Re: RARA-AVIS: Real guys don't worry a whole lot about if they're real guys or n

From: jacquesdebierue ( jacquesdebierue@yahoo.com)
Date: 27 Mar 2008


--- In rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com, "Mark R. Harris"
<brokerharris@...> wrote:
>
> I agree with Kevin completely, especially about that "greatest
generation"
> nonsense. The "greatest generation" was mainly a bunch of 18 to 25
year olds
> just like any other 18 to 25 year olds; they were called on to do some
> things and they acquitted themselves reasonably under the
circumstances, by
> and large. That's fine but it's not some never-to-be-repeated greatness.
>

From witnesses: for many of that generation, the war was the most fun thing they did, despite the factual horror of it, which people will readily acknowledge. It is understandable: you get a special sense of companionship, of fraternity, even of community. Maybe something that a lot of people, especially men, lack in their normal lives. I would not doubt the sincerity of the sentiment or belittle the sentiment itself. Of course, nostalgia (always a bad sign) has created myths out of something undeniably real. And the movies tend to feed on nostalgia.

Best,

mrt



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