#7: The Progressive Era

After exploring Antiwar.com, I could recognize the differences between this website and mainstream news outlets. It is evident that this source has strong beliefs and reports stories with a contrasting perspective. While most popular news platforms are aligned with the ideals of the Republican or Democratic party, this website does not affiliate with a political party.

Although all these reports were published on various sites, they all share a similar view on anti-war and condemn both parties in their intervention in foreign affairs. For example, the article titled “Rubio: US To Decide Within Days If Ukraine Peace Is Possible” by Kyle Anzalone demonstrates how both political parties are criticized for the overall message. In his article, he initially states President Trump’s claim to end the war in Ukraine. However, he highlights how this campaign promise is not being prioritized. Additionally, Anzalone seeks to put pressure on both parties to reduce our government’s intervention in this war.

This article reveals how the Antiwar website is nonpartisan and why it is less popular. In modern media, many news sources are politically affiliated to a political party or even stay neutral. Conversely, this website is more obscure because it finds flaws in both political parties to encourage action for their anti-war cause. This website highlights how mainstream media is often biased to stay loyal to their political party and how diverse perspectives are often underrepresented.

In addition, I looked at The American Conservative website and noticed the similarities between the two platforms. Nevertheless, there were striking differences between the two sources on what they valued. From my research, I believed the Antiwar website to be more focused on diplomacy and efforts to be peaceful with foreign nations. On the other hand, the American Conservative displayed stories on domestic issues.

Overall, both news outlets were critical of mainstream media and the overall actions by the U.S. government to intervene in foreign conflicts.  For example, there was an image displayed on the website that caught my attention because of its satirical way of showing their message. This image embodies how both news sources are different from mainstream press.

This political cartoon shows a loudspeaker labeled ‘Alternative Media’ drowning out other mainstream news outlets. In addition, each news outlet is illustrated as an elephant or donkey, representing how these sources have skewed viewpoints to match the Republican or Democratic party. This image highlights how powerful and important it truly is to listen to independent sources and be cautious of where you gather information. 

News platforms like Antiwar and The American Conservative are essential in providing an antiwar perspective that is often overlooked in today's press. I appreciate how these sources demonstrate no party affiliations, which allows them to challenge the actions of both parties. These opinions are necessary and crucial during a time when so much of the mainstream media is biased toward one viewpoint; these sources provide perspectives that challenge authority.