The society around us is what shapes the way we treat veterans, how they act, and how we treat ourselves. I’ve beaten a dead horse on here about not discounting all veterans and how comrades need to see that there are still some good veterans, if not most of them having some good in them at least. I’m obviously biased since I’m a veteran, but most will never look back and see the error of their ways, choices, actions, or how they were duped (in a myriad of ways) into serving.
It’s not portrayed to the idiots like myself that we are waging unjust wars and conflicts for resources or the US hegemony. It is shown as being brave and defending freedoms or whatever bullshit they vomit up that day for that conflict. I’m high school, I never saw myself as going to college or working at a grocery store and I’m too stupid to code. For me, it seemed the military was my only option, until I found out it wasn’t and that it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be.
this is a ramble, and it will likely not lead to anything productive, but not all veterans are unredeemable or the manifestation of evil itself I suppose.
I think there is a fine line. I certainly do not tout that I’m a veteran or brag about it. But it was a major moment in my life especially being so young that it’s hard to completely separate it from my life. I think back everyday to the army in various ways.
While it’s not my “identity” it certainly influenced me and will have a lasting effect.
Most I “incorporate it” are my tattoos, a hat with my old unit, and maybe a story if it’s funny and fits the mood of the conversation.
The society around us is what shapes the way we treat veterans, how they act, and how we treat ourselves. I’ve beaten a dead horse on here about not discounting all veterans and how comrades need to see that there are still some good veterans, if not most of them having some good in them at least. I’m obviously biased since I’m a veteran, but most will never look back and see the error of their ways, choices, actions, or how they were duped (in a myriad of ways) into serving.
It’s not portrayed to the idiots like myself that we are waging unjust wars and conflicts for resources or the US hegemony. It is shown as being brave and defending freedoms or whatever bullshit they vomit up that day for that conflict. I’m high school, I never saw myself as going to college or working at a grocery store and I’m too stupid to code. For me, it seemed the military was my only option, until I found out it wasn’t and that it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be.
this is a ramble, and it will likely not lead to anything productive, but not all veterans are unredeemable or the manifestation of evil itself I suppose.
Edit- and I’m not defending this clown btw
Very true. And faster than people can be exposed to the realization of their situation. Uncle Sam is creating more broken people.
good western "veterans" don't incorporate it into their identity.
I think there is a fine line. I certainly do not tout that I’m a veteran or brag about it. But it was a major moment in my life especially being so young that it’s hard to completely separate it from my life. I think back everyday to the army in various ways.
While it’s not my “identity” it certainly influenced me and will have a lasting effect.
Most I “incorporate it” are my tattoos, a hat with my old unit, and maybe a story if it’s funny and fits the mood of the conversation.
sure. some guys say "as a veteran" like megan mccain talks about her dad, and those guys definitely aren't good.
if you're not doing a bunch of in-group out-group stuff on the basis of veterans status you're probably fine
Most people recognize me as the anti military guy now. Especially if I get on a rant about imperialism or what it was like being in.
And why do fucking people always have to ask if you’ve killed someone?