military's goals. Embedded journalism can create a narrative that focuses on the heroism and dedication of the troops while downplaying the complexities and consequences of war.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been involved in propaganda and covert activities throughout the Cold War and beyond.
Here's a brief overview of some key events related to CIA operations in other nations:
Cuban Revolution and Bay of Pigs (1961): The CIA was involved in efforts to overthrow Fidel Castro's government after the Cuban Revolution. The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed attempt to overthrow Castro, resulting in embarrassment for the CIA and the U.S. government.
Operation Mongoose (1961-1963): This was a covert operation aimed at destabilizing the Cuban government through sabotage, propaganda, and other means. It included plans for assassination attempts on Castro.
Iran 1953 and Guatemala 1954: The CIA was involved in the overthrow of Iran's Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953 and the Guatemalan government of Jacobo Árbenz in 1954. These covert operations aimed to protect U.S. interests.
Operation CHAOS (1967-1973): During the Vietnam War era, the CIA conducted surveillance on domestic anti-war and civil rights activists in the United States. This program was focused on countering perceived subversive activities.
Operation Cyclone (1980s): The CIA provided covert support to Afghan mujahideen fighters against the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.
Operation Mockingbird: This was an alleged CIA program to influence and control media organizations and journalists during the Cold War.
The CIA and the World of Arts and Letters
Claims of success and progress were frequently reported without rigorous independent verification. This created a misleading picture of the situation on the ground, as military statements and government reports were taken at face value. It wasn't until later that the media began to critically examine the realities of the conflict.
The Israeli army and Western media employ propaganda as a primary tool to shape public opinion and gain consent. They aim to create a positive and relatable image, often emphasizing relatable elements such as soldiers returning home or dancing soldiers to humanize the military. They adapt their communication strategy to different platforms and languages, with Hebrew channels focusing on heartwarming narratives and English channels emphasizing narratives of Israel under threat, invoking a sense of victimization and self-defense.
Genocide is defined in the December 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide as five acts committed with "intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group."
ISRAEL’S APARTHEID AGAINST PALESTINIANS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Access to government officials and information can be crucial for journalists covering war. In some cases, this access can be contingent on a media outlet's willingness to present events in a manner favorable to government policies. This relationship can lead to self-censorship and a reluctance to question official narratives.
It's essential for the public to remain critical consumers of information and seek diverse sources as well as history to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues of genocide and occupation.