Christopher Jackson
Veterans
The themes of the reading all focus on Veterans in a way. Though the way this topic is looked at differs between each document. This difference covers themes such as compensation for crippled or disabled veterans. There is also the damage that falls on a veteran psyche as well. Looking at these issues brakes down the preconceived notions of war. Along with the supposed exemplary spirit of soldiers.
An example for the plight disabled veteran is given by the article, “ENABLED COURAGE”: RACE, DISABILITY, AND BLACK WORLD WAR II VETERANS IN POSTWAR AMERICA”. The author Robert F. Jefferson introduces the reader to Henry Williams a United States Army veteran. This man returned home after service only to face renewed troubles on top of a crippled leg. Williams found his compensation revoked and was unable to receive aid from any other service. Granted Williams was an African American in the 1940s whites, “felt that they should be grateful for any assistance that they received” (Jefferson, “Enabled Courage”: Race, Disability, and Black World War II veterans in Postwar America,” p. 1104). Though the focus of this text is on African American veterans the same problems can be applied to others. There are other veterans who struggle with disabilities and are not given the same respect as their able-bodied counterparts.
The article, “If He Comes Home Nervous”: U.S. World War II Neuropsychiatric Casualties and Postwar Masculinities” by Christina Jarvis focuses more on psychological problems. In earlier wars, psychological problems plaguing “servicemen would generally have been disciplined for cowardice” (Jarvis, “If He Comes Home Nervous”: U.S. World War II Neuropsychiatric Casualties and Postwar Masculinities” p. 99). Though since WWI the U.S. military is paying better attention to psychiatric casualties. Though their way of dealing with it was inadequate which called for changes. These changes were intended to prepare the public to deal with the reality of returning veterans to society. Though with the back lash of the Vietnam war and the conflicts in the middle east one can only guess at the success of these changes.
As it mentioned some in the article comparing Australia and the Soviet Union, soldiers came home with a sense of entitlement. I think this is something that is 100% acceptable. Why would Williams benefits be taken away from him especially after losing a leg? I think that if a man gives his time, especially a limb, that he should receive some sort of benefit, no matter race or gender. What do you think the reasoning is behind what determines when someone such as Williams loses their benefits?