Myth as a Mirror of Conflict and Violence - Essay Example

Myth As a Mirror of Conflict and Violence Outline I. Topic and Introduction A. Topic Myth as a Mirror ofConflict and Violence B. Introduction: 2. Introduce the idea of Myth as a mirror of conflict and violence 3. Introduce the one culture of biblical times, and the contemporary view as a mirror of conflict and violence. II. Thesis The world of myth has played a vital role in the way that people of different cultures view and perceive conflict and violent behavior. III. Body Section(s) A. Provide examples of three cultures where myths will be employed to mirror conflict and violent behavior (since virtually all cultures in antiquity were "influenced by" conflict and violence). B. How myths' perception of conflict and violence is different from modern scientific perception of conflict and violence. C. How myths' perception of conflict and violence is similar to modern scientific perception of conflict and violent behavior. IV. Work Cited Page Contrary to the thought that "diversity brings with it political instability and the likelihood of violence" (Bowen, 3-14), conflict and violence have plagued mankind since the beginning of time even inside societies which have not been diverse, where at one point violence filled the earth so much that, inside the mythology of Hebrew, God had to wipe it off of the face of the earth (Genesis 6:7). The world of myth has played a vital role in the way that people of different cultures such as in Middle Eastern and Europeans view and perceive conflict and violence. The collapse of one great Middle Eastern civilization has been under way for more than five centuries, and the region became a backwater before the United States became a country. For the first century and a half of our national existence, our relations with the people of the Middle East were largely beneficent and protective, not withstanding our conflict with the Barbary Pirates in North Africa. But Islamic civilization was on a downward trajectory that could not be arrested. Its social and economic structures, its values, its neglect of education, its lack of scientific curiosity, the indolence of its ruling classes and its inability to produce a single modern state that served its people all guaranteed that, as the West's progress accelerated, the Middle East would fall ever farther behind. The Middle East has itself to blame for its problems. Conflict and violence are common concerns to whether it was the story of Cain Killing Abel, the start of World Wars I and II or the Trojan War and The War of the Spartans. As a result of the influence of myth, these cultures have used violence as a means of resolving conflict. For the myth makes war palatable. It gives war a logic and sanctity it does not possess. It saves us from peering into the darkest recesses of our own hearts. And this is why we like it. It is why we clamor for myth. The myth is enjoyable, and the press, as is true in every nation that goes to war, is only too happy to oblige. One of the first conflicts known to mankind that resulted to a violent demise was that of Biblical times between two Middle Eastern brothers' Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel were brothers who both developed different attitudes. One brother felt acknowledged more than the other. As a result Cain began to "[grow] hot with anger, and his countenance began to fall which eventually led to him developing a bad heart and cold blooded murder" of his brother Abel (Bias (2006), p. 22). ). In myth "creation is an act of violence" so the myth's perception would have perceived that when Cain and Abel were created they were meant to be created with violent tendencies (Wink, 45). Cain's actions were a result of jealousy and because humans are usually confronted with issues that are out in the open, we sometimes don't want to deal with the issue when confronted with our actions. In Cain's case after killing his brother Abel he became unremorseful and heartless when God confronted him and asked "where is Abel your brother" Rather in a callous and insolent manner, Cain retorted "I do not know, am I my brother's guardian" (Watchtower, 1999). Another culture that was influenced by violence was the Greeks during the Trojan War. The Trojan War was a war that lasted almost ten years for the Greeks. The war sprang from an argument between the goddesses Athena, Hera and Aprhrodite, after "Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, gave them a golden apple with the inscription "to the fairest" (World News Network, 2007). It wasn't until c. 1184 when the Trojan War finally ended. It ended when the "Greeks pretended to withdraw, leaving behind them a large wooden horse with a raiding party concealed inside. When the Trojans brought the horse into their city, the hidden Greeks opened the gates to their comrades, who then sacked Troy, massacred its men, and carried off its women" (Livingstone (2002), p. 69). Men and women were murdered and many died in grief. The Trojan War turned lives upside down. We could also add to the influence of violence the myth of "The Crucified Canadians", where during 1915, it is said that German soldiers crucified a Canadian soldier during WW1, running through bayonet