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June 4, 2007
Operation First Casualty
Thanks to Jason Mittell, I just came across the Iraq Veterans Against the War video, Operation First Casualty, available on YouTube and on the meerkat media blog. In the video Iraq War veterans simulate sniper fire and mass detentions on the streets of New York, bringing home the experience of the war in an interesting way.
Like Jason, I'm wondering whether YouTube and other video sharing sites can be used to engage new kinds of audiences politically. Certainly, street theater has a long precedent--including the flash mob performances that became briefly popular a few years ago. The video also reminds me, in other ways, of the construction of authenticity established in so many "grunts' eye" documentaries (such as Gunner Palace and Occupation: Dreamland).
Still working through my thoughts on the video, so hopefully will have more to say about it later.
Update: Via Rez Dog, news that at least one of the soldiers involved is now under investigation by the military and could receive a less than honorable discharge, which would potentially threaten "educational and other benefits."
Posted by chuck at June 4, 2007 12:24 PM
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