Talk:Military history

Cultural gap?

This cultural gap can also be seen in works that only glance at the military ("Wag the Dog"). Military or exmilitary protagonists in popular action novels and movies see themselves as tough realists with higher standards, more technological expertise, and greater responsibility than their civilian counterparts. Contemptuous of politicians and intrusive media journalists, they like finding creative ways around constricting rules. But the more literary books and films tend to be more critical of the military's bureaucratic inertia and preoccupations with status and power. This widening gap essentially reflects a shift from an American ethic of national service toward one of self-service.<ref> Harper (2000)</ref>

Where does this come from? "Harper" is not a valid cite as there is no other mention of Harper on the page. I also don't believe there is any "cultural gap". If there is, it is almost certainly Amero-centric, barring evidence presented to the ocntrary. Why would anyone expect military movies to be more than 4 or 6 % of books or movies? It doesn't follow; even so, this isn't a drum that needs to be beaten on a military history page.Michael A. Dorosh 15:11, 14 April 2008 (CDT)

please check the bibliography subpage before making counter-claims of unverifiable or questionable claims. --Robert W King 15:14, 14 April 2008 (CDT)

My guess is that a great many people around the world--even in canada-- get much of their military history from Hollywood, so a CZ discussion based on a serious article in the leading journal of military studies seems appropriate to me. Richard Jensen 15:22, 14 April 2008 (CDT)