Duffel Blog: Do they hurt the military or benefit us?

2015-08-03T06:41:37-04:00

There is enough angst presently within the services and some of it is downright crazy and some of it warranted. With the silliness of Alex Jones to so-called Freedom Fighters or Frighters as the case may be, there is enough hyperbole going on.

On the other hand, HCR was passed in the middle of the night and a copious amount of misinformation being spread, not to mention Executive Orders out the wazoo. So what is your take?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 3 at 2015 7:44 AM

2015-08-03T07:44:19-04:00

I happen to really like DuffleBlog. I think it forces us to take a step back and laugh at some of the craziness that is the military. They aren't spreading any more conspiracy than the nightly news and makes you look at some of the hot button issues within the military and Veteran community. While they approach the subject with tongue in cheek, they get people talking about the issues and that can be a very good thing.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 3 at 2015 9:04 AM

2015-08-03T09:04:02-04:00

I'm a big fan of Satire. Satire brings to light the absurdity of things we are actually doing, which just doesn't make sense.

The reason a site like Duffleblog works is because it has elements of truth. When they report "VA denies claims because Troops not wearing reflective belt" we can actually see that happening. We can see a "Mandatory divorce policy" or a "Naval Pre-NJP."

All that said, go back to some of the Founders and Framers. They wrote Satire. Ben Franklin was famous for some of his. They had biting wit, and that wit was essential for what we are as a Nation, at least in my opinion.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 3 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-08-03T10:00:49-04:00

I don't read it all the time, but it DOES pose great entertainment factor for me when I do. I think that those that don't appreciate it, either A) can't take a joke... or B) Don't have a warped enough sense of humor....

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Aug 3 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-08-03T10:34:01-04:00

I also enjoy satire. In my life satire has gotten me through some tough times. However, I do think that with most forms of humor there is usually a hint of truth for it to be funny. If you are a person dealing with that particular subject I know it can be difficult. I think the answer is just not to put yourself in the position to view or hear it until you are ready. Focusing on why anyone would want to hear such things when you are not ready only creates more negativity in your mind when clearly you are dealing with enough. Remember for those that are ready for it, that same humor can be a saviour.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 3 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-08-03T11:13:54-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I learned to appreciate well thought-through satire when I first read Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels in junior high school. As a teenage I appreciated National Lampoon and Mad Magazine.
As long as you understand that Duffel Blog is satire and uses over-the-top language to get your attention, you can be amused in the same way as standing in a supermarket and seeing the bizarre titles on the Weekly World News and some of the other "new" magazines.
The writers behind Duffel Blog have a keen sense of how to get the attention of military people, conservatives, and others with reasonable common sense. The titles tend to exploit by providing the skin of the truth filled with some not so true but frequently humorous stuff.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-08-03T11:27:59-04:00

It's great! Everyone needs to laugh at the utter obsurdity every once in a while.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 11:43 AM

2015-08-03T11:43:57-04:00

Once it is known as satire it is OK. Unfortunately, it is often packaged as truth and I think it can be harmful.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Aug 4 at 2015 2:16 AM

2015-08-04T02:16:52-04:00

I love the Duffel Blog. The only time I've ever seen it create a problem was when someone didn't engage their brain and hopped on the outrage wagon. The rest of us get a good chuckle because we're pretty sure that if we gave certain people in the military community enough leeway, the article would be fact.

Guys like Jones though? Really not needed.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 4 at 2015 8:08 AM

2015-08-04T08:08:45-04:00

The uniformed actually believe the nonsense they spew.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 5 at 2015 5:39 AM

2015-08-05T05:39:11-04:00

They provide two crucial services.
1) Through the use of satire, they can say what everyone knows, but can't acknowledge publicly.

2) They provide an IQ test by revealing to us the ServiceMembers that lack the grey matter necessary to recognize satire and subtlety. These personnel should immediately be recognized for QSP..

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 6 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-08-06T00:23:12-04:00

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, it's satire man, CHILL! It's written by military veterans for active duty and veteran military members! I do agree that some people will believe anything they read on the Internet without bothering to research the site and see if it's a satire site or not, but that's their own fault.