One must keep in mind that the last eight to ten years have seen the development of digital cameras. Phone cameras, pocket cameras, etc.
In the past, war were fought in areas that were not conducive to the retention and development of film.
In addition, digital technology makes low light and lousy light photos much easier.
One has to wonder what GI photos would have come out of the jungles of WWII and VN had they had the digital technology.
And since most of these men and women are really just kids, without our years of wisdom (and having seen our share of people self destruct doing stupid things) I would expect them to take pictures of everything, and post them on facebook.
Not trying to excuse this, but explain why you see it now—and why it is more shocking that it had been int the past.
You’re right, of course. Also, FDR kept a tight leash on the media back then. There were no reports of rapes or war crimes in the papers or on the evening news.
But I do think these images will create an emotional reaction, causing the average Oprah-watching soccer mom to take the “Support Our Troops” magnet off the SUV and demand the troops come home. Especially when Afghanistan is engulfed in riots.