Ms. Xxxxxx Xxxxx
HST221-E1
7 April 2009
In Country (1989)
Vietnam Myths
Its difficult to own a discussion about the Vietnam War without invoking statistics. The fact that it was our longish military conflict and al close 60,000 Americans died thither is common knowledge. The quatern to six million Vietnamese and Laotian deaths argon non as well known. Unfortunately, other bits of common knowledge are erroneous and throw off pull down solidified into damaging myths: most American soldiers were addicted to drugs, guilt-ridden about their role in the war, and are a danger to effect of magnitude. In reality, according to Harris, there was and is no difference in drug use mingled with Vietnam Veterans (VV) and civilians, the vast majority are proud of their service (most would even serve again knowing what they know now) and most importantly, VV have for the most part, made a successful transitions back into society and are less likely to be in prison house (1980). Yet the myths persist.
No event in American narrative is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War. It was misreported then, and it is misremembered now. (Nixon 1985)
Hollywood certainly hasnt move to counter these misconceptions with its Vietnam war movies.
Mainstream cinema have repeatedly portrayed VV as losers, rapists, psychotics and haunted mercenaries (Rollins 2003). The audience, Rollins goes on to say, is funneled into seeing them as . . . victims at best, walking time bomb at worst.
This inflated mythology gives the ruin impression that the Vietnam War itself was unusual and somehow worse than others. Of course, alone wars leave similar scars and lifelong challenges to those who serve in them. But, more importantly, its what happens afterwards that is crucial for a soldiers successful reentry into society. When I came home on leave from down range in Baghdad, a thousand people applauded me as I rode the moving stairway up to the lobby in Atlantas airport. VV were eruct at, shunned and essentially denied...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay
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