Social Problems of the Modern World: A Reader War and Global Crime
Though war and militarism have a correlation, it is worth noting that there is a difference between the two and a significant one at that. War is a conflict between large-scale groups or states and involves physical force and the organized use of weapons. Furthermore, war(s) can be said to be a series of campaigns between two opposing sides which are brought about by disputes over various subjects (religion, territory, resources and ideology). On the other hand, militarism is desire or belief of a government or a particular group of people that the country should maintain strong military capability and use it if necessary to promote or defend the interests of the nation (Podoler, 2009).
Both war and militarism can be said to have social causes. For example, imperialism is the single, most common cause of wars between countries. Imperialism is the act of widening one country’s power and wealth by conquering other countries. Oppression and other causes can be said to be socially triggered. As a result, militarism may arise as the need to defend the country’s or individuals’ interests. Militarism can, in a reverse case, also cause war. For example, a country or a community may feel more powerful than the other thus leading to imperialism. With this in mind, it would be a state of burying heads in the sand if we failed to acknowledge that everything that pertains to war and militarism is socially provoked (Podoler, 2009).
Worldwide, children from all walks of life are drawn into lives as terrorists and soldiers.
This might be as a result of forced recruitment and also by extremist ideology and their inability to obtain food, prestige, education, security and positive life options through civilian means. Sierra Leone would make for a very good example as to how all this happens. It shows that peace education is an essential element in a holistic approach to the reintegration of former child soldiers and to the prevention of the engagement of the youth in violence and terrorism (Wessells, 2009). In an aftermath context, it shows that effective education on peace has a stronger practical than didactic focus, cooperation, and it stimulates the empathy, reconciliation, and community processes for handling conflict in a non-violent manner. These processes are known for playing a key role in preventing the children from engaging in terrorism and violence. Children are known to be very cautious of their image in the society. With this in mind, constructive criticism would be one way through which children can be made to loathe violence. This is because they would not want to be on the receiving end all the time. Keeping close contact with these kids can also work wonders. The influence of morally upright people will help convince the children that whatever they are doing is not good (Wessells, 2009).
Change is gradual. Changing a culture requires time and much effort in different capacities. American culture can be changed from that which promotes militarism and war, to one that advocates for peace. This change can be achieved through various ways. For example, negotiation is one method that can be used to effectively change our culture. Through negotiations, all the involved parties will be able to air their grievances and opinions thus come up with solutions that will be fair to all. Mediation can also be used as a method of promoting a peaceful culture as can consensus facilitation. Childhood socialization is an important factor in everyman’s life. It is through socializing that children learn most basic and important lessons in their lives. Early childhood socializing shapes the man that one becomes in the future. It also helps a person become disciplined. As such, one knows right from wrong and what is expected of them.
Through socializing, one acquires knowledge and skills even from a very tender age. This helps later in life as the skills may come in handy while one is fulfilling their different duties. As much as toys promote militarism, it would be hypocritical to think that eliminating them would make a huge difference. This is because the real impact into what has shaped our society is in our culture. It would require a rethink on the values that our culture is based upon to make any meaningful difference. Promoting a peaceful culture would be more effective than doing away with the toys. This, alongside controlling some of the programs being aired, would go a long way in helping attain what our society craves so much. However, it would be worth noting that toys too have an impact on children. However, it is not so much of an issue, as it can be handled both directly and indirectly.
Women are known or thought to be the weakest gender. As such, crime has in some ways been used to control them and make them conform to certain social norms and expectations. Due to their vulnerability, women have been made to do some things that their male counterparts would not do. For example, the fear of being victim of crime (rape) makes women avoid some of the areas that are thought to be infested with criminals. This is contrary to the male thought process as men generally think they can go anywhere at any time of day or night. For example, women are known to get home earlier than their male counterparts all in the name of security. In case a woman cannot go home before it is dark, they are usually in the company of a male colleague which is a sign of security (Madriz, 1997).
America has been at war with drugs for over four decades now. Many resources have been used in order to fight drugs and the drug trade. However, it can be said that the war on drugs is one that the American government is losing. It is worth noting that this is a war that we are losing on both social and economic fronts. For example, on the social front the children of drug users are abused, neglected and abandoned. This has a lot of psychological effects on them that might come to haunt them later in life. On the business front, this is where a lot takes place. First of all, a lot of money is used to fight the drugs on a countrywide scale. Additionally, there are the resources used in maintaining the prisons and treating the drug users in rehabilitation facilities. The government alongside the drug users and their families can be said to be the non-beneficiaries of this trade. However, it goes without saying that everything has both the dark and bright ends. It is worth noting that, despite all these negatives there is one major beneficiary of the drug trade. Drug dealers and organized crime members are the only beneficiaries. The war on drugs has not deterred them from carrying out their business activities.
In every toy store, there are a variety of toys on display. Most of these toys can be said to somehow promote violence. They range from the simple and the most common toys to the more ‘advanced’ ones. It would be worth noting that the percentage comprising of these toys is close to half the entire population of the toys in most stores. This can only be attributed to the fact that they are in a high demand. Most of these toys are designed to suit and meet the needs of their customers who happen to be boys between the ages of 3-10. However, this is not to say that there are no girls’ toys in the stores that depict violence. They are numerous. However, an overwhelming majority are meant for boys. From the facts provided above, it would be worth noting that the American culture ‘enables’ the boy-child when it comes to militarism. This can further be supported by the numbers found in the armed forces. It is true to say that our armed forces are predominantly male.
References
Madriz, E. (1997). Nothing bad happens to good girls: fear of crime in women's lives. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Podoler, G. (2009). War and militarism in modern Japan issues of history and identity. Folkestone, England: Global Oriental.
Wessells, M. (2009). Children Soldier: From Violence to Protection. Cambridge, MA: Harvard university Press.
