Military Stereotypes

For years the Pentagon has paid sports teams to honor veterans and those still wearing the uniform. There are celebrations where sports teams wear military inspired uniforms to show solidarity with who they consider their heroes. At almost every sporting event, you will see a large American flag covering most of the field before the game begins. A famous or professional (depending on the event) singer performs the nation’s anthem. The military color guard (usually representing all branches of the armed service) is given most of the camera’s attention during the ceremony. The anthem usually culminates with a presentation of military aircraft flying over as the final notes are sung. This example is just one instance in almost every major sporting
The modern day celebrities are often very careful to only ridicule American foreign policy and foreign intervention in a way that avoids condemning the American military members. Actors and actresses that are anti-violent and pro-gun control will often appear in violent films, often pro-military, fighting the “terrorist-de-jour” of the film, racking up large body counts to save America. The Pentagon offers experts and advisors to some of the largest movie studios to ensure that Hollywood portrays the military in a positive (and accurate) way. In my opinion, there are many Americans that learn history from movies and television. The History Channel, and many of Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood’s movies are good examples of Hollywood bringing often-obscure events to the public, or using war as a backdrop, to tell their stories. One of the most common places to see recruiting commercials is during the coming attractions at movie theaters.
The violence is controlled to an acceptable level where an individual can always restart, or assist in “reviving” a fallen comrade. Speaking from personal experience, I have seen my son pick weapons inside a video game that he knows will work for specific missions (often customizing it to meet specific requirements). He is fully aware that close air support has a limited time on station, and coordination with other team members is essential to completing the mission. He understands “military jargon” used in the real military due to his exposure to these games. I often find he understands more of what I say then my wife when we reminisce about my time in the military. The pentagon and game developers have tapped into the American emphasis on violence in our society. A perfect example is my son playing, “Call of Duty” where he will kill numerous insurgents, Russian separatists, rogue androids, or entire countries with tactical sub-orbital strikes. But, he still covers his eyes during nude scenes in movies. Somehow we have associated violent content as marginally acceptable, and intimate moments as