When
reporters cover events as complicated as the current situation in
Syria, they make it palatable and sensible by framing it in a story. This
obvious but
oft-forgotten point matters because such coverage shapes opinions,
affecting policy and outcomes.
The
story or narrative for Syria is something like Good Guys fight
Repressive Bad Guys for freedom. The CNN article "Faces of the Free Syrian Army"
gives us an example of the formalized making of this conflict's Good
Guy via humanizing coverage that makes his struggle familiar and gives
him voice:
"I go to war for my family, for my country," Amin said. "Because (Assad) has killed everyone. He killed my cousin. He destroyed my village. He destroyed my home."
Indeed, that sucks. Instant sympathy for him and his struggle.
This
article is also notable for using the word "bivouacked", which means to
take temporary refuge in a military encampment of tents and make-ready
shelters
vulnerable to enemy fire.
Note:
- I guess you can't see faces in this picture though.
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