In 1983, the National Film Board of Canada produced a 57-minute film, "Anybody's Son Will Do". Arguably the best anti-war film ever made, and tailored for public television, it scared the hell out of the U.S. military machine, which has done its best to "disappear" it. For years it has been nearly impossible to find a copy, but some kind soul has posted it on YouTube where it can be seen in six segments.
The film shows the process by which young men become psychologically engineered to kill or die on command. While the model used is the U.S. Marine Corps, it's made clear that the modern techniques for creating soldiers are refined, dehumanizing and universal.
Military forces will take boys as young as the law allows, as witness African militias that, unrestrained by regulation, recruit children as young as ten. People into their twenties, having begun to think for themselves to too great a degree, tend not to be sufficiently malleable. In the U.S., recruitment below age 17 is not legal. However, as war has become ever more computerized, need is growing for tech-savvy recruits who can kill coolly and indiscriminately from great distances, as if playing video games. The military has become very good at video games.
What this leads to in the real world is exemplified by this recently publicized footage of the slaughter by U.S. military of 12 civilians. The video has been a much-needed awakening for many. But as distressing as the carnage itself is the callousness with which the people go about their work: "Alright, hahaha, I hit 'em... Nice, good shooting.... Thanks"
AsGlenn Greenwald has correctly declared, the tragedy of this is that it's not aberration but commonplace. What is unusual is that this particular episode was made public.
What is also tragic is that it represents precisely what the U.S. military wants to make of recruits who will be
reeducated -- brainwashed -- to see it as manly, patriotic, heroic. And what youngsterwith percolating hormones, negligible life experience and no basis for critical thought doesn't want to be like that?
Go to http://www.americasarmy.com/ and click on "America's Army Graphic Novel" to see what age group and level of education the Pentagon is aiming for. The "novels" are 28-page comics with text bubbles over GI Joe action figures and brightly colored noise representations: "KRR-AKK", "BLAM", "RATATATAT, CHAKA CHACKA CHAK...".
And now with their arcades open to the public, the military has its foot in the door of the minds of younger children who, if asked, would likely insist they can tell the difference between video games and reality.
As for "Anyone's Son Will Do", DVDs of it should be in every junior high and high school in the country. Parent-teacher associations should have screenings. With any luck, it might get us headed toward a day when a common sight will be bumper stickers "Support Our Peace Makers".
Bill Willers is emeritus professor of biology, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh now living in Middleton, WI. He is founder of Superior Wilderness Action Network (SWAN) and editor of Learning to Listen to the Land and Unmanaged Landscapes, both from Island Press. He posts occasionally online at OpEdNews, Common Dreams, Counterpunch and Dissident Voice.
Thanks Harry and KLC! I believe that the youth, especially the boys around the world need to witness just what they are signing up for. Like the writer of this article stated, "As for "Anyone's Son Will Do", DVDs of it should be in every junior high and high school in the country. Parent-teacher associations should have screenings. With any luck, it might get us headed toward a day when a common sight will be bumper stickers "Support Our Peace Makers"."
Comment by Harry Thomas on April 25, 2010 at 10:20am
mind control sucks , i believe it is humanitys worse obstacle, i just couldnt watch it all too much for me to wallow in. Great post !!
Thanks Fireguy! I wish more members would actually read this post and watch the vids. After watching them myself, I have to admit I cried like a baby! I can not believe how the most vulnerable among us are turned into killers overnight by indoctrination, brainwashing and the breaking down of spirit. Then once they actually experience what real war is.....it's a devasting slide down into an abyss. Even though war can break a spirit, the conscience can never die unless one is soul-less! This is why we are seeing so many veterans trying to or commiting suicide on a daily basis. The actuality of killing in the name of is etched into their minds and their hearts are weary from the storm.
Once the darkness befalls you, the darkness can become you until you seek to see the light of the day again.
I think every one should also see "Johnny Got His Gun" made at the peak of Vietnam War in 1971. Read the book by Dalton Trumbo and saw the movie when I was 16 and have been against war ever since.
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