Ryan Goodman

Hot Wars

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been covered by more media than any conflicts in history. Modern communication makes it possible for anyone to record and report on incidents. There is a huge influx of information that reaches people in the West whether it be on film, television, newspapers, magazines and video games. The sheer volume and the graphic nature of many of this material has led to an inevitable desensitisation.

This information is fed to people amongst a growing amount of consumer material. Peoples materialistic needs are fed with images and program that promote every product and service imaginable. The two intersperse to create an indistinguishable mass of information where real and important messages are devalued or even lost.

In the 21st century conflict has become a commodity. The distinction is no longer clear between reality and fiction. The deaths of soldiers and civilians has become a two minute news piece, a Hollywood film, a game to play against friends online or a page in the newspaper. Each of these have the power to inform but tend to fall short and are as quickly forgotten as the turning of a page.

The result is that conflict has become entertainment, it is a way in which we are amused, shocked or disgusted but does not connect with the majority. It may trigger a brief reaction but inspires little prolonged action. The urge to be entertained and consume takes centre stage whilst the death of another soldier is passed over and the game restarted.