Critical analysis of Filipino TV's militarism and impact on societal awareness

Abstract

In the digital age, militarisation, encompassing police power, soldiers, and various military resources, has become increasingly prevalent in various forms of Philippine media. Thus, "Multimedia Militarisation" best describes how Philippine media instills ideals and manipulates mass audiences to accept the status quo. Right-wing propaganda normalises violence and warfare. In this paper, the authors argue that TV series like "Ang Probinsyano," "The General's Daughter," and "A Soldier's Heart" have played a significant role in shaping social consciousness. They have influenced how people view military personnel and what is philosophically referred to as state apparatuses, which encompass the police, military, justice system, and prison system, along with their respective leaders, as integral members of an ideal society. Furthermore, the authors consider it essential to reference historical instances, such as Hitler's Nazi Germany and Marcosian Philippines, where propaganda played a pivotal role in manipulating social consciousness through the dissemination of false information. The study identifies three main themes: the glorification of the armed branch of government, the normalisation of violence, and the introduction of revolutionary ideology to the public. Finally, this paper adopts a social-historical approach and critically analyses the current state of the country's mainstream media, highlighting its reactionary implications. It emphasises how these media outlets air films that advocate for the necessity of militarisation, all in the context of the progress of Philippine society and the evolving definition of patriotism within a populist cultural setting.