towards the sergeant on a barn door. This has turned out to be one of the most continuing mysteries of the warfare (Davies (2008), p. 117) . Thus, deception and violence were the means used to solve conflict in the distant past. The Trojan War gave way to blood guilt, love and betrayal. In myth the Trojan War was considered to be led by passion and vanity; because love is sometimes considered to be one of the deepest emotions expressed by humankind. It can lead to people fighting destructively for what's theirs or what they feel belongs to them without thinking of the consequences of their actions. "War is always about this betrayal. It is about the betrayal of the young by the old, idealists by cynics and finally soldiers by politicians" (Hedges, 2005). Those citizens who pay the cost, and those who are injured forever by warfare, however, is furrowed up and discarded. We do not notice them. We do not listen to them. They are hopeless, just like drifting spirits, to glide around the borders of our awareness, overlooked, even detested. The meaning they bring is too hurting for us to take notice of. We choose the myth of warfare, of magnificence, admiration, patriotism as well as bravery, words that within the horror and viciousness of combat are bare, obscene and worthless. In general these legends are illustrated in means that reveal the credulity and ancient patriotism of the thoughtless multitude. War as myth permits us to postpone judgment as well as personal morality for the contamination of the crowd. War signifies that we do not confront death alone. We cope with it as a group. And bereavement is easier to bear as a result of this. We get rid of all the ethical precepts we have with regards to the murder of guiltless civilians, counting children, and release slaughter of war as the unfortunate price of battle. Hundreds of thousands of blameless people, including kids along with the elderly, are cornered inside the city of Basra within southern Iraq. Countless citizens will die. But we look as if, because we absorb the myth of war, unworried with the anguish of others. The myth of the World Wars involved misapprehension that war was necessary in order for a country to defend themselves. The violence of war was a way of showing strength and resilience and was used to protect resources and declare independence. War a "concerted effort or campaign to combat or put an end to something considered injurious" as we can see have been around for many of years (The American Heritage Dictionary, 2008). Starting from Biblical times forward to the 21st century, conflict has ruled the world. Whether it was personal, national, or economical, myths have shown us that these things lead to conflict, jealousies and sometimes things that are not easily reconcilable without war. Society continues to mirror myth today. If anything myths have obscured the truth. They were able to teach us that death, battlefields, weapons, blood, guts, grief, tragedy and organized murder are the resolutions to conflict. Cain killing Abel, The Trojan War, the Crucified Canadian, and each one consisted of violence and wars that were started in order to resolve conflict. All of these wars lead to destruction and suffering of humankind. With these wars societies became relaxed of conflict, knowing that they could easily declare war whenever a conflict aroused. Western Culture and myth has described to us that war is traditional and that it is natural to the human condition. The idea that myths have implanted in humankind is that "conflict will always break out and very frequently so because we are human and thus not always rational" (Hanson, 2002). The use of war and violence as a resolution to conflict has lead to questioning if both are moral. Myth again comes into play because it made it seem like killing people through war and violence was justifiable and right. It's clear what the patriotic myths like the Crucified Canadian were doing. They uttered the people's willpower to perceive the Germans as entirely "other", and relieved any horrors that people may have in relation to killing them. As with the 20th century wars, modern mechanized warfare tanks, machine guns, airplanes and submarines as well as the modern scientific invention and use of poison gases in warfare continue to wreak havoc on the world. What interests a few is that how the myths of war have here themselves become the subject of a myth - justified by an appeal to those inside a position to know, an attribution as blurred as the "friend of a friend" of urban legends. Myth has undoubtedly tried to make it seem that the use of violence and war to solve conflict would benefit the economy and provide more jobs. But if we take the time and look at many of the wars that have taken place over the centuries, we will learn that their economies were affected more negatively than positively. Many of the wars led to unemployment of men and women, inflation was experienced just to be able to protect military and fund them. Greeks experienced the exact same thing when they experienced the fall of the Roman Empire and today in the 21st century we are experiencing it even during the war in Iraq. The argument may come wherein we have to acknowledge that Iraqis are so strong-minded