The Media and the Public Image of Dutch Veterans from World War II to Srebrenica

Abstract

This article contends that the Dutch news media create “types” in their journalistic portrayal of Dutch veterans. Generations of Dutch veterans have been a popular subject for journalists in Holland. It appears that the Dutch media have focused on failures and misconduct rather than the sacrifices of veterans. The authors will show that this negative impression is incorrect. The authors' survey of reports in the media served as the basis of this article. Particular attention is paid to Srebrenica and its negative impact on the Dutch military and veterans. The authors discuss the results of opinion polls conducted in 2005. It is argued that in the “run-up” to Srebrenica, the definition of the situation was a matter of political and media conflict in which opinion was prioritized over fact. The article concludes with comments about the media imagery of Dutch veterans and some comparisons with American Vietnam veterans.