Blog Post #11 - Collateral Murder

Collateral, without given context, means causing injury and or harm to a non-intended target. Now, combine that with the definition of murder, which is unlawfully killing somebody. So, collateral murder is killing non-intended people. That is what the shocking and discriminating film “Collateral Murder” is.

During this film, the soldiers asked multiple times for permission to kill and fire several shots at the people in Iraq. Therefore, it wasn’t a mistake or an accident on behalf of these soldiers. Although the intention claims to not have been there, more than intentional damage was done in Iraq. 

The order of occurrence during this began with the soldiers hovering above Iraq using small cameras to see targets in as much depth and detail as possible. They used their transmission radios to communicate and “ask permission” to begin shooting. Gas operated assault rifles that were created in the soviet union, AK-47’s, were what was used during this disaster. Their first goal was the rebel group followed by the van that approached. After a few minutes, shots were fired, killing almost everyone in sight. Once the dust from the first fire settled down, the air started to clear allowing better vision of the targets. The first thing we see is a man, who ended up being the photographer, injured trying to slide his way to the closest curb searching and gripping on for a hope of life. The soldiers “thinking” that his camera was a weapon and threat, shortly after, shots were fired once again. The most saddening part to these murders were the commentary of the soldiers through their radios. After shots were fired, all you can hear are their laughs as if it’s comical to them that they are killing others. 

            "Oh yeah, look at that. Right through the windshield! Ha Ha!"

My overall reaction to this is nothing other than shocked. While viewing this video in class, I almost felt the urge to vomit because of how disgusting this was. Collateral murder is not even close to acceptable in my opinion. It’s just causing hurt, pain, and death to everyone involved. One of the most sickening things about this video is hearing these murders chuckle about killing these civilians from Iraq. I know many people would side with me in reference to nothing about murder and violence is any bit comical. There needs to be another way to react to things like this other than murder, let alone collateral murder.