The Affects of War on Children

It is said that the most delicate, crucial time in one’s life is their childhood. In a span of four years, a child is taught to walk, talk and interact with one another. Around this time, they also begin to learn a sense of right and wrong. A child who is raised in a nurturing environment knows to be kind and caring towards others, whereas a child that is brought up in violent and demoralizing conditions displays more hostility towards others. The protagonists in Loung Ung’s First They Killed My Father and Ishmael Beah’s A Long Way Gone are prime examples of children who commit demoralizing acts as a result of their violent surroundings. Therefore, as child soldiers, both Ishmael and Loung are corrupted by their experiences, however Loung is more severely impacted by the atrocities of war.

Primarily, the tragedies of war transform Ishmael and Loung into selfish people; however, if they are to be compared, Loung displays stronger acts of self-indulgence. The negativity surrounding Loung causes her to be more concerned about her needs than the needs of her family. An example of this trait is when she reflects back on her actions thinking, “I knew exactly what I was doing when I stole the handful of rice from my family. My hunger was so strong that I did not think of the consequences of my actions” (Ung 89). Evidently, Loung is aware that taking the rice is wrong because her hunger does not supersede the hunger of her family. Nevertheless, she goes through with this wrongful deed because the food deprivation due to the war is causing her to think only of herself. Family is important to Loung; they are her only support system through the war. However, the brutal conditions Loung is in because of the war, influence her so greatly th...

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...verpower him and blind him from the truth. In conclusion, it is clear, that as a result of the inhumane violence surrounding both Loung and Ishmael, they start off wanting revenge however, Loung’s desire for vengeance proves to be much stronger than Ishmael’s.

Although, war influences both protagonists from First they killed my father and A Long Way Gone, Loung is more greatly affected by the horrors of war. Her selfishness and need for vengeance, which is caused by the brutalities of war, both drastically surpass Ishmael’s. Conclusively, it is evident that a child who is brought up in violence and bloodshed will be more unfriendly and inhospitable than a child who is raised in loving and peaceful conditions. Children are greatly impacted by their surroundings therefore; to raise a kind and caring child one must raise the child in a kind and caring environment.