Ordinary Americans critical of one-sided media
Published 15 August, 2008, 17:10
The conflict may be over, but not the war of words. Moscow claims some Western newspapers have taken a one-sided view of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict and have been misleading their readers.
Russia says the bloodshed in South Ossetia has created a real information war, which is reaching spectacular proportions.
The events in Ossetia and Georgia have been making headlines in the U.S. Politicians seem to be competing to see who can make the strongest rebuke of Moscow.
“I took up the Washington Post and the first page: ”Despite truce, Russians take Georgian city.“
And they're of course referring to the city of Gori. And then the Financial Times, even more graphic. The headline read: “Russia leaves clear message in Gori ruins.” Then you go on and read the article and in the article there is no reference to ruins. You know why? Because, there are no ruins. It’s as simple as that,” Russia’s UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin said.
In an attempt to find out what the people really think, after being exposed to a torrent of information and disinformation, claims and counterclaims, RT spoke to New Yorkers.
While some did have a negative perception of Russia’s actions, others believed the U.S. should stay out of the conflict, while some didn't have an opinion at all.
An Ossetian’s reaction
Oleg Kelekhsaev – an Ossetian – has been working as a driver in New York for over four years. He says he has been shocked by what he has seen and read in the media over the last days:
“Americans reacted to the crisis as if nothing was happening. It’s like they think they’re watching a movie. And that’s when innocent people and women are burnt alive in the XXI century! Not only is America reacting critically, but they are also involved in the conflict. It’s a nightmare. The only reaction I see from Americans is blaming Russia.”
Oleg believes peoples feelings were affected by the story’s portrayal in the Western media.
“They [people] have not been told the truth by the media. And the reason the Western media does this is so that its people would also blame Russia for everything,” he said.
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