Throughout the emergence of the Vietnam war {and military draft}, many innocent people were inducted and taken from their homes to fight in alien territory. A few significant individuals, however, managed to take a stand and refuse the government’s orders. Two texts that exhibit this difficult time are Muhammad Ali’s “The Greatest: My Own Story” and an interview of John Strickland. Both Ali and Strickland experience criticism and reveal a determined state of mind as they oppose the war and induction. Each man faces the same conflict, and their perspectives prove to be similar. When inducted to fight in a war they don’t believe in, Ali and Strickland both reveal their tenacious natures. As a well-known boxer, Ali was a public figure who …show more content…
gained a lot of attention from the media, and was pressured by those closest to him to comply with the draft or else be imprisoned. Despite that, Ali proved himself to be someone who remains true to his convictions. While the day of his induction was edging closer, the pressure to succumb to the government and join the Army was greater than ever. The media declared his selfishness by refusing to comply with the induction, but Ali stated “to bear arms or kill is against my religion. And I conscientiously object to any combat military service that involves the participation in any way in which lives of human beings are being taken” (76). Ali is trying to make it clear that any violent actions are “against my religion”, meaning he will never agree to take part of any situations involving injuries or death. He is strong to his beliefs and will not disregard their value to him, “combat military service” is not justice to him. The action of innocent people forced to fight for their country disputed fear and confusion is what drives Ali to resist participation and show the people that they, too, can take a stand. He believes “being taken” symbolizes the truth behind taking people, soldiers, from their homes, families, and being ripped away from their freedom. Similar to Ali, Strickland did not give himself to the societal pressures to fight in a was he found no purpose in, even though the consequences were to live in exile. In doing so, he proved that he is someone who will make sacrifices for his beliefs. Strickland was firm against rejecting the war, he knew the truth behind it all. The pain, suffering, and absolute torture soldiers endured against one another and the dangerous weapons they harnessed in battle. He learned “there was no way not to shoot people who weren't at all guilty of anything other than being in the wrong place. It was an unwinnable situation” (109). Strickland revealed how soldiers who did not want to fight were in danger despite not being “at all guilty” for taking part in the war. They were forced to fight under the laws of their government, and taken from their homes and loved ones. He saw innocent people caught in the crossfire between a war that was poorly defined and held no ideal purpose. Over time, the war itself proved to be an “unwinnable situation” for it had no resolution, no justification or logic, and did not fall under the beliefs and principles of many individuals, like Strickland. Just as Ali and Strickland never waver in their firm stand against the war, they also reveal that they can make another influential decision. Despite their reasoning to refuse induction, society dictates there are limited outcomes Ali and Strickland will face, yet their determination proves another option is available.
As America’s example of refusing induction, the government and society declare there are two alternatives to Ali’s reluctance to serve the Armed Forces. Undeterred by the restrictions placed upon his decision, Ali proves his determination when he willingly takes the consequences for his actions as another choice. When Ali refuses to take a step and be drafted to serve the Armed Forces of America, he announces that he has another option that the media refuses to transmit to the public. He takes a stand, stating “I strongly object to the fact that so many newspapers have given the American public and the world the impression that I only have two alternatives in taking this stand…. There is another alternative, and that is justice” (94). By letting the public know he will “strongly object” the rumors the media are scattering worldwide, he declares he was always free to make his own, unique decision against the government. Ali is irritated to the fact people were given an “impression” of his limits on deciding his fate, they were lied to and led to believe they were not prone to make their very own choices. The “justice” Ali declared was his other alternative, were his own thoughts and feelings concerning the government, because he wanted the public to know they were not limited or controlled by that government. Similarly, Strickland’s opposition to the induction and war lead him to prove his determination of refusal by leaving the country as another alternative. As the news of being drafted was digested by Strickland, he carefully weighed his options and debated where he should flee towards. He came to the conclusion of escaping to Canada as means of protesting before he received any letter concerning the order of induction. Strickland was certain “I was going to Canada…. It was my way of
protest. I didn’t agree with the policies on Vietnam. I didn’t want to be in a country that was waging war on adolescents with guns” (107). In Strickland’s mind, fleeing towards Canada to “protest” the war was the best way to refuse and deny what he was meant to do. He was proving to himself and the United States that anyone was capable of making decisions without being influenced by pressures of society. He didn’t agree to the “waging war” because it was against his principles and he had learned the horrible truth and reality behind the war itself and its soldiers. Ultimately, Strickland fled to escape the shame he felt upon his country’s actions towards other people and places. Ali and Strickland’s determined minds prove to convey to the world that they are able to go far beyond the limits the American government placed before them. Muhammad Ali and John Strickland both face the same challenging conflicts, and their overall perspectives and beliefs are similar. Although society greatly pressures Ali and Strickland’s decision of induction, they remain strong and true to their principles. They never waver from their true beliefs and convictions regarding the war. Ali and Strickland also prove that they can determine the outcomes of their decisions despite society’s naive thinking. No matter how strict or firm the government’s orders had been around the times of the Vietnam war or military drafts, individuals were still capable of standing their ground against them. Ali and Strickland’s situations varied in comparison but, their perspectives on the conflicting draft induction were similar.
