This recovered GoPro footage from Syria shows the perspective of a militant engaging with, and ultimately losing to, what appears to be Syrian government forces. The soldier who shoots the cameraman at comparatively close range is highlighted five seconds into the video, and the cameraman is killed despite going prone. The editing of the footage is, in some ways, as telling as the fighting itself, as it is clearly meant to mimic Call of Duty and other FPS games. Even if done in a tongue-in-cheek manner, the tendency to present war like a video game still desensitizes it for impressionable minds watching at home, numbing the reality that they are witnessing someone being killed.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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