Robert, I think war's outsized influence is because WWII is perceived as a mostly "good" war, unambiguously good v. evil, although when you get into the weeds some of it on our side is truly awful, I.e., putting Japanese Americans into our home-grown concentration camps, the fire-bombing of Dresden and dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Nonetheless, my mother was in the Woman's Army Corps during WWII and I have always been tremendously proud of her service, so unusual for a woman in those days. I am in my 60s and many people I grew up with had dads who were in the service. So I think that is one reason for the war's continuing influence.
The glorification of war is never a good thing, but it's part of our folk memory now. Also, cautionary tales need retelling for each new generation in order to remain relevant.
You've given us a great list, no question, but I find The Reader to be less about war than coming to terms with the past, guilt, the acceptance of consequences and rescuing ourselves from our own ignorance.
There's daily conflict and violence right now – the Middle East, Ukraine. We'd find it harder to watch films about that I'm sure, just as it's less comforting watching Iraq war movies. However, if there is a human story to be told, that can provide value today, then there's no harm exploring it. I really enjoyed the BBC series World On Fire BTW, great human stories and drama.
I too truely hope that we don't have a WW3, because it would be catastophic. I'm coming up 50 so as a child I remember the latter end of the Cold War and I was well aware of what that would be if it went hot. My worry is today there is less collaboration between Governments then there were (including my own thanks to Brexit), where compromise and dialogue are how you solve your problems with your neighbours. Most wars end up that way if they do ignite because there has to be an agreement reached. And it's not to elect some right-wing popularist that could well start arguments with countries in close proximity like Europe which seems to be the trend nowadays when post of the population themselves haven't had to suffer like generations gone when wars happen.
I also think that any country that attains nuclear weapons would feel less threatened, because let's face it that's why nobody has gone and bombed North Korea's sites, but are happy to take out something in Iran (whilst they still can). And that is the threat that worries me, when more countries have them, it only takes one right-wing nutjob to start something that forces an equally severe response and then we are all doomed.
I often think of the Fallout game, where it's often quoted "War. War never changes." and I feel lucky I guess that I've made it this far without being engaged in one that has affected me.
Robert, I think war's outsized influence is because WWII is perceived as a mostly "good" war, unambiguously good v. evil, although when you get into the weeds some of it on our side is truly awful, I.e., putting Japanese Americans into our home-grown concentration camps, the fire-bombing of Dresden and dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Nonetheless, my mother was in the Woman's Army Corps during WWII and I have always been tremendously proud of her service, so unusual for a woman in those days. I am in my 60s and many people I grew up with had dads who were in the service. So I think that is one reason for the war's continuing influence.
The glorification of war is never a good thing, but it's part of our folk memory now. Also, cautionary tales need retelling for each new generation in order to remain relevant.
You've given us a great list, no question, but I find The Reader to be less about war than coming to terms with the past, guilt, the acceptance of consequences and rescuing ourselves from our own ignorance.
Easily one of your better 'rants'!
Thanks, mate!
There's daily conflict and violence right now – the Middle East, Ukraine. We'd find it harder to watch films about that I'm sure, just as it's less comforting watching Iraq war movies. However, if there is a human story to be told, that can provide value today, then there's no harm exploring it. I really enjoyed the BBC series World On Fire BTW, great human stories and drama.
I too truely hope that we don't have a WW3, because it would be catastophic. I'm coming up 50 so as a child I remember the latter end of the Cold War and I was well aware of what that would be if it went hot. My worry is today there is less collaboration between Governments then there were (including my own thanks to Brexit), where compromise and dialogue are how you solve your problems with your neighbours. Most wars end up that way if they do ignite because there has to be an agreement reached. And it's not to elect some right-wing popularist that could well start arguments with countries in close proximity like Europe which seems to be the trend nowadays when post of the population themselves haven't had to suffer like generations gone when wars happen.
I also think that any country that attains nuclear weapons would feel less threatened, because let's face it that's why nobody has gone and bombed North Korea's sites, but are happy to take out something in Iran (whilst they still can). And that is the threat that worries me, when more countries have them, it only takes one right-wing nutjob to start something that forces an equally severe response and then we are all doomed.
I often think of the Fallout game, where it's often quoted "War. War never changes." and I feel lucky I guess that I've made it this far without being engaged in one that has affected me.