Appy’s book is valuable to its readers in showing how Vietnam became the template for every American war since, from novelties like the invasion of Grenada to the seemingly never-ending conflicts post-9/11. But before all that, there was Vietnam, and, larger lessons aside, Appy’s book is a fascinating, insightful, infuriating and thought-provoking study of that conflict, from its earliest days
The Vietnam War, which lasted for two decades (1955-1975), was probably the most problematic of all American wars. US involvement in Vietnam occurred within the larger context of the Cold War between the US and the USSR. It was, and remains, morally ambiguous and controversial. The Vietnam War was slated as both a war against Communism and a war aimed at suppressing dangerous nationalist self-determination. Christian G. Appy's book, Working-Class War: American Combat Soldiers and Vietnam, is a graphic and perceptive portrayal of soldiers' experiences and the lasting effects the Vietnam War has had on the American culture and people. Working-Class War: American Combat Soldiers and Vietnam, is an analytical work that has three major purposes: 1. to show that those who fought in Vietnam were predominantly from the working class 2. to convey the experiences of the soldiers who served in Vietnam and 3. to offer his own scathing commentary of American actions in Vietnam.
The years 1961 to 1972 saw the American involvement in Vietnam. For a little over ten years, America sent its sons off to fight for an unknown cause in a country they knew little about. When the United States finally pulled out of Southeast Asia, many were left scratching their heads. Over 58,000 young men died without really knowing why. Although it is a work of fiction, Tim O’Brien’s Going After Cacciato expresses the views of those who spent their lives in the jungles of Vietnam.
Wallace Terry has collected a wide range of stories told by twenty black Vietnam veterans. The stories are varied based on each experience; from the horrific to the heart breaking and to the glorified image of Vietnam depicted by Hollywood. Wallace Terry does not insinuate his opinion into any of the stories so that the audience can feel as if they are having a conversation with the Vietnam Veteran himself. Terry introduces the purpose of the book by stating, “ Among the 20 men who portray their war and postwar experiences in this book. I sought a representative cross section of the black combat force.”(p. XV) Although the stories in this book were not told in any specific order, many themes became prominent throughout the novel such as religion, social, and health.
The Vietnam War has become a focal point of the Sixties. Known as the first televised war, American citizens quickly became consumed with every aspect of the war. In a sense, they could not simply “turn off” the war. A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo is a firsthand account of this horrific war that tore our nation apart. Throughout this autobiography, there were several sections that grabbed my attention. I found Caputo’s use of stark comparisons and vivid imagery, particularly captivating in that, those scenes forced me to reflect on my own feelings about the war. These scenes also caused me to look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of a soldier, which is not a perspective I had previously considered. In particular, Caputo’s account of
The Vietnam War was a psychological and physical battle for all the young men who were drafted or volunteered. Caputo's own reasons for volunteering illustrate the mentality for some of the men entering into this journey. Those who are inducted into Vietnam face disturbing moral dilemmas that can be expected in an "ethical wilderness." The draft introduced a myriad of young men to the once forgotten moral ambiguity of war. Average American citizens must balance right from wrong in a world without morals or meaning. Caputo himself struggles with the idea that killing in combat is morally justified.
