War Myths

In order to go to war, a country must have the support of the masses. If people knew the truth, it's doubtful any sane person would advocate the possibility of an agonising death, being physically and/or mentally scarred, disabled for life and/or having their loved ones killed. Governments and the media must therefore create a palatable facade to entice the vast populous into believing the opposite to reality. This is done by creating a romanticised heroic vision of war, as if it is a game. Negative emotions are stirred with the use of symbolism. Authorities rely upon people to react, but not necessarily think. The masses are brainwashed into rallying around a simplistic common cause. Dehumanising another nationality designated as "The Enemy" enables the process of savagery to commence.

In reality war represents death, mutilation, suffering, destruction, loss, anguish, fear on all sides; there is nothing glorious about it, it's awful. Conflicts consist of victims, military and civilian. The senior perpetrators and top military brass are immortalised, but the masses of innocent bystanders who get dragged into the conflict are completely overlooked in the swathe of military euphoria. Depicting all military veterans as keen patriots fits neatly into the simplistic narrow criteria and helps to perpetuate an image that represents what a minority want you to believe. Admittedly there are many proud veterans whose comradeship and loyalty is praiseworthy, but equally there are veterans who think differently. We are supposed to live in a free country where people are free to voice different opinions. To ignore or deliberately misinterpret the views of those who do not fit the narrow criteria challenges the fabric of society we are led to believe is free.

Immediately prior to World War Two, it is easily forgotten the horrors of the First World War trenches were still relatively fresh in the minds of veterans who experienced it and those who were still grieving the loss of loved ones. There may have been jubilation at the outbreak of World War One, but such naivety soon turned to stunned silence as the reality of conflict and its shocking repercussions began to override the propaganda. Even though it was broadcast and generally believed the next war was going to be very mobile and different to the Great War (World War One 1914 -18) some disbelieved it and looked upon the forthcoming conflict as another mass carnage created by politicians who appeared to be totally devoid of common sense. CONTINUED