Quote:
Originally Posted by Astrantia  To compare what I said to racism or discrimination is very far fetched and highly insulting (especially to a person that has lived abroad integrated into a different culture, dated several different races).
I said:
If 'they' being those individuals - can inflict such cruelity on an animal imagine what they could do to humans. No mention of nationality, race, gender.
This is why I used grammar and split my sentences up.
We've seen plenty of videos of them abusing captives - meaning soldiers in general, and there is no denying there has been many, far too many in my opinion of soldiers abusing their powers.
Something has to be done about 'this' barbaric behaviour among US soliders. - Are they not American in that video?
Had I mentioned in my post something about the videos of abuse by British soilders (which is also far to rampant) I doubt this would of even raised an eyebrow. But I did not, because this cruelity was inflicted by American soldiers.
Nowhere did I mention 'all' or 'most' American soldiers. I am sure the majority of soldiers are not like the disgraceful human beings in the video. |
You are correct in saying that it is not just US soldiers who are doing bad things. I am perfectly aware of this fact. It was your use of the word "them" that brings to mind that you are accusing all US soldiers of cruelty of all sorts. Not just the select few who are. In my opinion, it is mostly the fault of the media that this opinion is being fostered around the world. You rarely if ever see the many compassionate things that are done by soldier (US, British, whoever) around the world. Only the cruelty is newsworthy.
I compared it to racism because to me, when you say something derogatory about an entire group of people, because of the actions of a select few, isn't it the same thing? It seems to me that it is the equivalent saying that because someone is Black, they are more likely to do drugs or rob banks. When a blanket statement is made, "If THEY can do this to a puppy, imagine what cruelty THEY can inflict on humans." It seems to me that the THEY means the entire group, not the select individuals.
In any case, I'm sorry to have insulted you. It was unintentional, and not necessarily aimed at just you. (Whichi is of course essentially the same thing I just accused you of, so I am extremely sorry about the whole thing) I just get so sick of seeing these things over and over again in the media without ever any mention of the good things that are being done. And it is not just soldiers, but many, many different people. Newspapers aim to sell papers, TV stations to sell advertising. Good, happy stories don't appeal to as broad an audience, so the revolting and shocking are pushed forward.
I know nothing of your background and again I apologize for offending you. I come from a military family and I know what it is like to have family away at war. My father was a member of the 101st Airborne and has been on the front lines. And to hear "the military" maligned all the time is a very personal blow to me. It is like people are saying that becasue my father is a career army officer, he condones or even participates in such behaviours. It is simply untrue. Most military men and women I have met are wonderful people.