Outline

Introduction Why Mobilize Popular Opinion for war?

Different modes of attaining support

Patriotism American Sniper Hollywood films - Westwalls Cultural

Imagination Masculinity/muscularity image of soldiers (male strength),
Uniform as significantly militaristic (Cultural politics of uniform) DPM and
camouflage (MTP) as visual identity reassure public of uniform protection
Uniforms in education, Japanese Case (signs of orderly conduct) leading to
youth
Youth Culture Toy Soldiers (playing at soldiers), Videogames, Recruitment
process - normalize war legitimize use of force pleasure culture of war
Military Fashion (Military Chic) increase army influence on society
transform civilians into soldiers fashion breaks rules of uniform - photo
shoot pictures patriotic pervasive appeal in popular culture
Sexual Connotation - sexual violence/social/sexual power fantasy of power
(erotically charged with violence) SS uniform as sexual fantasy emergence
of SM military in pornography (subliminal advertising) for sex or military?
Loss/degrading military significance as rules of uniform broken? Playboy
example
Popular Culture Comedy& satire (Ali G) highlights meaning of
traditional perspectives of militaristic fashion - Susan Sontags hard truth (elite
culture vs mass culture) - Military imagination VS Realities of war (Abu
Gharib case - not mobilized/but discouraged) visual subject in search of truth
(most convincing and powerful form) visibility of war undemocratic
invisible visibility of police culture
Issue of war transparency idea of opening up political practice unlikely due
to confidential exterior motives in world systems thus not feasible due to
government/national interests? Discourages patriotism. Importance of being
critical and recognize elitist culture as one side of the story.
Conclusion significance of images military influence for patriotism and
youth culture fashion breaking the rules, popular culture adaptation,
sexualize the uniform in pornography loss of meaning as elitism is opposed
by mass culture - visual images of abu gharib/comical satire of the uniform.
Ultimately depends on the scope of media outlet for elitist culture to mobilize
support for war, but other less apparent media representations, counters the
dominant notion in support of war, thus in a sense de-mobilizing support.

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