Seated Approval: Representing the Honored Bomber in Government Position

Seated Approval: Representing the Honored Bomber in Government Position

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of "seated approval," the practice of honoring former bombers by appointing them to prominent government positions. Drawing on interviews with government officials and former bombers, as well as analysis of media coverage and government documents, we examine the ways in which these appointments serve as a form of public recognition and rehabilitation for individuals previously associated with violence. We argue that such appointments reinforce a narrative of heroism and sacrifice surrounding the bomber, while simultaneously legitimizing government violence and militarism. Furthermore, we analyze the potential implications of this practice on the broader public's understanding of violence, power, and authority. Ultimately, we argue for a critical engagement with the complex political and ethical issues raised by the practice of "seated approval."

Citation

Oisin Millar "Seated Approval: Representing the Honored Bomber in Government Position".  IEEE Exploration in Machine Learning, 2021.

Supplemental Material

Preview

Note: This file is about ~5-30 MB in size.

This paper appears in:
Date of Release: 2021
Author(s): Oisin Millar.
IEEE Exploration in Machine Learning
Page(s): 7
Product Type: Conference/Journal Publications