How to Scrap the Atari War on Afghanistan

Kevin Chicas

Instead of contributing to the media saturation and spinning of the events of post-911 and the air strikes on Afghanistan, I had decided months ago to avoid writing about the war on terrorism. I had a bit of optimism as I read the Los Angeles Times and tuned in to CNN for any breaking news. Perhaps they would get things right this time, providing us with clear footage of the air strikes in Afghanistan, diverse perspectives on how to handle international terrorism in the United States, and swift action from our government to apprehend those responsible and put them to trial under an international tribunal.

Nothing close to that has happened. An anti-terrorist bill has been passed by Congress resulting in the further invasion of our privacy through law enforcement, phone tapping and identification checking. Over 3,000 people from Middle Eastern descent have been detained by the FBI for their apparent connections to the hijackers who crashed two planes into the World Trade Center towers. Taking a flight or seeking outdoor entertainment is more of a hassle with an increase of metal detectors and cameras intending to keep us safe. News feeds of U.S. military ground and air strikes resemble an Atari game of Space Invaders.

If our government claims that our country's enemies engage in terrorist actions because we're a beacon of freedom, then the public deserves to utilize their freedom to know more about the situation through sources that are less intent on providing a pro-war, pro-retaliatory stance than taking a more critical approach. Much of our lives revolve around the consumption of media, but we lack the literacy to read past the disinformation and double speak that permeate our television screens and broadband internet connections. In an attempt to help those in need of media literacy, I've complied a short list of tips to scrap the Atari war on Afghanistan and get a clearer signal.

Try the Real Alternative Press

The national media refuses to report that it is highly concentrated in corporate ownership (AOL Time Warner, Viacom, CBS/Westinghouse, ABC/ Disney, etc.) which has a tremendous influence into what Dan Rather or Peter Jennings will report or will not report to us on the nightly news. Several of the major news networks are owned by defense contractors or nuclear energy companies, so it should be no surprise if the stories present a positive view of military actions and weapon use against those countries accused of harboring terror. The corporate owned media is less inclined to list independent, non-profit alternative presses (afraid of losing profits and ratings) so it is up to you to look them up yourself.

Although L.A. Weekly and New Times offer a more leftist stance on political issues, they are a much juicier alternative than the mainstream Times or Daily News in Los Angeles. Pacifica Radio (on KPFK) is one of the last independently owned radio stations in Southern California that offers excellent programming (such as Democracy Now!). Unfortunately, Pacifica is struggling economically and is becoming dismantled by corporate shareholders, so it wouldn't hurt to listen and offer some support. The internet is another excellent resource, but you have to be more careful with the sources. Two excellent, non-profit news sites are Alternet (alternet.org) and Indymedia (indemedia.org), which tend to stay ahead of the pack by offering uncensored news feeds and pictures that the networks have to cut for advertising time or conflict of interest.

Don't Feed the Idiot Box, Eat the Idiot Box

One of the things that is most lacking in our general education is knowledge and understanding of media: how it works, what purpose does it serve, and for what ends. This is a must if we are to absorb a daily bombardment of video clips and sound bytes that we mistakenly acknowledge as factual and concise. Taking a college journalism or communications course is beneficial to getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes, and you will leave with a box of tools to critique and break down those fuzzy messages on your screen or speakers. Picking up some literature would help as well. We the Media: A Citizen's Guide to Fighting for Media Democracy (Hazel and Windkur) is probably one of the most accessible guides for anyone who likes reading the For Dummies series. It also wouldn't hurt to call up your local independent bookstore (keep in mind that Borders or Barnes and Noble carry the same mainstream fodder) or library and ask for any books, CD-ROMs or videos that focus on media advocacy and literacy. Most of these resources are exciting and informative to watch, and will take little of your time.

Don't Have The Resources? Demand and Initiate Media of Your Own

If there are no ways for you to access the news and information you want, initiate some media on your own! There is a vast network of localized, independent media that are actively involved in reporting and sharing news through community funds and grants, all for no profit. It is also a learning opportunity for those interested in journalism or networking with people who share your desire for collecting and publishing information not found elsewhere. If you have a local publication, you can make it global through a website. All of this definitely takes lots of time and hard work, but it will be worth the effort in knowing that you're actively participating in establishing communication in communities and cultures that are wholesomely underrepresented in the mainstream, corporate-owned media.

Hopefully these tips will provide you with breathing room from the broad, generalized, recycled news that you digest every day. The more informed and critical we are, the more we will understand the situation in Afghanistan with an open and properly filtered mind. Such rush generalizations and judgments from an Atari infested screen can be avoided if we extend our freedoms to see the clearer image.

Kevin Chicas is a Santa Monica College student.