Info Ops Indeed

Take a look at this Michael Yon post comparing two slide shows, both set to music. One would generally be labelled propaganda, both because it's upbeat, obviously designed to tell a good news story, and because it isn't produced by a known news organization. But Yon raises an important point: the second slide show (you want the one labelled "Editor's Choice") certainly is just as interested in promoting a point of view, as utterly devoid of the inspirational or the upbeat, don't you think? As an aside, I'm sure that isn't conscious or intentional: these just happen to be the kinds of pictures photo editors think are "best." (The one possible exception would be the literally breathtaking space photo.) Next year there will be photos that might be categorized as "inspirational" since the Olympics will legitimize the inclusion of some sports photos.

Update: Since propaganda seems to be the theme this week, take a look at this interesting post from Wretchard, which thinks through some of the implications of my thinking.