Winning Hearts and (Dirty) Minds in Afghanistan

[Stingo]

The Washington Post this morning brings humor to the discussion of the Afghanistan War, but they also bring a depiction of life in Afghanistan that feeds into stereotypes. Sure, it is interesting to know what the CIA is using to gain influence, but an article about giving away viagra just emphasiszes the notion of the arabic “other,” to our moral detriment.

http://allspinzone.com/wp/2008/12/26/winning-hearts-and-dirty-minds-in-afghanistan/

[acmavm]

1. Typical testosterone driven thug who's penis rules his world. The

discussion is already underway here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3659417

[Stingo]

2. That's the problem here.

The discussion is ruled by penises and how different cultures have figured their use. As we villify this Afghan Shaik, we abuse the notion of cultural difference. Whether we like it or not, four wives is accepted there. We want to change how they feel about the Taliban and terrorism, and maybe someday we can work on cultural diffences concerning marriage. But I place a higher priority on the terrorism. I wish the media would place a lesser priority on the viagra.