Saints Preserve Us From Martyrs (Part Two)

One of the many things I did whilst on holiday was catch up with some old films. Amongst them was The Americanization of Emily, a largely forgotten anti-war movie from the 1960s, starring James Garner, who plays a devout coward. What struck me about the film was how it crystallised my own feelings about the way war and conflict is presented by politicians and the media. A pivotal moment in the film comes when Garner explains his philosophy to a grieving war widow. The crux of his argument is that if cowardice wasn't seen as shameful behaviour, and that if all men were cowards, fearing for their lives, then war would no longer be possible. It is only through glorifying the notions of sacrifice and 'heroism' that people can be motivated to go to war - would men so readily volunteer for the front if they hadn't been convinced that laying down their lives in battle for their country is the noblest sacrifice they could make?

But of course, this is one of the great paradoxes that our society is based on - we decry violence when it occurs in the street, or the home, but encourage and glorify it on the battlefield. Suddenly the thug becomes a hero and, instead of a jail sentence, is given a medal. The press (particularly in the UK and US) seems happily to collude with governments in glorifying the military, putting soldiers on some kind of pedestal - because they've risked life and limb to defend their country, they must be somehow superior to us mere civilians. I've never understood this khaki worship, particularly in view of the fact that most western armed forces are entirely professional, made up of people who have chosen to expose themselves to such risks - it's their job for God's sake, not something special!

Mind you, this glorification of sacrifice doesn't just apply to western society - all those Islamic suicide bombers have also been indoctrinated into believing that it is truly glorious and heroic to blow yourself and several innocent bystanders up in the name of your faith. Again, cowardice is seen as sinful, undoubtedly condemning you to purgatory! Actually, religion generally is one of the worst offenders for encouraging these dangerous notions of martyrdom - instant paradise if you just die for the faith! In all honesty, I'd rather people lived for their beliefs! Frankly, the sooner all these Bishops, Imams, Presidents, Prime Ministers, armchair generals, right wing rags, TV pundits and the like stop eulogising so-called 'heroism', the sooner the world can attain some semblance of sanity. Up with cowardice, down with martyrdom!