Vietnam

We watched a video in this lecture about the effects of journalism in the Vietnam. Some famous photographs were featured including...

The Execution (pictured) - Eddie Adams (1968). This well known image heavily influenced the American public who began to question the US support of an anti-Communist regime.

My Lai Massacre - Ronald L. Haeberle (1968). The question was raised as to whether the photographer should have stepped in and prevented the situation or whether it is a journalists duty to record and not get involved. The images of the massacre created world outrage and created an international scandal.

Napalm Girl - Nick Ut (1972). Perhaps the most famous image of the war which became a universal anti-war icon. The photo shows children running from a villiage which had just been Napalmed by the US.

Some more recent journalistic activity which had wide reaching effect come to mind. Firstly, the hilarious tabloid coverage of then Labour leader Neil Kinnock tumbling clumsily into the sea during a pleasant shoreline walk with his wife. Some say that from that moment the British public never did take the MP seriously and it is often the thing that he is most remembered for. If I find an image or article about this event I will endeavour to post it! Widely circulated newspaper The Sun also ran a damning headline during Kinnock's leadership campaign featuring the words "If Kinnock wins today, will the last person to leave Britain turn out the lights." The second example I can think of involves film-maker Michael Moore. In a move to influence America and their voting habits during Bush's campaign for a second term, Moore decided on a timely release of his controvercial documentary Farenheit 9/11. Unfortunately for Moore the film failed to have an effect and Bush was re-elected by an even greater margin than when he first gained office.