War: Physical or Mental?

Generally speaking, men are stronger than women. Before machines were invented to aid us with a simple push of a button at construction sites, factories, etc., men were given jobs involved with manual labor. There are times when gender is a large factor, but should gender and physical strength be the basis behind who should go to war?

There have been many debates over whether women should be permitted to fight in combat or not. Many say no, because they believe that “women are physically incapable.” Many say yes, because they believe that women should have the option of fighting for their country if that is what they want.

Although I must agree that a certain level of physical competence should be reached, I feel as if more than fitness is needed to be on the battlefield.  Along with physical strength, there should be mental strength as well, for many come back insane.

In Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, seventeen year old Katniss Everdeen was the symbol of the second civil war. After a year of war, she went crazy. Upon her return home, she was under watch and care of her mentor and Greasy Sae, whom she knew well. When left alone, she remained unmoving, not caring what became of her. – “I am unable to move from the chair. The rest of the house looms cold and empty and dark. I pull an old shawl over my body and watch the flames. I guess I sleep, because the next thing I know, it’s morning and Greasy Sae’s banging around at the stove." (pg. 380) She believed that she was the cause of every victim’s death, and had nightmares about them killing her for revenge. -- “Wonder if she’ll be joining the cast of my nightmares tonight." (pg. 384) Most are aware that war is appalling, but do not understand the true horrors of war, death, and pain until it is too late.

Of course, physical health is important; however, it is obviously much more essential for mental stability. It is better to go back to friends and family with wounds and a strong heart and mind to heal than a healthy body and detachment due to post-war trauma or disorientation.

--Marie

Thesis Statement

          In the poem, "I, Too, Sing America" by Langston Hughes, the tones of neglect and confidence reflect how he is pushed aside, as if he was not as good as others, and how he knows that one day it will all be better. Although he cannot do anything about his circumstances at the time, he knows that if he stays strong and perseveres, in the end, he will eventually be equal to others, and not discriminated against because of race (or religion, gender, etc.).

--Marie