As a nation, we are very proud of "our boys" overseas who fight for the greater good. They have what most would consider the most difficult and dangerous job in the world. They risk their lives for justice everyday. They are strong-willed, good wholesome American boys. This is the image the media gives us of our military men. What they tend to overlook is a sad and hidden truth of the lives of the same men who appear to be defending our country off duty.
Its no new news to me that rape is used as a war tactic overseas. When men rape the innocent women of a village it shows the power they hold not only to their victims but to the population (men) they are threatening to annihilate. What surprised all of us was the discovery of how US militia treat women soldiers. The same men that are defending our country are raping or sexually abusing American women soldiers. The scary thing is that these women have everything against them. They can't report it, because the men that are committing these acts are of higher rank. Who is going to believe a punch of sissy girls? Their argument is if you can't handle war, every aspect of it, then get out. This would only strengthen their case that women don't belong in the military. What stinks is that it seems women can't handle it because of the obvious "we're too emotional, not strong enough blah blah nonsense" but the reality is that rape drives women out more than the media lets on. We read a few articles about women's experiences in the army and their stories are not all happy endings. Most are more traumatized about what has happened them in the barracks than in the field. Being forced to have sexual intercourse with a comrade is more frightening than seeing death and hell on a daily basis. wow. Then there is the whole issue that women that want to join the military are setting themselves up for danger. Its that whole "they had it comin'" or "they asked for it" bull. I have never been in an army bunk house or anything, but I'm pretty sure women are not wearing little nighties and or launderette around. In fact, there are certain rules for female soldiers such as no make up, tie hair back, and basically expect a less extreme version masculation. Women don't enroll in any branch of the military to objectify themselves or meet men just like it would be unfair to assume that men become nurses so they can meet women caretakers (though that may be the motivation for some). Those assumptions not only undermine their goals, it disrespects an individual's character. Hopefully, most people are in the profession of their choice because of some internal drive or passion. But its human nature to think negatively of one another and fabricate ulterior motives. God bless America.
The other big piece of war and gender is suicide bombers. When we think of what a suicide bomber would look like or who would be the best candidate, we generally think middle eastern, middle-aged, male. However, recently statistics have been changing a little and now more than 5% of suicide bombers are women. The main argument there is that the women that sign up for that have already lost husbands and sons in war so they have no more to live for. It is basically claiming that they are victims. If that is the case we are making more assumptions. This validates the stereotypes of women's main responsibilities in the home and taking care of the family. Now we are talking about over in the Middle East; things here in the US may be a little different. But the theory remains that when women have no one to tend to, they have nothing more to live for and...that's all she wrote. They are denied the image of country hero who wants to defend their country. Personally I think suicide is simple wrong. For personal issues or your country, I don't think that it is ever in our hands to take your own (or anyone else's...but that is a whole 'nother topic for a different day) life. Regardless of my personal beliefs, the fact remains that women suicide bombers should be treated just as suicide bombers (notice you don't even need to note that they are men..its assumed) are. It isn't even about suicide bombing as much as it is the right and honor of fighting for your country for these women. Why aren't the men in war ever seen as victims? Don't we all hurt from any loss?
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