Hi David,I agree, it is so depressing to see young men, mainly, signing up to join the army under some confusing idea that it is ‘patriotic’ or ‘manly’ or whatever.One thing is if your country is under attack, it’s another thing entirely to go to another country looking for a fight.Grayson Perry did a very interesting documentary series on young men in post-industrial towns, and the enormous difficulty they have in finding a role or identity for themselves. Previous generations of men had worked in mining or industry or fought in wars, and this past haunts and taunts them. They feel inferior because the can’t demonstrate their ‘manliness’ in this way.Often they just get drunk and fight, and find it hard to express their feelings. Suicide is a huge issue: biggest killer of young men in this country.Anyway, some food for thought. ( I think the documentary was on Ch4, worth checking out).
Paul Doorly ● 2499d