In response to my previous post, Ms. Decker posed an important question; we get caught up in romanticism vs. realism (in respect to the perspective of war), but what is the value of romantic point of view? What does it bring to the table? As an answer to that, I believe it just taps into our human nature. We as humans also want a good story filled with excitement and adventure and we sometimes naturally assume war stories can fit such a role. Sure, there are a few heroic tales sprinkled in there, but reality, war is a treacherous, fiery, undesirable hell-hole that gives you a psychological punch in the face. Our media somewhat shows us that side of war now, but we also get the romantic view because it provides hope and optimism. People realize now how bad war can be, but I mean, people aren't total pessimists, are they? We as humans want a riveting story because it rekindles us with how good our own humanity can be.
Very interesting, and elegantly stated! I wonder--are people inherently pessimistic, as you say? What other support might you offer for that? And if we're inherently pessimistic, why are we so willing/eager to believe the Romance?
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