Courses Quote by Michael Herr
“Talk about impersonating an identity, about locking into a role, about irony; I went to cover the war and the war covered me; an old story, unless of course you've never heard it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "Dispatches", 1977 (non‑fiction war reporting)
Describes the blurring of observer and participant roles in war, highlighting irony and personal immersion.
In simple terms: War reporting can become personal and ironic.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when involvement changes perspective.
Themes
war
identity
irony
Mood
somber
introspective
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- journalism
- conflict zones
- media coverage
- personal narratives
Key Concepts
role immersion
subjective truth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does immersion affect reporting accuracy?
- Can irony protect the reporter?
A Different Perspective
Risk of losing objectivity.
![“Bernie [Ecclestone] is the commercial rights holder so the more outgoing the champion is, the better. Of course. I also do think about our sport and want to make an effort - but in my own way. I am Nico [Rosberg] and not Lewis [Hamilton]!” quote by Bernie Ecclestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/15c/bernie-ecclestone-8452_champion_bernie-ecclestone-is-the-commercial-righ_2948.jpg)
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
