Afghanistan Quote by Ted Rall
![“The word 'hero' has been bandied about a lot to refer to anyone killed in Afghanistan or Iraq. But anyone who voluntarily goes to Afghanistan or Iraq [as a soldier] is fighting for an evil cause under an evil commander in chief.” quote by Ted Rall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/34a/ted-rall-13770_afghanistan_the-word-hero-has-been-bandied-about-a-l_1189882.jpg)
“The word 'hero' has been bandied about a lot to refer to anyone killed in Afghanistan or Iraq. But anyone who voluntarily goes to Afghanistan or Iraq [as a soldier] is fighting for an evil cause under an evil commander in chief.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Nation, 2005
The term “hero” is misused to glorify soldiers fighting in unjust wars, masking the moral culpability of leaders and the conflict.
In simple terms: Calling soldiers heroes hides the evil of the war and its leaders.
Key Takeaway
Question the language we use to describe war participants.
Themes
misuse of language
war ethics
political rhetoric
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- Public discourse
- media analysis
- political debate
- activism
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
propaganda
military ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling affect our perception of soldiers?
- Can we separate individual bravery from the cause?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook the personal sacrifice of individuals regardless of the war’s justification.
![“Thousands of Americans have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq upholding their oaths and defending this nation. Chelsea Manning broke her oath and made it more likely that others would join the ranks of her fallen comrades. Her prison sentence may end in a few months' [time], but her…” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/788/john-mccain-465_afghanistan_thousands-of-americans-have-given-their_26162.jpg)