The Great Debate

WAR

War is a fickle thing. We like to believe that we are the good guys, that the people opposing us are the enemies. We like to think that what we are doing is for the greater good of humanity. We like to believe we walk away heroes.

But, what if it isn't as black and white as that? Let's throw some definitions into the mix:

War – a conflict carried on by force of arms (whether between nations or between parties of the same nation); warfare by land, sea or air. *Pretty straight forward, really. But that wasn't the important definition as we all know what war is.

Good – morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious. *Okay, this doesn't answer much, we may need to define our definition:
- Moral: concerning the principals/rules of the distinction between RIGHT and WRONG
- Virtuous: conforming to ethical practices (ethical: sticking to right and wrong in conduct)
- Righteous: morally justifiable
- Pious: having or showing a dutiful spirit of reverence for God.
*We believe we are the good guys, yet in war our morals get confused. It is morally wrong to kill and goes against God's own words, but we turn a blind eye to this. Surely, when we are at war, death doesn't matter. It does not matter that we are taking a human life. Who cares? This brings me to my next point.

Enemy – a person who feels hatred for or fosters harmful designs against another; an armed foe. *The opposing side hates us, that much is clear. But, do we not hate them in the manner. They pose a threat to our lives and the lives of our friends and family, but we do the same for them. They kill our sons and daughters, our husbands and wives, our brothers and sisters. But, guess what, we do the exact same to them. Yes, they are the enemy, BUT SO ARE WE...

Greater Good of Humanity - a responsibility to think beyond ourselves and to work for a better, inclusive society. *Sure, we may be thinking beyond ourselves during war. I doubt anyone has ever stood on a battlefield because they had to do it for themselves, no it is always done to keep their family safe. But, do explain to me, how war is working towards a more inclusive society when we are killing those we disagree with?

Hero – a person who has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model. *Yes, the men and women we consider heroes may very well have the qualities that make them so. But, they have killed. There are people we consider 'enemies' for that very reason that may have done something courageous for their own side. Ever thought that our WWI and WWII heroes ruined the lives of countless families. Because of our heroes, ordinary, everyday people like you and me never got to see their son, husband, father or brother again. You think that is all well and good, our boys were just doing their job. It is kill or be killed. Until it happens to you and the 'enemy' soldier that was just doing his job becomes a murderer who is responsible for your grief.

Can't we all just shake hands and sort everything out civilly? Before we destroy civilisation altogether...

Author's note: all definitions are from dictionary.com, but some are rewritten for clarity. Also, highly recommend listening to the whole Spirit of the ANZAC's album.