Hollywood's Cozy Relationship with the Military-Industrial Complex ????

Introduction

Hello, corporate professionals! Today, let's delve into a topic that's not often discussed but has a significant impact on our perception of the world: Hollywood's role in the military-industrial complex. This article aims to shed light on how the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) influences the film industry to shape public opinion about the military and war.

The DoD's Direct Involvement in Hollywood ??????

The DoD has a long-standing relationship with Hollywood, going back nearly 100 years. They openly admit to being involved in the scriptwriting process for major blockbusters. The DoD's primary goal is to ensure that the military is portrayed as "good people trying to do the right thing the right way."

The Carrot and Stick Approach ????

The DoD uses its vast resources, such as military equipment and shooting locations, as leverage. If a movie script aligns with the DoD's narrative, the film gets access to these resources, significantly reducing production costs. This makes such movies more likely to be produced and become blockbusters.

The Subtle Art of Script Rewriting ????

The DoD's influence is not always overt but often manifests in subtle rewrites. For instance, in the movie "12 Strong," the DoD's rewrites were minor, focusing on cleaning up the physical image of the protagonists. In contrast, "Lone Survivor" underwent significant changes, including removing the main character's urge to commit war crimes.

The Impact on Public Perception ????

These subtle changes have a cumulative effect on how the public perceives the military. Movies that portray the military in a positive light are more likely to be blockbusters, thereby reaching a larger audience and shaping public opinion more effectively.

The Marxist Analysis of Superstructures ????

According to Marxist theory, the production of cultural texts like movies is influenced by the economic context in which they appear. In a neoliberal, imperial, capitalist society like the U.S., movies often find relevance by reaffirming the present societal order. This creates a mutually reinforcing cycle where the military-industrial complex benefits from positive portrayals in popular culture.

The Historical Context ?????

The U.S. government has been using movies as a propaganda tool since World War I. Agencies like the Committee on Public Information and the Office of War Information have historically leveraged the film industry to galvanize public support for wars.

Conclusion: Time to Reevaluate? ??♀???

The influence of the DoD on Hollywood is not a conspiracy theory but a well-documented fact. It raises ethical questions about the role of entertainment in shaping public opinion and perpetuating the military-industrial complex. As informed citizens and corporate professionals, it's crucial to be aware of these dynamics and question the narratives presented to us.