Phoenix_of_the_ashes
Master Don Juan
First off, Id like to have an open yet civilized conversation, I know that this topic will get locked otherwise.
I know that this thread could dab into politics, but Id like to consider it more sociological because I really dont want to discuss about policies themselves, but about views.
Id really like to know, what inspires young american men to join the armed forces these days. I know that statistics tell another story but I keep seeing more and more people on these and other forums who seem blindly devoted to joining the army.
Always with the same punchlines: "I wanna protect the country!", "Look at what Im sacrificing for all of you!!", "I will serve America!!". Arguing with these people will almost always get you labeled a "Liberal", whatever that means.
I dont seem to understand what that word means in America these days, but here in Europe we learn about liberalism in history class and a liberal is somebody who stood up for democracie and supported the fall of the monarchies, so I guess Ill take that as a compliment.
My motive for this thread is simple curiousity, Id like to know why people in America are many times largely military oriented while in Europe this is mostly not the case. I base that assumption on experience as I have lived in the US for 9 years of my life and still have a strong connection with the country, in fact my parents are living there right now.
My opinion is the following, the Europeans have witnessed two worldwars on their soil, in their citys and even inside their houses, almost every family lost somebody during this time. The wars have greatly influenced our culture and literature, infact, such famous examples as "All quiet on the western front" by Erich Maria Remarck( who served in WW1) also starts out with young schoolboys who go from school to war. in this war entire schoolclasses were rotted out.
I also really think, that young men have better stuff to do than go to some screwed up country to get shot at. You want to serve your country? Why dont you get a good education to help scientific progress in your country? Why dont you start a buisness to help the economy? I think these are way more produtive than going to war.
Im really curious about responses, like I said, keep it productive and friendly please.
By the way, I got inspired to make this thread by this thread: http://www.sosuave.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85704&perpage=20&pagenumber=1
I know that this thread could dab into politics, but Id like to consider it more sociological because I really dont want to discuss about policies themselves, but about views.
Id really like to know, what inspires young american men to join the armed forces these days. I know that statistics tell another story but I keep seeing more and more people on these and other forums who seem blindly devoted to joining the army.
Always with the same punchlines: "I wanna protect the country!", "Look at what Im sacrificing for all of you!!", "I will serve America!!". Arguing with these people will almost always get you labeled a "Liberal", whatever that means.
I dont seem to understand what that word means in America these days, but here in Europe we learn about liberalism in history class and a liberal is somebody who stood up for democracie and supported the fall of the monarchies, so I guess Ill take that as a compliment.
My motive for this thread is simple curiousity, Id like to know why people in America are many times largely military oriented while in Europe this is mostly not the case. I base that assumption on experience as I have lived in the US for 9 years of my life and still have a strong connection with the country, in fact my parents are living there right now.
My opinion is the following, the Europeans have witnessed two worldwars on their soil, in their citys and even inside their houses, almost every family lost somebody during this time. The wars have greatly influenced our culture and literature, infact, such famous examples as "All quiet on the western front" by Erich Maria Remarck( who served in WW1) also starts out with young schoolboys who go from school to war. in this war entire schoolclasses were rotted out.
I also really think, that young men have better stuff to do than go to some screwed up country to get shot at. You want to serve your country? Why dont you get a good education to help scientific progress in your country? Why dont you start a buisness to help the economy? I think these are way more produtive than going to war.
Im really curious about responses, like I said, keep it productive and friendly please.
By the way, I got inspired to make this thread by this thread: http://www.sosuave.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85704&perpage=20&pagenumber=1