Do you think the media is solely responsible for differences in how the U.S Military has been portrayed....?

Question

From the early 20th century compared with now?

Answer 1

You can say that. Back in the World Wars, the media was just propaganda for the military and government. How evil the enemy was and how great it was to serve is what the media portrayed. As it became more independent we see a change. All of a sudden people are debating the wars and different points of view are coming out that divide the nation. I think the Vietnam War is the big turning point for this. But, and this is important, that came out of hippie ideals but was brought to the dominant culture from the counter-culture by the media. The military is no longer necessarily seen as the great benevolent force of the country that it used to be. And, that is why there was a big debate over whether the USA military has the right to invade Iraq in the first place. Unfortunately this debate came after the invasion already occurred (personally, I think it was a good decision).

On the other hand, I would argue that the above is not true and that the portrayal of the military changes with each generation towards less acceptance of the military.

Answer 2

William Randolph Hearst said "You supply the pictures, I'll supply the war."  We've done it for a long time.