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| Jack Nicholson as Colonel Jessup in A Few Good Men (1992) |
In chapter two, we learn that "All her life [Frankie]'d been taught that military service was a family duty" (14).
Is it fair that some families believe that military service is their duty while others do not?
Is it fair that some serve and some others simply benefit from their service?
Many people speak freely of their rights (e.g. life, liberty, privacy, etc.), but is there any kind of duty or obligation or responsibility that everyone shares? To their family? To their country? To the human race? To God? To the natural word?
Or are such responsibilities purely a matter of personal taste and opinion?
Optional extra: See Colonel Jessup's testimony in A Few Good Men for some reflections on the military duty.
Question 1: I believe that it is not fair that some families force that pressure onto their kids. If we look at it as a traditional sense then it’s hard to say whether it’s good or bad. While yes we need people who will step up and fight not everyone is mentally stable enough to. If it is a voluntary decision then I think that it’s ok.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I think that to an extent it is ok for us to benefit from others sacrifices. The reason I believe this is because not everyone is capable of service, but I still think everyone is capable of supporting those who serve.
Question 3: While there is no written responsibility I think that most humans have common decency and are capable of showing respect and compassion. I believe that are main responsibility as people in any situation is to do the best that we as a person can. Whether that means signing up to serve our country. Or simply gathering donations to help veterans have a better chance of adjusting back to civilian life. We all share the responsibility of making sure the human race survives and we can only do so much. Overall there is no responsibility on us it’s more a choice.
Question 1: I think that it is fair for some families to believe that military service is their duty while other families do not. To me, a family taking up the duty of military service is almost like a family business. While I do not think that it would be fair to the families' children to be put under pressure to join the military I still think it is fair for a family to take up military service as a duty.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I believe it is fair for some people to serve and for others to benefit from that. Not everyone can serve in the military, and some people are called to different careers.
Question 3: I do believe that everyone has natural responsibilities that are impossible to get away from. I think everyone has the responsibility to do right by their family, to play their part in their country's economy, to be kind to others, to pursue a relationship with God, and to help maintain the planet.
Question 1. I don’t believe that it is fair that some families believe that military service is a “family duty.” While I believe that certain occupations could become tied to a family, such as a restaurant or any other form of family-owned business, military service should not fall under this umbrella. Military service is incredibly risky to oneself and takes a great deal of courage to commit to it. Pressuring someone, especially your own child, into this dangerous line of work is inconsiderate to their desires.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2. I think it is fair that some serve and other benefit for their service because service is a choice in the United States. While those of us who do not serve aren’t helping on the front lines, we can still do our part to aid in the soldiers’ battle to keep us safe, be that through making packages for them, praying for them, or simply thanking them for their service whenever we have the opportunity to.
Question 3. I believe that the one unwritten obligation everyone shares is to the human race as a whole, including family and their fellow countrymen. While there could be certain individuals who harm a particular person, I believe that the purest form of service to one another is aiding one another despite anything that has happened in the past. I also believe that there is an unwritten obligation to the natural world and to take care of our planet. It is a blessing to even have this earth to live on in the first place, so we should do our best to take care of it and make sure that it outlives us, our children, their children, and so on.
Question 1 I definitely do not believe it is fair to expect people to serve or even not to serve, or to make demands of service when it comes to the military. It should be a personal choice.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2 Is it fair that some benefit from that choice? Well, all I have to say to that is that life isn't fair and never will be. I think the people that go into service already know that others will benefit off of that, and I think that gives them pride.
Questions 3 and 4 I personally believe that we have shared responsibilities. I believe in God, so I serve Him. The same goes for the family question. I feel a sense of duty for my family, but I also have a good relationship with them and love them. Someone who maybe does not have a good relationship with their family may not answer this question the same. When it comes to the country, some may feel wronged by the country and some may not. That also depends on personal experience. I feel a duty to improve the state of my country. I cannot say I like everything that is happening in it at the moment, without getting too political. I think we all have a duty to try and make things better in the place that we live. Be it by voting, or even just local community work. And that leads into the one about the human race. I believe we all have a duty to our fellow humans too. To be kind. To love one other. To help out when we can. I know I went out of order a bit, but all of it was answered!
