Be it books, movies, documentaries, or even music. I feel like I have people around me whom wish to fight violence with violence, with mentalities like “we should just counter-invade and show them who’s boss” or “I’m not afraid to fight for what I believe in”, showing a clear intent against an “enemy”.
“The enemy” is such a dehumanizing perspective, and only breeds further animosity. I wish for them to see that we all manage to find justifications for our actions, but that doesn’t make it worthy of just any sacrifice.
I recently saw the Norwegian movie Max Manus, which is about real events during WW2.
Tap for spoiler
He survives, but with almost none of his friends, and after the war he struggles with alcoholism and nightmares for the rest of his life.
It left me with a feeling of despite “victory”, many people paid with more than just their life. And this is the feeling I wish others to feel, just for a bit, and ponder if “doing the right thing” really is the best thing.
No one should want conflict, and I wish to emphasize just how much we really should try and avoid warmongering. I’ve seen uncensored videos from modern wars, been in the military, had a great grandfather who fought in WW2 (who also struggled with nightmares and PTSD until his natural death), and all of it makes me dread the potential of the horrors that happen to everyone involved in an armed conflict, especially the innocents and the kids…
So, any suggestions for media that conveys this in a way that makes one really reflect?
I’ve already watched Arcane, and it indeed is a great show in how it displays each death as an immensely impactful event for each close character, making them feel anger and desperation, ultimately leading to regretful emotional decisions.
In regards to war being necessary, I partly agree: It only becomes necessary because one side finds it a worthy method to gain what they seek. The Nazi party decided that taking by force is a viable option, and they got support for it. This is what I hope to prevent in the first place. One example is the (initial) support Kremlin had to intervene in Ukraine with a military force. Another example is Trump taking Maduro; also a clear act of war. I’m honestly impressed by the world’s reluctance to give military consequences, though I fear it’s for the wrong reasons…
The people of the aggressor’s side are the ones that would benefit the most from un-glorifying of conflict, and I will surely recommend people I know some of the great suggestions in this post.
The villifcation of war will not persuade those who are already out for blood, they’re determined to have those wars. However, I fear it may drive our potential allies to passivity in the face of fascist expansion, making the fascists’ jobs easier. I very much enjoy media that glorifies war for a just cause, such as Star Wars or Inglourious Basterds.
I do think with the right angle, those out for blood can indeed be persuaded. There’s no “general cure” to the bloodlust, which makes it difficult, but far from impossible. And vilification is but one angle. Another is a profound sadness, felt in relation to their personal situation.
It might drive the good people to passivity, true, but I believe that the fear of conflict can become great enough to warrant action, so that fascists/imperialists meet resistance/consequences internally within the nation. Like by the workers who are in the business of weapon logistics, the journalists who write glorifying articles in the news, the people who not only speak up but act against “their own people”. I think there are already many like it, based on several videos I’ve seen from Russia in 2022 for example, although not many enough, evidently.