Create your Own Social Media Post
US military support in South Vietnam existed primarily to stop the spread of Communism. In the early years of the war, most journalists faithfully reported the government’s announcements about the war’s progress and generally supported the war effort. When Americans began to express concerns, they were told they were being unpatriotic, and pro war protests were organized. Anti war protests began in response to this backlash. Photojournalists played a key role in reporting on the protests and shifting American attitudes.
The Assignment
In this scenario, you are the social media producer in your newsroom. Your editor has given you an assignment to create a post highlighting the pro war and antiwar protests that took place surrounding the Vietnam War. You can choose either side to highlight from the carousel.
Directions
Choose a photo from the carousel taken during a pro war or anti war protest to accompany your post by clicking on “Select Image.” Look at the image carefully. What parts of the photo seem to be important to understanding public opinion on Vietnam? How do you think some of the public reacted to seeming large pro- and anti-Vietnam protest images in newspapers?
Write the original social media entry and “post” comments in response. Thoughtful social media posts will engage the reader. Tips: Read the captions, use what you have learned in the case study, and consider conducting some outside research.
Create Post
PBS NewsHour Classroom