Question 1: I think this question depends on how we define “fair.” It’s understandable that some families believe military service is their duty, especially if they have a history of serving or see it as a way to give back to their country. However, other families may value different forms of service or prioritize education, careers, or other paths. In that sense, it’s not necessarily “unfair”, it’s just a reflection of different values and traditions. What would be unfair is if people were forced to serve based solely on family expectations. Everyone should have the freedom to choose their own path, whether that includes military service or not.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I believe it is completely fair that some people serve in the military while others benefit from that service. My reasons for this are simple. Reason number one is that not everyone is physically or mentally able to serve. The military has strict requirements, and many individuals are disqualified for health, medical, or personal reasons. Service is not an option for everyone, even if they wanted to join. Secondly, even those who do serve are also benefiting from the system they are helping to protect. Service members don’t just give, they also receive education benefits, healthcare, housing, and the freedoms that come with living in a stable, secure country. In that way, everyone, including military members, is part of the cycle of giving and receiving. My final reason is that people contribute to society in many different ways. They do it through teaching, healthcare, public service, innovation, or raising families. While military service is a noble and essential role, it is one of many paths people take to support and strengthen their country. So yes, it is fair that some serve, and others benefit, because society functions through a balance of different roles, each with value and purpose.
Question 3: Many people can point to at least one responsibility or obligation they believe everyone shares, but that is simply not the case. Whether a person feels obligated to their family, their country, the environment, or a higher power depends entirely on their personal values, morals, and worldview. While large groups may agree on certain duties, such as being kind or contributing to society, these are not universally accepted. What one person sees as a moral obligation, another might view as optional or even unnecessary. Ideas of duty and responsibility are shaped by culture, upbringing, and personal belief, making them a matter of individual perspective rather than a universal truth.
Ultimately, I think service to the country can take many forms. Yes, while military service is one of the more traditional and easily distinguishable forms of service, I think service can take many forms. For example, there are many families who value education and have a history of teachers in the family. In my mind, that is service to the country - teachers are not paid great, and it is a profession that is often taken on as a love of the job instead of what someone gets monetarily from it. It is also a service to the country in that we need an educated populace to be successful as a country. Or how about health care as another example. Service may be being a nurse to care for others - also a beneficial component of our society. Similarly, my mom was a home care worker and cared for the elderly within their homes - this is a service that I believe she provided to the country. In my opinion, I believe we should broaden our conceptions of what service means. Yes, military service brings with it a different risk than teaching or nursing, but employment as firefighters, police, farmers, teachers, nurses, artists, musicians, all serve a purpose for the country that in my mind count as service. I think the only obligation that any individual should have is to be a member of society in such a way that society can benefit and grow. Growth looks different at different points in a society and to limit service to only those rolls that involve military service is in some ways short sighted - society cannot be one sided and needs depth to be meaningful.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion it is fair that families believe military service is their duty because some families have a natural inclination to serve. Additionally, because a family believes military service is a duty does not mean the children will conform to these beliefs. I believe it is fair because pressure cannot force an individual to pursue an action.
ReplyDeleteI also believe it is fair that some serve while others do not. As citizens, we have the freedom to make our own decisions. We are not forced to serve unless called upon on special occasion. The right to choose to serve is my reason why it is fair that some serve and some benefit from the service. Military service is a matter of personal preference and is not a requirement of anyone unless drafted in the event of serious need. In that case, I believe service is a duty of country.
1. Honestly, no, it is not fair that some families believe military service is their duty while others do not. This is because it causes a giant pressure and gap within the family itself and its members, but, on the other hand, it is up to the individual what they believe and do not believe.
ReplyDelete2. No, it is not fair that some serve and some do not. While they are risking their lives, they are staying behind and reaping the benefits. Although it is not fair, you cannot really make them serve if they do not want to. It is a double-edged sword in my opinion. On one hand, you have people risking their lives trying to make the world a better place, and on the other, you have people reaping off the benefits and safety these people provide.
3. In my opinion, duties such as military service, loyalty to family, or a belief in God are all personal. This is because not everyone feels the same connections, and that's quite right! What truly matters is that we recognize everyone has their own unique path, and we do not judge them for the path they choose.
1. The concept of tradition runs through every family, but I believe that military service is one that can be defined as unfair. Some individuals within the generation may not have the inclination to serve, and this can cause pressure from not just their immediate family, but other members of it, as well, as they expect them to uphold this tradition or duty. At the end of the day, the individual themself is the one to make the decision, but it can create an unbalance in their career choices, or make them feel like they're not honoring their family's wishes.
ReplyDelete2. I do believe it is fair that some choose to serve while others decide not to. Serving your country is a decision and a right that all citizens possess. The want or desire to serve can vary from person to person, and it is important that we still uphold and respect the choices of everyone, no matter what they ultimately land on.
