Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Paul Jones <pjones AT metalab.unc.edu>]

What: discussion of Iraq war and media focusing on the documentary
      "Occupation: Dreamland"
Where: 116 Murphey Hall
When:  10:30 - 12:30 Soldiers' View
       2:00-4:00     Scholar's Panel
Details: See below

> Media War:
>
> During times of military conflict, interactions between the public and 
> government--including the military specifically--are both critical and 
> complicated.  Since most of this interaction occurs through the 'media,' it 
> is important to examine perceptions of how the media works and how this 
> interaction shifts over time.  Two panels will discuss this interaction and 
> the media's performance in relation to the current Iraq conflict.  The first 
> panel will present a military viewpoint including panelists currently 
> serving, veterans, and military families.  A second panel will present views 
> of academics specializing in media and politics.
>
> Location:   UNC Campus, 116 Murphy Hall
>
> Purpose:  The purpose of this event will be to use the film
> "Occupation: Dreamland" as a springboard for raising the level of public 
> discussion concerning issues related to the war in Iraq.   As the film 
> creates a very human portrayal of the soldiers in this conflict, it can be 
> used to inspire a broad discussion about media, history, and politics in 
> relation to the current conflict and those that have come before it. By 
> bringing together soldiers, veterans, and their families - as well as experts 
> on media, politics, and history - the conference facilitators hope to create 
> an environment in which the Iraq War can be viewed in its historical context. 
> As such, this conference will explore the challenges American citizens and 
> soldiers must address as we consider the influence of media on our 
> understanding of the war and the consequences of that understanding."
>
> Info:  The film is being distributed by  Rumur Releasing (rumur.com). Rumur 
> and the filmmakers are working together with Working Films to get the film 
> seen and discussed.
>
> Structure:
>
> Morning Session- 10:30 - 12:30
>
> Soldiers' View:
>
> 10 minute clip from "Occupation: Dreamland"
>
> A panel with soldiers and veterans as well as family members of both groups 
> will discuss soldiers' rights and needs.  How are they affected by media 
> representations of the current conflict.  Would they rather see more 
> information?  Does what they see on the news ring true with what they hear 
> from others?  Some of the discussion during this panel will make useful 
> parallels between the Vietnam War and the current conflict.
>
> This panel will also delve into the idea of how media representations of the 
> conflict affect soldiers while serving and upon returning.  This issue is 
> especially touchy right now as anger is building up on both sides due to the 
> actions of peace activists like Cindy Sheehan.  Some say that calls of "Bring 
> the Troops Home" damages morale.  How do these soldiers feel?
>
> Panelists
> Captain Britt Erslev United States Army
> James Massey- Former Career Marine/ Recruiter
> Garrett Reppenhagen  Cavalry Scout/ Sniper
> Others to be announced
>
> 12:30- 2:00 lunch break
>
> Afternoon Session: 2:00-4:00
>
> "What we know, how we know it, and what it means".
>
> 10 minute clip from "Occupation: Dreamland"
>
> In this panel, experts in media and politics will examine media coverage of 
> the war and how that influences and is influenced by political and public 
> life.  "Occupation:  Dreamland" provides a starting point for the discussion, 
> which is given additional impetus by issues relating to media coverage of 
> events in Iraq and Afghanistan, the impact on the military and their 
> families, the controversy of Cindy Sheehan's protest, and television series 
> such as "Over There."
>
> Panelists:
> Cori Dauber (UNC) Communication Studies
> David Paletz (Duke) Political Science
> Napoleon Bryars (UNC) School of Journalism and Mass Communication
> Garret Scott  Filmmaker "Occupation Dreamland"
> Ian Olds      Filmmaker "Occupation Dreamland"
>
> This program is sponsored by the Department of Communication Studies and the 
> Curriculum in Peace, War and Defense.
>
> For additional information about the film, "Occupation:  Dreamland," please 
> visit
>
> www.occupationdreamland.com