Like a Holy Crusade: Mississippi 1964 -- The Turning of the Civil Rights Movement in America : Book Review

"Like a Holy Crusade" by Nicolaus Mills explores the intricate connection between journalism and war during the era of the Vietnam War. Mills, an esteemed professor of American studies, delves into the important role played by journalists and media coverage in shaping public perception and understanding of the conflict. Through a series of case studies, Mills examines how journalists' biases, political ideologies, and personal experiences influenced their reporting, thereby shaping the public's understanding of the war.

Mills provides a comprehensive analysis of the various factions within the media during the Vietnam War, ranging from embedded journalists who presented a more favorable view of the war effort to those who openly opposed the war and offered a critical perspective. He highlights the impact of David Halberstam's reporting, which challenged the official narrative and played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Additionally, Mills showcases the courageous journalists who risked their lives to report on the war and faced backlash for their controversial reporting.

One of the book's strengths lies in Mills' ability to place the media coverage of the Vietnam War within a broader historical and social context. He explores how the war was portrayed in popular culture, literature, and film, and the influence these portrayals had on public opinion. Mills also delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by journalists covering the war, and how it impacted their personal lives.

Overall, "Like a Holy Crusade" offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between journalism and war, and the significant influence of media in shaping public perception. Mills presents a balanced and thorough analysis of the reporting during the Vietnam era, shedding light on the various viewpoints and motivations of journalists. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the role of media in shaping our understanding of war and conflict.

In his book titled "Like a Holy Crusade," Nicolaus Mills explores the controversial realm of American exceptionalism and its role in shaping the country's foreign policy. The book has received mixed reviews, with some readers commending its thought-provoking analysis, while others felt it lacked depth and failed to provide innovative perspectives.

Many reviewers praised Mills for his meticulous research and thorough examination of American exceptionalism. They appreciated how he delved into its historical origins and evolution, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of its impact on US foreign policy. The book was widely regarded as well-written and engaging, with readers commending Mills for his ability to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.

However, some reviewers believed that "Like a Holy Crusade" did not introduce any novel or groundbreaking insights into the topic of American exceptionalism. They argued that the book mainly rehashed well-known ideas without offering a fresh perspective or challenging existing narratives. Additionally, a few readers found the writing style to be dry and dense, making it difficult to fully engage with the content.

Furthermore, some reviewers criticized Mills for what they perceived as a biased viewpoint. They felt that the author focused excessively on the negative aspects of American exceptionalism while overlooking any positive contributions it may have made. This led certain readers to question the overall objectivity and credibility of the book.

Ultimately, "Like a Holy Crusade" received a mixed response from readers. While some appreciated its comprehensive analysis and engaging writing style, others felt it fell short in terms of providing innovative perspectives and maintaining objectivity. Whether readers enjoy the book may depend on their familiarity with the topic of American exceptionalism and their expectations for fresh insights or interpretations.

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