3. Realistically, there is no responsibility, duty, or obligation that every single person will share. There is a common consensus on what is right or what is required, but not everyone will choose to adhere to that, and as long as it is not harmful to them or to society, I believe that's okay. It does tend to fall to a matter of personal taste or opinion, and while it may not always seem correct to those in the majority, it is an example of how the human mind differs from person to person, no matter how closely they are connected to one another.1. The concept of tradition runs through every family, but I believe that military service is one that can be defined as unfair. Some individuals within the generation may not have the inclination to serve, and this can cause pressure from not just their immediate family, but other members of it, as well, as they expect them to uphold this tradition or duty. At the end of the day, the individual themself is the one to make the decision, but it can create an unbalance in their career choices, or make them feel like they're not honoring their family's wishes.
2. I do believe it is fair that some choose to serve while others decide not to. Serving your country is a decision and a right that all citizens possess. The want or desire to serve can vary from person to person, and it is important that we still uphold and respect the choices of everyone, no matter what they ultimately land on.
3. Realistically, there is no responsibility, duty, or obligation that every single person will share. There is a common consensus on what is right or what is required, but not everyone will choose to adhere to that, and as long as it is not harmful to them or to society, I believe that's okay. It does tend to fall to a matter of personal taste or opinion, and while it may not always seem correct to those in the majority, it is an example of how the human mind differs from person to person, no matter how closely they are connected to one another.
My comment wouldn't upload, so I had to copy my answer and re-paste it, but it looks like I pasted it twice. Sorry!
DeleteQuestion one- I do not believe it is fair to put such obligations on your family. It should be a choice the individual makes themself without the pressure of “family duty.” Being in the military is such a draining and harmful experience, mentally and physically. This can be seen through the PTSD that many soldiers suffer from when returning from war or through noticeable injuries like scarring and missing limbs.
ReplyDeleteQuestion two- However, I do believe it is fair for the family of an active or retired military member to receive benefits. Through service, soldiers sacrifice time with loved ones, freedom, mental health, and many other things. Giving benefits to those who are part of that soldier’s immediate family is just paying back some of the things that the soldiers have sacrificed.
Question three- I believe everyone has a duty to the world in some capacity. There are rules of life that everyone learns from an early age. Such as being kind/ respectful to those around you, helping others in their time of need, and not committing acts that could harm. I also believe everyone has a unique duty to the world that correlates to their special interests. For example, individuals drawn to the medical field often feel a sense of duty to care for others, and those who choose to create art feel a similar duty to share a message with the world. It is a personal choice on whether they decide to follow their duty or not.
Brought to you by yours truly, Taylor Inselman.
DeleteQuestion 1: I believe it is somewhat fair that some families choose to believe military service is or is not a duty. It all comes down to the culture of the family. However, I do think that the choice to ultimately join or not join the military should be up to the individual, rather than the family.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I do not think that it necessarily fair that some have to dedicate their lives to serving while others benefit while never serving. However, I do feel like that is the nature of the military, and part of the reason why people join it. In general, I think this is how our lives work. The systems in which we live have it to where we benefit from someone else's sacrifice. The people who take and make our orders at whatever restaurant we decide to go to work so we can benefit from it. Of course, the military is perhaps a more serious and dangerous sacrifice compared to working at a restaurant, but the comparison is still there.
Question 3: I do not believe that there is a duty in which every human shares. Duties and obligations are up to personal choice and how people are nurtured. I do think, on the other hand, that there are duties which most humans share. One of the most common obligations humans share is family. Many people inherently want to take care of their family. Most people will too, unless their family does not share that obligation with them. The other most common obligation is one to humanity. A lot of people do care about other people and will help them up to a certain point. I do think everyone should have some kind of duty to the world we live in, including myself. There is a lot at stake if we do not take care of our planet.
Is it fair that some families believe that military service is their duty while others do not?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say it's "fair" or "unfair" because whether some families do or don't believe military service is their duty, that is still a choice for both families on whether they want to serve or not. However, some families feel as if they have no choice in whether they serve or not, which can lead to a feeling of pressure and a perspective of unfairness.
1. I believe that it is not fair to some families that believe military service is their duty because of the pressure and burden. That forces the children to have a do something which they don’t even know if they want to follow in that path. Some people are not mentally ready to service in the military especially if it isn’t voluntarily. So no I don’t agree with it being a family duty because just because one person in the family was ready to serve in the military doesn’t mean all are. Even though we do need more people to step up and serve the country I’m a firm believer in not forcing people to do it, let them naturally decide on their own.
ReplyDelete2. I believe it is fair that some serve and other’s benefit from it because firstly there are so many people who aren’t physically capable of being in the military so those things can’t be held against them. Also for the other people who don’t we do our part to keep the U.S. a float from the inside out. We need people to work jobs the keep the country flowing, we also need people in the medical field because if everyone signs up to be in the military who is going to do first aid when people are getting hurt or even worse dying. So I believe that it is fair because everyone plays a different role in achieving the same goal.
