Unintentionally Strange Juxtaposition of the Day

[n2doc]

By Noah Shachtman December 13, 2010 | 2:06 pm | Categories: Info War

The current issue of Defense Technology International is a must-read, with Sharon Weinberger writing on secret “smart dust” tracking tech; Paul McCleary on the Marines’ sinking Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle; and Bill Sweetman on why America’s supposedly bad-ass fighter jets actually kind of suck.

But the issue also contains one hell of an unintentionally hilarious juxtaposition: a headline of “Tracking the Enemy,” matched with a picture of a seven year-old girl.

The image is of Rhema Marvanne, singing at a memorial event at Ft. Hood, while Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey looks on. As Danger Room neighbor S.I. points out, the picture gets weirder, the longer you stare at it. Why does Casey seem to be so pissed off at the grade-school singer? How angry could he be at a little girl singing at a memorial for a fallen soldier? Why is Casey sitting on a cushioned, indoor chair — outside? And what does this all have to do with a report about an Israeli counter-terrorism conference?

The magazine itself provides few clues. So we’re asking you, dear readers, to supply a proper caption for the picture and headline above. Give it your best shot in the comments; no photos of grammar school talent shows, please.

Photo: DTI / U.S. Army

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/12/unintentionally-hilarious-juxtaposition-of-the-day/

[MineralMan]

1. Well, I went to YouTube and heard Rhema Marvannes

sing. At that particular event, she was probably butchering "Amazing Grace." She also does "The Star Spangled Banner."

She's a good little singer, with good pitch control, but is yet another kid singer who is being manipulated by some adult to imitate some adult singers. Very sad business, in my opinion.

[DCKit]

2. "...manipulated... to imitate some adult singers."

Thankfully, she's fully dressed and not completely tarted-up.

A huge plus in my book.