military metaphor
Military metaphors are commonly used in everyday conversation. During these uncertain times, politicians exploit this at the drop of a dime. Strategy, tactics, ammunition and arsenal, words with pure military meaning, are used frequently in the current political atmosphere. Some other examples of military metaphors that come to my mind are: Spearheading the discussion, Getting off your high horse, Closing ranks, Boots on the ground, Rally the troops, The rank and file. This comes at a time when the number of politicians who served in the military is at an all time low. For those of us who serve in the Military, we live and die upholding the warrior ethos. This is a noble, courageous and selfless act that defines a true hero. I feel this is not a blueprint for civilian society. For us in the Army the following ethos is placed before their own wellbeing. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.
The problem with a military metaphor isn’t the sentiment behind us – there’s nothing wrong with the various politicians calling on the nation to emulate the selfless model of soldiers in combat, or to urge unity in action. There are times when military metaphors apply to civilians, an example of this was on September 11, 2001, and the Nation did stand tall in the face of danger. The problem is when that metaphor is fused with desired self-serving political interest. An example of this is when voting for a particular bill is equated with the selfless heroism of fallen soldiers.
Certain politicians in Washington, D.C. talked about military action in regards to the crossing of the red line in the sand, used the metaphor boots on the ground. The political machine gave no regards to the fact the boots on the ground are sons and daughter, husbands, moms and dads. To those of us who have lost friends and loved ones this cuts deep and tugs at the heart.
Americans over the years have been
The problem with a military metaphor isn’t the sentiment behind us – there’s nothing wrong with the various politicians calling on the nation to emulate the selfless model of soldiers in combat, or to urge unity in action. There are times when military metaphors apply to civilians, an example of this was on September 11, 2001, and the Nation did stand tall in the face of danger. The problem is when that metaphor is fused with desired self-serving political interest. An example of this is when voting for a particular bill is equated with the selfless heroism of fallen soldiers.
Certain politicians in Washington, D.C. talked about military action in regards to the crossing of the red line in the sand, used the metaphor boots on the ground. The political machine gave no regards to the fact the boots on the ground are sons and daughter, husbands, moms and dads. To those of us who have lost friends and loved ones this cuts deep and tugs at the heart.
Americans over the years have been