20 March 2008
Why does society teach our young males to be “macho”? Many young boys are taught that crying is not manly when it is known that crying is a healthy release. The “macho” concept can be carried too far and it is in the military. Studies say that one in three soldiers will return from Iraq with mental health problems. Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) is a very common fallout from the war and has led to an epidemic of suicides. An even bigger problem for our returning veterans is the stigma which surrounds their disorder, so much so, that many do not admit the suffering that they are experiencing. That “macho” image does not allow for any weakness. They fear having their conditions put on their service records or job applications.
With the constant rotation of troops, many commanders dismiss the serious nature of post-traumatic disorder and return soldiers to active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. They feel that symptoms do not impair duty performance. The commanders who consider themselves “macho” see PTSD as an excuse for cowardice and weakness. They say that anti-war activists created PTSD to justify liberal politics. Is that why this administration is so callous about it’s health care policies for active and veteran service members? Our military have put their lives on the line and and deserve far better than they are getting when they return home.
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