Why Every War Is Sold as Necessary and Every Coffin Is Called “Collateral Damage”
WORLD NEWS Why Every War Is Sold as Necessary and Every Coffin Is Called “Collateral Damage” There is a pattern in human history so predictable that you could set your calendar to it. First, politicians go on television and say the words “This is necessary.” Then experts appear and say “This is complicated.” Then the news shows maps with arrows and dramatic music. Then young men and women are sent somewhere far away to die for a reason that will be renamed three times before the war ends. And when the coffins come back, they don’t call it a tragedy. They call it collateral damage . Isn’t language amazing? War has always had a marketing department. It has to — because if governments told the truth from the beginning, nobody would support it. Imagine if war was advertised honestly: “We are about to destroy a country to protect our interests.” “Some innocent people will die, but we will call it unfortunate.” “Your fuel, food, and taxes will go up.” “We are not ...