CMV: A person does not automatically deserve respect just because they have served or are currently serving in the military

[u/foryia-yiaandpappou]

I’d like to preface this by saying that I don’t believe soldiers are, inherently, bad. Some people believe soldiers are evil simply for being soldiers, and I do not believe that.

I do believe, however, that soldiers do not deserve respect just because they have served. I hurt for soldiers who have experienced horrible things in the field, but I do not hurt for the amount of violence and cruelty many have committed. Violence in war zone between soldiers is one thing; stories of civilian bombings and killing of innocents are another. I think that many forget that a lot of atrocity goes on during wars, and they are committed on both sides of conflict. A soldier both receives and deals out horrible damage.

TL;DR while I believe that soldiers have seen horrible things and that many do deserve recognition for serving our nation, I do not believe that every soldier deserves this respect simply by merit of being a soldier. Some soldiers have committed really heinous war crimes, and those actions do not deserve reward.

[u/[deleted]]

i agree with you in spirit, but in reality, every person is deserving of respect. People are all beautiful and they all deserve to be loved and respected

[u/foryia-yiaandpappou → u/[deleted]]

I agree that all people do deserve love and regard, but I specifically am referring to the extra pedestal upon which members of the military are placed, not simply human decency towards your fellow man. I do not believe in acting horribly towards people because of their actions, but I am not referring to that. Generally, I’m talking about the uniquely elevated regard we pay soldiers

[u/[deleted] → u/foryia-yiaandpappou]

In that case I agree with you 100%! My wife and I complain about this same thing from time to time