|
Media and troop deaths (continued)
the “third bloodiest” day for troops since Canada entered the conflict in 2002. And again a roadside bomb was to blame.
CBC Radio immediately went on the air with a round-table discussion about the incident and Canada’s continuing role in Afghanistan. Whenever these incidents happen the media get wound-up in a kind of emotionally overwrought analysis of the mission. But why? Dying is a part of war. Yes, every soldier who dies must be recognized for her or his heroism. But this constant almost angst-ridden introspection does little to sustain support for a just war or improve morale among our troops. And, besides, Canada has already announced it will be withdrawing its forces in July 2011. The soldiers should be recognized for their valour. But the otherwise constant whining sounds defeatist and can be interpreted as a service to our enemies. One other thing. The death of Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang, the first Canadian journalist killed in Afghanistan, also brought predictably large amounts of media coverage. The Globe and Mail had five stories alone about her. The Windsor Star had two stories by staff that had travelled to the conflict. Surely journalists can honour their own. But this excessive coverage of Lang’s death amounts to typical media naval-gazing and should end. WindsorOntarioNews.com Jan 3, 2010
|