3. I believe that there isn’t any actual obligations of responsibility but as a human and to your family and god, to have the heart to do those things and do those responsibilities. I think everyone should have a shared responsibility of believing and embracing god’s word and morales and I think people should hold the responsibility to help take care of their family as much as possible because that is what god would have wanted. So there is no true pure obligations unless it comes it god and his path for you then that makes it your goal and responsibility to help the younger generation so they can pass it down and it causes a positive impact to the world.
Question 1: In my opinion, I do not believe ‘fair’ is a justifiable word to use when it comes to whether or not a family chooses to make military service something short of a tradition. Every family has a right to their beliefs, and if their choice is to serve, who are we to take that from them? I feel that it is natural for a family unit to have something they value dearly, and I would not personally wish to devalue or invalidate that.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Not everyone can serve. I know people who dreamed of serving in the military and protecting our freedom, but were unable to meet the requirements or standards set in place. Most people who join the military wish to protect and serve this country, which in turn protects all who can’t. We don’t expect pregnant women or children to serve, nor would we wish to put our disabled out on the battlefield. You wouldn’t argue against this, would you? These people benefit from the services provided, yet even though they don’t serve, they still play a role in this country. Those who don’t serve help build a future that those who serve protect.
Question 3: We all have the basic human right to choose whether or not we want to build up this world. You can decide to do things that only benefit you, that only prove to have a means to an end that benefits you. But in the end, that still affects those around you. We must put some good into this world. Your actions, your beliefs, your words can have an effect that ripples through time. This isn’t just a matter of opinion. This is a fact. History proves just how much influence one person can have. Every avalanche starts with one snowflake. Make yours count.
Question 1:
ReplyDeleteTo answer the question, if I believe it's fair that military service is seen as a duty in some families, I don’t necessarily think it’s fair to have that expectation thrust upon you. But I also think it’s more of a question of is it morally okay. Because most people are under some sort of expectation for what is expected of them and their future by their families. For instance, some families are insistent that their kids go to college, or go into trade school, or lament on how college is a waste of time when forcing any one of these expectations on their kids can definitely be detrimental. So I think it’s less of it being unfair since almost everyone has to deal with it and more that it’s just bad to put those sorts of expectations on your children.
Question 2:
I think that it is mostly fair that some people serve and others simply benefit from their service. But I also feel that if you’re signing up to be in the military then you know what you’re getting yourself into and signing up to serve your country. The reason people join the military is where I think that it is a little unfair because many people don’t join the military simply because they want to serve their country, but because of the benefits they get from joining the military. That is more of an institutional issue though, and doesn’t make it unfair for people who don’t serve to benefit from someone else's service.
Question 3:
This was a tough question for me to really think about a duty we all share, but I found that the answer, for me, is pretty simple. I think that a duty or obligation we all share is to be ruly. No one can do this all of the time, but I feel that it is the best way to achieve a functioning society. If we all behave ourselves, or act ruly, then we can avoid a lot of problems in this world and ideally create a better society. I haven’t really thought of the drawbacks with this way of thinking though, so please don’t write a dissertation on my response because it could, in practice, be very detrimental to society. And to answer the follow-up question, yes, this responsibility is solely a matter of my own taste and personal opinion.
“Is it fair that some families believe that military service is their duty while others do not?”
ReplyDeleteI do think that it is fair for some families to believe that military service is their duty while others do not. Serving the country is obviously not a requirement that the United States holds, but those who feel obligated to serve usually do it without regard to those who do not serve. I can confidently say this because I currently serve and have first-hand experience with those who join due to family obligations.
Q1. I do not think that it's fair for families to believe it is their duty to serve. Children should have the option to decide their own future once they reach the appropriate age. Forcing children into the military causes resentful soldiers.
ReplyDeleteQ2. I believe it is fair for immediate family to benefit from service to a certain extent. Immediate family should be able to use benefits on essential needs such as, education, food, and living. Benefits should not be able to be used on "wants" such as expensive cars or clothing.
Q3. Each person has the responsibility to contribute to the country's economy. Even if that person claims to be "independent" their existence contributes to a population, a larger population means more money given to counties by the government. Whether you intend to or not, each person contributes to the economy.
Q1. I do think it is fair for some families to believe it is their duty to serve but I feel like they shouldn't force their children to serve. They should have the option if they want or not. It is their decision for their future not their parents. Doing this could cause resentment towards their family and causing a wedge between them.
ReplyDeleteQ2. I think that it is fair to benefit from someone in the family serving if you are immediate family. If you are just using your family member, simply for their serving benefit than it is not fair. The immediate family should be able to use it for the essentials not for wants.
