Analysis Of Ambush By Tim O Brien

“Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.” - John F. Kennedy
World War II was the most devastating conflict that affected millions around the world that had some major repercussions even after the had ended. There was no war driven by fear more than the Cold War motivated by the Red Scare. War doesn’t make the American people feel safe, but not safe because war breeds discontent, war brings out the worst of human nature and and the brewing fear of a devastating war.
The war on terror is a perfect example for the feeling of unsafety. The attacks on September 11, 2001, orchestrated by al-Qaeda, left the citizens of the United States very paranoid. Many were afraid of stepping foot in an airport let alone a plane.

Matter of fact, according to Richard W. Stevenson, “airlines were threatened with bankruptcy, and tens of thousands of layoffs were announced in the week following the attacks.” It affected the economy because people were afraid to get on planes. Motivated by fear also increased airport security though. Years after, Muslims have been continually oppressed because they’re seen as terrorists. They are placed with negative connotations and seen as threats in society. Fear has caused racism, hatred and bigotry.
To continue, war can bring out the worst in people.

Many men enlist into branches of the military, and are nearly forced to change personalities. They are trained to kill, specifically in the army and marines, as second nature. In the short story Ambush, Tim O'Brien says, “I did not ponder the issues of morality or politics or military duty,” then continues to say, “I had thrown the grenade before telling myself to throw it.” (O’ Brien 812) He had lost all control his own body and mind because that’s what he was trained to do. It had brought out the worst in him and he knew it. He had felt ashamed because he lost who he was at that moment. Later, he goes to his friend, Kiowa, who basically de-humanizes the man the narrator had killed. He states that, “that it was a good kill,” as if he were talking about big game. (O’Brien 813) On a more sour note, there are the repercussions of war that can leave many veterans with things like PTSD, alcoholism, etc. These after effects can bring men to do things they never would have thought they’d do. There are many cases that have reported physically and emotional abuse from their loved one. There is always a fear of losing who you, or loved one, are during or after their

service.
Finally, the United States, as well as other countries, are fearful of devastating war.

With recent events we hear on the news, there's no doubt people of the world are in fear. “Trying to kill the North Korean leadership is part of the joint US-South Korean war plan and the South Koreans reportedly have a special brigade trained to do just that” according to Julian Borger in Washington. Our involvement in the division of North and South Korea cause resentment toward the United States and with Kim Jong-un toward our dear president Donald Trump. His level of pettiness is almost teenage like. Trump continuously shares his strong opinions like a teenage girl on his Twitter account that does not help that tension. Examples being, “North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!” Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 There is nother better than than our dear president nearly declaring war over his personal Twitter acount. He could at least use the @POTUS page. North Korea then calls Trump a ‘lunatic’ and a ‘loser’ in response to that tweet. If that doesn’t put the fear of God in you I know was does. If we were to head into war with Northe Korea it woulnd’t be just us. Russia would have to hesitation to get invovled. This could be the

beginning of the third world war. And with the access of nuclear weapons, it could be very, very dangerous. The people are afraid of world war.