to devastate their own future where there's nothing more we are able do. On the other hand we're not there yet, and leaving instantly would assure not merely a single massacre but a succession of slaughters together with the delivery of an immense triumph towards the forces of terrorism. We ought to be unprejudiced about realistic measures, from modifications in approach to troop lessening, if that's what the increasing situation deserves. But it's hideously irresponsible to assert that our existence is the primary basis of the hostility in Iraq. Science as a whole has supported the myth that violence and war are resolutions to conflict. One way that science has supported the myth is by creating and building armed forces that are used for target, murder, and reject those involved in the violent wars that have taking place, especially 20th century wars. Many sources have noted that "science of war begins squarely with weapons" as a result we can see how the development of nuclear weapons has utterly transformed human warfare (Scientific American, 2002). The weapons that scientist have created over the centuries have caused mass destruction in majority of wars that have plagued mankind throughout history. This principle of scientific liability might be quite challenging: given the extremely competitive environment of countless disciplines of modern science and technology, counting the potential for significant prestige as well as the financial gain, it isn't unexpected that scientists at times pay careful attention towards the evidence. While unfortunate, such performance is unlikely to have disastrous consequences for the society as a whole. In most conditions, unsupported claims are ultimately exposed, even though individual scientists might have their professions or lives messed up in the course. The Nazi organization was the embodiment of evil, and Germany may triumph over the war and then govern the world if it were able to build an atomic bomb first. On the other hand, even when it became apparent during the late 1944 that the Germans had deserted their bomb project, the vast majority of the scientists concerned in the Manhattan Project maintained their work with undiminished passion, and the center of the project moved flawlessly from Germany towards the possible utilization of the bomb in opposition to Japan. Even if some scientists were opposed to its employment against civilian residents, it was the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki which brought home to scientists as well as the public alike the dismay of nuclear damage. In all justice, there were several citizens on both sides during World War I who excused the improvement of chemical weapons. Undeniably, the US, England, together with France all developed and employed gas against the Germans at some point in the war, and to that conclusion many scientists were willing partakers. Following the war, the most durable misgivings against chemical weapons has become the concern that non-warriors would be intentionally or accidentally targeted in future conflicts and that exploration would direct towards the development of more powerful chemical agents which could source injury and loss on a wide degree extending toward cities or yet countries. Contrary to the belief, politics just like religion has caused a lot of violence and has supported the myth that violence is a resolution to conflict. Politics is War and leads to violence. The world that we live in today is surrounded by political views that have caused and lead to violent racial and religious hatred, as well as rivalries and other divisive things. Author Clausewitz once wrote that "war is not merely a political act, but also a political instrument, a continuation of political relations, a carrying out of the same by other means" (2003). Just as with religion, politics has many different views. Although they do not always mix well together, when put to the test both politics and religion leads to wars, ongoing debates, disputes of power and moral corruption. Politics is one of the most divisive influences of mankind which has caused deceptions, berating, and slandering of another individual. Whether we like it or not, we must realize that politics has lead to violent up brawls between nations and countries who felt that their political views were better or superior to someone else's. Politics has been used to divide mankind and divert man's attention away from the true hope for restored righteousness and unity. Even with politics on the horizon society has yet to find a resolution to conflict and has aimlessly allowed the world to become increasingly beset with hatreds and fears. Politics has become an attribute that people strongly rely on today to solve, guide and help make decisions. But as we have seen throughout history and with previous presidents, senators, congressmen and women, relying on them has not been successful, because their only answer to try and resolve conflict has only lead to more violence and war. As we can see throughout history humankind has proven the myth that violence is a resolution to conflict to be bogus. Violence which has lead to war is the cause of so many of our problems today, as well as the cause of humanity's distress. It has