Did either of these films change or modify your understanding of American involvement?

Question

Now, let me start by saying that I do not believe everything I read or hear (even if its "news"), and I am not greatly influenced by hollywoods portrayal of the world at large, but the films "SYRIANA" and "LORD OF WAR" made some significant statements about how the US involves itself in other nations conflicts. After seeing both or either of these films, did you find yourself having NEW questions or concerns about whether or not WE are the GOOD GUYS? Only serious answers from those who have a related opinon please. Ive already heard from the "know it alls"

Answer 1

No matter what country you live in, you are constantly brainwashed into believing that your country is the best and the "good guys." Even in countries like North Korea, they believe that their leader is the good guy and US is the enemy.

As pertaining to the movies, they do speak an element of truth. If you look at every major war that has occured in the last 800 years, you will see it was always UK or US causing it. Infact, due to US and UK's involvement, they created the Taliban and Al-Queda in the 80's to battle the Russians, caused death and destruction to both the Palistienian people and Jews currently living in Israel (both were peaceful people prior to the creation of Israel, towards one another), Hitler (Bush's grandfather helped fund Hitler and this has been publicly proven and admitted), US put Saddam into power, Iraq is left in anarachy, many countries of Africa are at war with each other due to UK's involvement of drawing the country's borders (African countries weren't split up to so many different countries), the Crusades, the Spanish Armada, Vietnam, bombing of Hiroshima and killing hundreds of thousands of innocent lives, and so much more.

In essence, yes, we are the bad guys. We have always been the bad guys, but we were brainwashed since day one to support our government's actions, even if they have no right to interfere with other country's affiars.

Answer 2

First, some background - In the past I've had the unique opportunity to work in Military Intelligence and I can say firsthand that the U.S. not only gets 'involved' in the conflicts of other nations, sometimes we are asked to, or even BEGGED. Unfortunately our dependence on foreign oil has influenced many of our decisions in this matter over the last few years.
I only recently viewed the movie Syriana and was surprised by how accurate the portrayals were. For every action that is broadcast through any media group, there are hundreds you will never hear about. We teeter on the edge and have been for quite some time. I don't mean to scare you, but the simple fact is: We cannot police the world. It shouldn't be our job anyway, but in order to make the USA a safe place to live, there are sacrifices we have to make. I don't like it any more than you do. I wish I could sit back in my office chair and say - "Yep, we're the good guys - we wear the white hats", but sadly many polictical mechanizations would prove that as an untruth. We try. Which is more than most. It is my hope that one day a truly dominant governing body that represents all nations of the world will one day be created and handle such turmoil. I guess we try to the be the good guys, and in that I'm still glad to be an American.

Answer 3

There are many vocations that you just surprise why men and women wish such an mission. However, related to this election as in the whole lot else, the rationale or cause is of importance to the man or woman. I believe one would possibly wish to make a change for Americans, certified resolution maker, or entitlement, status, admire, or payroll. Now, if I might be a CEO for the gasoline businesses, I could provide my fascinated by the MONEY, even though Americans heartache is gasoline. No, I'm simply kidding. I Just desired to provide an illustration of what enthralls men and women to vie for jobs. In different phrases, all of us have our factors.

Answer 4

there's a documentary you should watch called WHY WE FIGHT. it's about the buildup of the 'military-industrial complex' that eisenhower warned about in his farewell speech. it tells a lot about the reasons for a movie like syriana. i think that the u.s. 'thinks' they are the good guys but the evidence suggests they are merely self-serving. wars are launched to protect business interests but we sit idley by while humanitarian crises sprout all over the globe. we've reached a point where our economy is so dependent on the use and replenishment of military weaponry (defense weapons is about the only thing we export now) that we cannot exist without conflict of some sort. movies like SYRIANA and LORDS OF WAR are just a creative reaction to the realities of our gov't. excellent question!

Answer 5

Seems like only conflicts where US seems to benefit from, it indulges itself. Thats why while we see Iraq being invaded by USA against a dictator, an equally bad dictator Robert Mugabe still having his say in Zimbabwe. UK seems to be vocal a bit in this regard, but I dont think there is much being done to that effect.

With Iraq, USA can control oil reserves if it installs govt. which depends on US provided security assurance.

Answer 6

I have not seen the movies you mentioned above but, I am a very patriotic person even though I am a female, meaning that I will always defend our country even though people sometimes forget that we, as a nation are willing to help anyone that needs our help. I have always said to people that criticize America, love it or leave it.

Answer 7

Beautiful question. You use Hollywood to form an opinion on world events? Please learn to think for yourself. I know Kool Aid tastes good but it really isn't very good for you.