LETTER: War not a positive thing

Dear Editor,

I feel the positive connotation of war in America is a prevalent social problem. Many different sources teach and present conflict or war as, “a fun way to gain glory and fame.”

History books teach mainly the positive aspects of war. Then, only briefly touch on the negative aspects and results. Many people, children especially, create their perception and patriotism on the glory gained from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Rather than founding it on the entire picture, the glory and the pain.

Hollywood would have us believe weapons are toys and conflict or war is “entertaining and full of suspense.” This misrepresentation can cause a perception of violence that is too optimistic. Many slogans include a positive use of the word war. Some examples could include: “The war against teen pregnancy,” “The war against drugs” and “The war against violence.” How ironic the war, or violent conflict, against violence. This positive connotation of war is a prevalent social problem.

Before Sept. 11, numerous people in the United States of America would say, “So what? War doesn’t affect me, it only happens in history books and foreign countries. This attitude attributes to the prevalence of war as a social problem. Studies have shown that in the last century, war has taken the lives of more than 100 million people. That is more than the total number of deaths in all the previous wars or massacres in human history combined.

In war, death is not the only outcome, but numerous injuries and diseases. Some products of conflict are: a depleted labor force, single parent homes, overcrowded orphanages, environmental destruction and higher taxes to pay for the defense of our nation. Still, some people perceive that war or conflicts do not affect them. I think the misperception of war is a serious social issue. I believe we need to take an active position in correcting the view of war in America.

Cami Sorenson