My younger cousins came over this past week, and decided to play war on my neighbors playset. They used sticks as swords and guns. They hid behind trees and created forts. They even split themselves up into different countries. It was one big game, that they ended up playing for the entire afternoon. They were muddy and tired once they came back inside, and decided they needed a break from war for dinner. War has become something that kids can take lightly and treat as something that is fun and enjoyable to play. Then as soon as they need a break, they can come home and relax. They can make their own rules for the situation.
Even stores are catching onto the war infatuation. There are so many war video games that are sold in stores now. There are tons of action figures and play mobiles of model tanks and guns. I was looking at Target, and I found shelves of war and battle Lego's. We have turned our view on war to be something it isn't. Young kids are getting the wrong idea about it, and thinking it is much better and easier than it really is.
War is so brutal and incredibly dangerous, but for some reason, children have come to look at war as though it is a game, and something to play with their best friends. It shows how strong and tough they are. It makes young children think that they can dodge any bullet that comes their way. Kids get a false idea of what war really is. They don't fully understand the dangers and horrible possibilities that come with it. Then when the draft comes along, they think they are signing up for a temporary game, but don't realize they are potentially signing over their lives. They become a part of something and may not be ready for what they are getting involved in.
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I completely agree with you Tara. The media, such as t.v., movies, and video games, sends a false message about war. It sends the message that war is fun and exciting. Video games also send the message that you have multiple lives or if you die, you can just restart and play all over again. These false messages lead kids to sign up for a lifelong job. Even if they only fight for a couple of years, the memories will haunt them for the rest of their lives. Take Ron Kovic as an example, just the sound of helicopters and babies crying is enough to cause him to be unable to speak. I think that the way war is portrayed in the media is dangerous and false.
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