Fussell, Paul. "Vietnam." The Bloody Game: An Anthology of Modern War. Ed. Paul Fussell. London: Scribners, 1991. 651-6.
Tim O’Brien begins his journey as a young “politically naive” man and has recently graduated out of Macalester College in the United States of America. O’Brien’s plan for the future is steady, but this quickly changes as a call to an adventure ruins his expected path in life. In June of 1968, he receives a draft notice, sharing details about his eventual service in the Vietnam War. He is not against war, but this certain war seemed immoral and insignificant to Tim O’Brien. The “very facts were shrouded in uncertainty”, which indicates that the basis of the war isn’t well known and perceived
John Wade left America a human being, yet came back a human killer. His months in Vietnam were filled with bloodshed and human atrocity, and from this, no man could feasibly return the same person. Yet beneath what John endured throughout the war, he suffered many unkindness’ and tragedies that shaped him into adulthood. It was not only the war that made John Wade, but it was John Wade’s existence; his whole life that made him who he was.
Tim O’Brien’s book, The Things They Carried, portrays stories of the Vietnam War. Though not one hundred percent accurate, the stories portray important historical events. The Things They Carried recovers Vietnam War history and portrays situations the American soldiers faced. The United States government represents a political power effect during the Vietnam War. The U. S. enters the war to prevent a communist takeover of South Vietnam. The U.S. government felt if communism spreads to South Vietnam, then it will spread elsewhere. Many Americans disapproved of their country’s involvement. Men traveled across the border to avoid the draft. The powerful United States government made the decision to enter the war, despite many Americans’ opposition. O’Brien’s The Things They Carried applies New Historicism elements, including Vietnam history recovery and the political power of the United States that affected history.
Tim O’Brien finds himself staring at his draft notice on June 17, 1968. He was confused and flustered. O’Brien does not know how or why he got selected for the draft. All he knew was that he was above the war itself, “A million things all at once—I was too good for this war. Too smart, too compassionate, to everything. It couldn’t happen” (41). He was also demented on the fact that he, a war hater, was being drafted. He felt if anyone were to be drafted it should be the people who supported the war. “If you support a war, if you think it’s worth the price, that’s fine, but you have to put your own precious fluids on the line” (42). His draft notice was when he first carried his thought of embarrassment. He instantly thought if he does not support the war he should not have to go to war. The only way not to go to war was to flee the country so the draft council could not find him. He had a moral split. “I feared the war, yes, but I also feared exile” (44). This quote is so true in young adults, not only then, but also now. Peer pressure, the thought of being embarrassed if we do not do something, pushes many young adults to do things they do not want to such as pushing Tim O’Brien to enter the draft. The thought of being judged ...
Tim O’Brien served in the Vietnam War, and his short story “The Things They Carried” presents the effects of the war on its young soldiers. The treatment of veterans after their return also affects them. The Vietnam War was different from other wars, because too many in the U.S. the soldiers did not return as heroes but as cruel, wicked, and drug addicted men. The public directs its distaste towards the war at the soldiers, as if they are to blame. The also Veterans had little support from the government who pulled them away from their families to fight through the draft. Some men were not able to receive the help they needed because the symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) did not show until a year
As evidenced by his words, it was not simply a matter of going over there at the age of seventeen to fight for one’s country. Rather, it was a matter of leaving behind the safety and security of the home to which you were accustomed, with little expectation of returning. At a time when these ‘kids’ should have been enjoying, they were burdened with the the trepidation of being drafted.
The book, We Were Soldiers Once... And Young, begins at a pivotal point in American history. The year was 1965; the year America began to directly interfere with the Vietnam affairs and send our young men to defend the notion of "freedom." During this year, Vietnam interested and concerned only a few Americans. In fact, the controversy of American involvement in Vietnam had hardly begun. But this all changed in November 1965 at the Ia Drang Valley in distant Vietnam. The Battle at LZ X-Ray and LZ Albany was the first major battle of the Vietnam conflict; a conflict that lasted decade and caused American turmoil for many more years.
Dr. D is a cardiothoracic surgeon. He was my hero. He may well still be, even though he is a throw-back to the days when I was more concerned about science than symbolism.