lead to unfavorable conditions that society has yet to overcome. Looking back at the warfare being mentioned, we can see how they have torn apart our social structure by killing hundreds and thousands of innocent people. The forceful and intentional injury done to people has caused emotional stress, heartache, pain, and depression amongst the nations. Whether we want to believe it or not politics, faith, science, weapons and technology, have all contributed negatively to inflate violence. Thus, violence continues to be shown as a resolution to all aspects of life, it has become an important ingredient to our entertainment, when we turn on the television, turn a page in a magazine, and listen to the radio we can see the influence that violence has presented. For many violence is the only thing they know, it is the only way to make it in society. As imperfect humans who sin and people have zero tolerance we have become accustomed to using violence as an excuse to try and solve the problems that we face in the world. Violence is a behavior learned from youth but we must realize that the use of violence is out of stupidity, ignorance, and weakness. Violence takes away from our intellectual being it shows lack of insight by those who are leading and putting fear into others by using violence. Society no longer uses communication as a resolution to conflict, which is not a good way of going about things as we can see. When communication is used as a resolution to solving a conflict, it shows that intelligence is involved. A change of heart may be simply accomplished through communication, and it shows wisdom and strength of character. By using communication as a resolution to conflict instead of violence it can be used to better humanity. Violence can do nothing for humanity accepts create a more negative society for us. It is our responsibility as humans to do all that we can, to play down the myth that violence is a resolution to conflict. We can do this by not allowing ourselves and attitudes to become influenced by violence, but by building a gentler and safer environment. Our moral values, beliefs and communication can help us to think before reacting in a negative way through violence. We can do this by implementing the golden rule to treat others like we would want to be treated. We must go about things discreetly in life, and not be so quick to be angered by what is said or even done. We've allowed far too many myths about the "innate goodness of humanity" to creep up on us. Certainly, many humans would rather be good than bad. But if we're unwilling to fight the fraction of humanity that's evil, armed and determined to subjugate the rest, we'll face even grimmer conflicts. None of us would recognize what our considered future holds, but we have no reason for not understanding our own past. We are obliged to challenge erroneous assertions with regards to our policies, about our precedent and about war itself. And we must work within our society and state education structures to return balanced, wide-ranging history programs towards our schools. The extraordinary wealth and power of America allows us to provide many things deprived to human beings all through history. But we, as citizens, cannot afford unawareness. Remember that violence is seductive, so lets not be seduced by the myth, because in reality when violence occurs it doesn't do anything but take lives and destroy everything in its path. Work Cited. Baggett, Winter, Jay, Blain. "Introduction to the Great War." The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century-Prologue. 2007. PBS. 10 Nov 2008 . Bias, Danny. Reviewing God's Plan Through the Scriptures. Published by Lulu.com, 2006. ISBN 1411694783, 9781411694781. Bowen, John. "The Myth of Global Ethnic Conflict." Journal of Democracy 7(1996): 3-14. Clausewitz, Karl von. "Politics and war." World Net Daily. 2003. 10 Nov 2008 . Davies, Alan. "The Crucified Nation: A Motif in Modern Nationalism." Published by Sussex Academic Press, 2008. Original from the University of Michigan Digitized Oct 13, 2008. ISBN 1845192737, 9781845192730. Hanson, Victor. "Classics and War." TYSK. 2002. Hillsdale College. 10 Nov 2008 . Livingstone, David. The Dying God: The Hidden History of Western Civilization. Published by iUniverse, 2002, ISBN 0595231993, 9780595231997. New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. 3. Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc., 1984. Novosel, Tony. "The Great War." The History Ring. 2007. 10 Nov 2008 . Stix, Gary. "The Science of War: Weapons." Scientific American 2002: 6. "Trojan War." Ancient Greece. 2007. World News Network. 10 Nov 2008 . "War." The American Heritage Dictionary. 2000. Houghton Mufflin. 10 Nov 2008 . Watchtower Tract Society. "A Bitter Defeat for Xerxes." Awake 1999: 17 Watchtower Tract Society. "Offerings Choosing Different Paths." Watchtower 1999: 15-16 Wilde, Robert. "Historical Myths: The 300 Who Held Thermopylae." About.com. 2008. 10 Nov 2008 . Wink, Walter. The Powers That Be". 1. New York: Galilee Trade, 1999. Winter, JM. "The Great War and the British people." Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University Press 4(1986): 360. "World War II." Cosmeo. 2006. Discovery Channel. 10 Nov 2008 . Read More