Online Presentation of the Second Chechen War

Here we have two examples of online presentation: a Wikipedia article and a multimedia story. Both are well done - the Wikipedia article is stocked full of references and clean language, and the multimedia story is artistically sound - but both are spinning two different approaches to telling the Chechen War story.

The multimedia story is an emotional, more personal account of the Second Chechen War. Pictures and stories with young kids, kids that served the military during the war, kids that serve dramatic lines like "You become like a savage," create a touching, dramatic story. Audio clips and interviews, a somber music choice, and even the use of color (black, red and gray) create a full experience rather than a simple batch of information.

While both hold great amounts of information, Wikipedia is what it is, and that's a formal explanation of the Second Chechen War, and formal explanation that cannot always be considered a credible source. Separately, I think that neither Wikipedia or the multimedia story cover the full spectrum of this experience.

A multimedia story like this one provides a great supplement to the Wikipedia page because it stretches beyond the standard facts. This way, a student or party interested in learning about the Chechen War can read a factual account and internalize an emotional approach. To enter into a subject with an open mind is key, but this can only be achieved with an open mind. By only referencing the multimedia story, the audience risks trapping themselves too much in the emotional aspect of the presentation.

When I was in middle school, and fights with my little middle friends were everyday happenings, I'd reach out to my mother as a vent source. I'd rant and rave and tell her about my issues, and she would always say "Look at the situation from their shoes." This being said, a complete (or close enough to complete) understanding of a school subject, a hostile friend situation, or the Second Chechen War can only be reached if you explore several approaches.

This applies to different multimedia stories as well, even the ones that may not weigh in as heavy on the heart or mind. (Baltimore Sun German Bakery article vs. Baltimore Sun German Bakery slideshow)

Oh, and Moms are always right.

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