By John Tobey, April 16, 2006
Apologies in advance for the lengthy and boring message to come. It is easy to repeat dominant beliefs in a 30-second soundbite, but it takes much longer to express ideas that contradict popular assumptions. One must first point out the existence of assumptions before presenting material that may challenge them.
I want to bring to your attention the set of beliefs called American Exceptionalism. Then, I will point out a few media reports to consider in its context. I sum up American Exceptionalism (in mild form) as follows:
Although imperfect, the United States and its allies are nobler and kinder than other present and historical power blocs, including the Roman Empire; the Third Reich; the Soviet-led bloc; imperial Japan; the British in India, China, and southern Africa; Maoist China; revolutionary Iran; North Korea; and even the early United States regarding Native Americans. We (American-led bloc), more so than other powers, fight for ideals and to free all people from tyranny. We fight less to preserve the power of a few or steal resources. We prefer to avoid practices such as torture, murder, theft, and collective punishment. We do this in our enlightened self-interest, for a free world is a peaceful and prosperous world.
This belief is only occasionally made explicit, but it underlies practically every mainstream media item and official pronouncement regarding the role and motives of the United States in the world. If you don't believe me, send me any front-page article on a relevant topic, and I will happily point out the influence of American Exceptionalism. Chances are, I will also point out ways that this influence distorts or distracts from relevant information. It is not usually the case that editors, publishers, advertisers, or the government enforce this view by censorship or threats; rather, the influence is subtle and pervasive. It is what many media consumers expect and prefer, so it sells more copies. It is associated with good feelings, so it sells more ads. Journalists and commentators who are personally free of this influence have trouble finding jobs or getting published in the MSM, because their beliefs seem strange to the managers, who are more likely Exceptionalists. Near the top of the hierarchy, practically everyone is heavily influenced.
Given this context, I recommend the following items:
What Really Happened In "Falluja April 2004" (60 min.) - documentary by Toshikuni DOI who visited Fallujah with camera and interpreter before and shortly after the US assault.
SOS over Iraqi scientists - article about the wave of assassinations of Iraqi intellectuals and the lack of successful investigation. It does not assume the United States is guilty but discusses who might benefit.
Ray McGovern, retired CIA analyst, says the United States is guilty of torture (60 min. audio interview)
These items (and hundreds like them) are not some blogger's fevered imaginations. They are not dogmatic or heavily biased. Their content is more fact than opinion. The facts are open to interpretation. Some are colored by the reporter's worldview, others are concrete like video footage.
Most often, when one is presented with information that challenges Exceptionalist beliefs, one simply turns away. If not, one starts to feel uncomfortable and perhaps angry that the piece is liberal-biased or anti-American, even if it is a simple documentary. Or one asserts that it doesn't matter, even while accepting it as true. One clings to one's cherished beliefs in the face of contrary evidence, or one prefers sources that omit such evidence.
These are things I will not do. As a result of not doing so and of pursuing truth, I have reached a very different understanding of the world from many of my friends and family. I sometimes miss being regarded as sane, and often I shut up and smile to get along in the face of ignorance. But I can not forever leave things unsaid. This is one of the times that I say things.
Apologies for my long-windedness.