NationStates Jolt Archive

FX is launching a new TV series called 'Over There,' a drama about the Iraq war.
Having spent seven months there with the 1st Marines in 2003 and getting ready to go again with my National Guard unit, I feel really uneasy about them using the war as a franchise that will generate ratings and make money for them. Granted that the media does this already, but at least they are reporting on events.
Anyhow, the point is that while I do believe very firmly in everyone's right to freely speak thier mind and express thier creativity, there are situations and events that people should have the sensitivity to not exploit for profit. Not that this should be legislated, but rather that people choose not to do it because it is, in my opinion, indecent and wrong. I felt the same way when people started selling all of those American flags and bumper stickers and 'Terrorist Hunting Permits' after the big incident, and how car rental companies started chargin $300.00 per day when the airlines were all shut down. Many companies took advantage of a tragedy for profit.
Am I alone on this? What do other people think? Has this happenned in England now as well?

The same people who laugh until they cry at those "Terrorist Hunting Permits" stickers are the same kind of thick-headed stooges that will watch this show, and that's what FX is counting on. Is it in bad taste? Of course. But when has that ever stopped anybody?

eh, its good basis for a show and it would become one eventually

I think it depends on how they're going to show the soldiers and wether or not they'll make this about politics or about the stories and emotions of the soldiers

I personally hope the show realistically portrays what our soldiers experience. I too hope the show tells the stories of the soldiers and doesn't try to slip in an overwhelming politcal message.

The thought that FX is exploiting the situation hadn't occured to me, but it is an understandable concern though.

Currently I'm extremely interested in joining the Marines (Infantry, parents want me to be an officer, I've considered it. Any thoughts on that?) and would love to see the show if it shows what really happens in combat.

I personally hope the show realistically portrays what our soldiers experience. I too hope the show tells the stories of the soldiers and doesn't try to slip in an overwhelming politcal message.

The thought that FX is exploiting the situation hadn't occured to me, but it is an understandable concern though.

Currently I'm extremely interested in joining the Marines (Infantry, parents want me to be an officer, I've considered it. Any thoughts on that?) and would love to see the show if it shows what really happens in combat.

That's kinda the point- you can't learn what is experienced by watching TV.
If you go into the Marines, I wish you all the best. I really enjoyed my 4 years and 8 months (stop-loss) in the Marine Corps. It is a proud service and was one of the best experiences of my life! If you want OCS, get your college out of the way first, and look forward to Marine OCS at Quantico. Truly a program for the best out there.