PENTAGON CONDEMNS NETFLIX SERIES ‘BOOTS’ AS ‘WOKE GARBAGE’ AMID BROADER CLASH OVER MILITARY REPRESENTATION
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon sharply criticized Netflix on tuesday for its new miniseries “Boots,” calling the show “woke garbage” adn accusing the streamer of prioritizing ideological messaging over accurate portrayals of military life. The series, based on the 2016 memoir “The Pink Marine” by Greg Cope White, follows Cam Cope, a gay teenager who enlists in the Marines in the 1990s, when being openly gay in the military was illegal.
The rebuke comes as the Pentagon enforces a new,restrictive media policy that critics say criminalizes basic reporting and follows a recent campaign led by Elon Musk urging subscribers to cancel Netflix over its LGBTQ+ content.The Pentagon’s statement also coincided with ongoing efforts by Hegseth to end “politically correct leadership” within the U.S. military, including public body-shaming of top brass and other service members.
“Boots” has been lauded by critics as a “perfectly decent, good-hearted, unsurprisingly sentimental miniseries,” authentically portraying the Marines with the help of military advisors. Though, the Pentagon’s criticism reflects a growing tension between the entertainment industry and conservative voices pushing back against what they perceive as “woke” agendas in media.
The controversy surrounding “Boots” is the latest in a series of clashes involving Netflix and right-wing backlash.Musk recently criticized the streamer for featuring a trans character in the animated series ”Dead End: Paranormal Park,” leading to calls for cancellation. Netflix has also faced internal and external criticism for previously airing comedy specials featuring transphobic material from Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais, sparking protests, employee walkouts, and a resignation.
The Pentagon’s new media policy, enacted this month, further restricts press access and paints standard reporting practices as criminal activity, raising concerns about transparency and freedom of the press. The timing of these events suggests a coordinated effort to reshape the narrative surrounding the military and its representation in popular culture.