Q3. I think that each person has a sole responsibility for their country. Even if it is a small responsibility everyone still has one. I think it's just the fact of being a decent person and knowing that everyone has one.
I don’t think this question is a level of fairness but more based on a family's values and beliefs. We are all raised differently and have different beliefs and habits that make us unique. If one family chooses to dedicate and encourage military service that is a personal choice. I like to say nothing in life is fair. We all have different lives that come with different benefits, negatives, values, etc. For one family to encourage military service does not impact another family's decision to not encourage military service.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is fair that some individuals serve in the military and others benefit from that service. In most cases, at least here in the United States, military service is a choice. Even under pressures such as familial, monetary, or social, the individual engaging in military service chooses to make that commitment. Therefore, their acknowledgment of the consequences, or benefits, of service evens the playing field in terms of fairness. The only time this gets sticky in my opinion is when a draft occurs, and an individual loses the right to choose whether they serve.
I think that duty and obligations are a matter of personal taste and opinion. Freedom of choice is illusive but holds strong in many cases. An individual can choose to follow the law or break it. An individual can choose to donate to those in need, or to ignore others' suffering. Overall, everyone makes choices that vary from person to person and military service is one of them.
I think that it is fair for some families to benefit from the service of others who feel that it is their duty. I say this also because I come from a family that has its share of both veterans and members who have not served. However, I think that in order to think that way, you must have a full understanding of the true sacrifice that some pay in order to provide others with a certain life.
ReplyDeleteIt is no secret that people are given the freedom of speech, religion as well as other beliefs. With that freedom, some people will support and some will reject, hate, etc. Ex: as morally wrong as it may seem to hate on soldiers as somebody who is safe back home - often in the form of protests - there is nothing that can really be done about that. Many opinions will be different, and I do believe that decides many responsibilities for different people.
1. I believe that any family has the fair opportunity to decide if fighting for their country is something that they would like to contribute to. However, I believe this to be true in cases where the children have the choice of continuing the "tradition" of services their family may have. If someone does not want to fall into the footsteps of their family members before them, then that is entirely up to them.
ReplyDelete2. I believe that in some cases, it is okay for people to benefit off of the sacrifices of others. This being said, I believe that trying to contribute to the betterment of something in any way you can is the right thing to do. Serving and sacrificing oneself is not for everyone, but people can all find a role and work towards doing a small part for a big change.
3. While I would like to say human decency is something that everyone should share, that is not always the case. People's beliefs are entirely up to them, and they have the ability to think in ways that they choose to do. Personal beliefs and actions are two things that people have individual control over, and it may not always align with the people surrounding them.
1. I Think that if a family decides that it is their responsibility to protect the country they have every right to do so. I also believe that for a family to make this decision it has to be the whole family doing so. I think your family giving themselves to the military is very brave and courageous but, I think that forcing a family member to conform to this belief is wrong. As for in relation to other families, every person has the right to do what he or she pleases. If a family decides to devote themselves to the military that is there own fair decision, just the same as a family that decides not to, both situations are fair because both families chose what they wanted.
ReplyDelete2. I believe that if someone decides to serve in the military they are signing up to make a sacrifice for others. The very essence of the military is sacrificing your time, effort, and sometimes your life for the betterment of others. I believe if someone makes the selfless decision to serve the country for the betterment of the people in it then it would be disrespectful to their cause and their service to say that it is unfair for them to serve when that is exactly what they fought for. An example of this is when Frankie stays in Vietnam for another year. She stayed in Vietnam to help the people on the frontlines, this does not mean that everyone should stay another year, it is an action she chose to help people. I believe people should be held to the standard that they choose.
3. I believe everyone should be held to a certain code of conduct. While many people's morals are different I believe there are some lines that are not morally justifiable. Certain actions are just wrong, murder, thievery, and lying being chief among them. People have an obligation to treat other humans with a certain level of respect and interact with others based on what is objectively morally justifiable.
Q1 i dont think its fair or unfair in a free nation its the right for people to make their own decisions and believe what they want. Just because some people believe it is honorable doesn't mean others are forced to that aspect of freedom.
ReplyDeleteQ2 on base i think it can easily be seen as unfair after all some people make the sacrifice to serve while some never even consider the military but i dont think thats true. A person that does not serve in the military can still give back to society through scholarly work, physical labor or medical work ect. I think as long as everyone contributes it's fine.
Q3 100% there is at a bare minimum everyone bears a responsibility to respect the rights of themselves and each other but it can vary some people believe in others and some people dont but inherently we all must respect each other's rights.
Q4