Some online exchanges I had yesterday got me to thinking about my views regarding American Sniper. I decided to write down my reflections, at least in part.
First, I will say that I have absolutely zero interest in seeing the movie. I’ve always had an aversion to war-based movies, or movies that feature excessive violence of any kind. I remember getting almost physically ill during the first ten minutes of Saving Private Ryan. I really don’t want to put myself through that if I don’t have to. Also, I am, and have always been, extremely uncomfortable with the war glorification today’s society seems to deal in. This seems to have become even more pervasive during the Gulf War, and especially with the Iraq War. It seems to me that television has reduced the spectacle of war to little more than a sporting event, like March Madness or the World Series. I almost expect to see bombing footage popping up on SportsCenter. Also, if one peruses the app store on iTunes, they’ll see enough war-based games to last countless lifetimes. But, of course, in reality war is a dirty business. It’s messy, often immoral, and always brutal. I have no doubt Chris Kyle saved many lives in his sniper role, but even that aside, is this something we as a society should be glorifying? It doesn’t seem to me that it is.
Having said that, from the things I have heard and read the movie also raises the issue of the effects of war on the mental health of veterans. This may have the potential to spark a discussion about better treatment for vets in this regard, but I’m not terribly sure that will happen. I’m going to get the book the movie is based on, to see if I can read it without a visceral reaction. It will certainly stretch my comfort zone if nothing else. But as far as the movie goes, I just can’t. I’m about 95% sure it won’t be compatible with me.
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