The Anti-War Voices? It's Not What You Think.

    Dissent is defined as "a strong difference of opinion on a particular subject", and no better modern-day example illustrates this example in our country than the continuous debate over anti-war sentiments. Although the first amendment protects the diversity of opinion through the free speech clause, modern-day news seems to disproportionately promote voices from pro-war viewpoints. For instance, turn back to the Progressive Era and WWI where Americans who opposed getting involved in the conflict were labeled as socialists, anarchists, pacifists, and civil libertarians who faced tremendous repression. Later on, during the 1970s, anti-war protestors who believed American involvement during the Vietnam War was a global intrusion on a civil war were drowned out by the "silent majority" of Americans according to former President Nixon. Within the past decade,  nearly 8,000 Americans died fighting on the other side of the globe, and this conflict based in Afghanistan and Iraq didn't even have a palpable anti-war movement before bringing back armed forces. It seems as though the anti-war dissenting voices have been continuously drowned out, and I hope to explain the potential reasoning behind this phenomenon. 

    Something distinctly unique about the American experience is the tremendous emphasis, reverence, and celebration we place on our armed forces. I know the feeling well, with my Grandpa Coats being a veteran who actually served as an army surgeon in the Vietnam war. Growing up, I even remember him getting invited to countless Veterans Day celebrations and being honored at ballparks with free t-shirts. As a country, we have a heartfelt and personal dedication to troops that voluntarily put themselves on the front line to protect us. They are fathers, mothers, spouses, and grandparents who care so much about our country that they are willing to sacrifice themselves for its wellbeing. This personal attachment is nothing to be ashamed of, and our troops are certainly worth celebrating and honoring!  However, we also seem to harbor a silent sense of internal guilt if we oppose the political situation that creates an opportunity for them to serve. I think a key distinction to make here is that we can still be patriotic and honor our troops while at the same time practicing intellectual critical thinking skills to decide for ourselves if we think war is worth waging. 

    In essence, it seems as though the reason for a lack of anti-war sentiments in American society because it is viewed as comparable to rejecting the value of patriotism itself. It's either you support the troops OR you're a communist. It's either you stand by the war OR you hate the president's guts. This black and white mindset is often perpetrated by popular news sites which generate immense profits off of extreme sensationalism. It's no wonder that opinionated yet logical minority views often get silenced in this cutthroat digital environment.  However, we must never forget our constitutional rights to free speech. Despite what the media may promote, it is ultimately our decision what we believe and how we speak, even if it's not on a flashy end of a spectrum. As for me, I choose to critically analyze the facts instead of exaggerated commentaries to make informed opinions.  I also choose to celebrate and honor my Grandpa.