How we look at war
We look at war in many different ways depending upon who we are and our culture. How do different countries look at a war? How do soldiers look at war before going and after returning? How do those that stay at home look at war?
Click on the Participant's name or picture to see their website project. Read below for discussion about this idea.
| HLK University | Nolfolk State University | Penn State University | Woosong University |
| William | |||
| Frida E. |
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Discussion
Heading: Glorification of War Date: 2002-04-09 05:21 From: Bill Dovico I feel that countries look at war differently. Americans look see war as a way to boost patriotism, if you look at any war that the U.S. has fought in, the media portrays us as ÒunitedÓ as one fighting for the freedom of democracy. It seems that the ÒwinnersÓ always get to write the history about the war. For example the Òromanticists: view of WWII, isnÕt the viewpoint of the ÒloserÓ worth anything? I think that the reason Vietnam is so highly disgraced by Americans is because we finally we stuck on the other side, on the Òno winnerÓ and ÒloserÓ side, and the culture and our media could not handle this so they placed the blame on the soldiers returning from the war, rather than the government.
Heading: RE: Glorification of War Date: 2002-04-09 10:26 From: FRIDA EJERVALL I want to study how the Vietnam-war was presented in the newspaper here in Sweden. I agree with what you said, and it would be intresting to compare my reserch with what you come up with...Heading: RE: Glorification of War Date: 2002-04-13 06:02 From: Matthew Curry I think everyone has made really good points here so far. We can debate endlessly about why war is fought and whether or not it should be glorified, etc. but, to me, one simple fact remains--the decision to go to war is made by "higher powers" within government. Their reasons/intentions may not be clear to us; however, as citizens (and as human beings) it is important that we support our troops at all times--the war may not make sense to us, but think how they must feel being on the front lines. If anyone is questioning "why are we fighting," it would be them. I know this sounds simplified, but I think it's an important thing to keep in mind. Again, y'all make really good points and I look forward to seeing what else we have to say on this subject!
Heading: RE: Glorification of War Date: 2002-04-10 02:19 From: Mariel Drumheller For me, Viatnam was the least studied war in high school. That makes no sense because it had happened the most resently and because it was one of the longest. Bill makes a good point when saying that America was ashamed of the Viatnam War and this in the way schools handle teaching the war. It is often left out of history classes and when it is discussed the focus tends to be more on the hippies and culture of America in the 60's instead of what was happening in the war.
Heading: Power? Date: 2002-04-10 20:17 From: Jeongok Sul Most of war started to enhance the country's power. But who is the power holder? Who has the right to decide something? What is the common people's role? I think we didn't decide to join the vietnam war,not even the government, we didn't have the power to resist against the USA's decision. It's very pitiable, but still it happens all the time in any places, if they don't have power, they just follow.
Heading: How we look at war Date: 2002-04-11 05:53 From: Tiffany Poorman I think that many look at war as a way to "win" something. It's pride for the country. The USA is one of those countries, I feel. It's sad to say, but I think we lose focus of the real reason we're fighting at times. My dad was a Vietnam solider. I know the people at home waiting for him were in turmoil awaiting his return. The homefront is a battle zone in and of itself. Like Vietnam, many were against the war which made it difficult to keep the country united with one common goal. It's a place where people hate war because their loved ones are serving in it. It's a place where the ones left at home are trying to keep everything together. Soliders come back in the USA feeling patriotism like never before.
Heading: America and glory Date: 2002-04-11 10:12 From: CAROLINE HEDMAN We think that people look at war in different ways. We have the feeling that just as you say, that America glorifies war. What do you think? Do you all agree with us?What is it that makes you want to fight for your country?Is it glory?We don't think that Swedish and American people see war in the same way. Why is that? Good luck with your work! Frida L. and Caroline, Sweden
Heading: RE: America and glory Date: 2002-04-11 19:28 From: Bradley Mitchell Hi everyone! I think that it is true that we glorify war in the U.S., but I think its more what we are fighting for that becomes glorified. Usually we are fighting for our ideals and beliefs (liberty, democracy, freedom, etc), and that is what makes us glorify war. So, yes in a way I think that one of the reasons we fight for our country is for glory, but I think the main thing we fight for is to uphold our beliefs.
Heading: Imperialism of America Date: 2002-04-19 10:53 From: Sesub So From the old days to nowadays, America has had mighty power and they've seemed to feel they are the police officer in the world. At the Vietnam War, America also pretended to be a world police. From before America joined the war, America tried to find a plausible excuse to participate the war. Opportunely, North Vietnam attacked American destroyer flotilla. America took part in the war under the cloak of blocking the communism. According to Encyclopedia Britannica (1955?75), the Vietnam War is defined as a protracted and unsuccessful effort by South Vietnam and the United States to prevent the communists of North Vietnam from uniting South Vietnam with North Vietnam under their leadership. As you notice, America would never reveal their real intention and what they did. Only the reason that they wanted to be anticommunism and made a profit from the war, America could not justify their deed. Because war cannot be justified by any reasons and any purposes and human being, that is, life itself is dignity.