False divisions

Even though I'm a complete sportsphobe, I'm watching the superbowl (rooting for the Phillies for various reasons) - in large part b/c I know all my students and peers are probably watching and it's nice to be able to talk about pop culture stuff sometimes. Anyway, I was flabbergasted at the blatant promotion of militaristic glorification that occured during the opening events. I was gritting my teeth and saying "It's only entertainment, it's not political" until the two ex-prezzes walked onto the field.

It got political for me then and it fucking pissed me off - that suddenly it's okay to use the superbowl to further support and glorify the military-industrial complex. The political IS personal - why do I want to see more scenes that promote how fabulous and glorious a life of military service is?

And then, during the 3rd quarter, there was a commercial showing a bunch of returning soldiers who got a standing ovation in the airport. The scene fades away with the words "Thank You" and nothing else. It brought tears to my eyes but not because it was so touching. I am just so saddened by a structure that puts up a seemingly impassable wall between those of us who wish for peace and those who feel compelled to fight to serve.

Why does that service have to take the form of hurting, damaging, and killing other people? Why can't the need to serve be fulfilled by more productive means such as building homes, schools, beautifying and giving back to the land, and (in general) helping people find ways to live richer lives? Why is it that those of us who wish our troops never had to go to war are considered unsupportive and unpatriotic because we want them back home? Why am I constantly being pulled between wanting to support their desire to serve and my absolute belief that violence and military might are wrong?

Sometimes, I wish I could just be oblivious.