Champion of the underdog
I like stories with happy endings. If there are no happy endings, I prefer them to have a protagonist who is moral. I need to point out that I am not into hero worshipping since most heroes tend to have myths build into them. I prefer people who have flaws or have a realistic attitude to life. If that it is not possible, jut having an attitude is enough (Deadpool fanboy here).
Last week, I caught a film caught Tigerland. For those people not familiar with this indie film, it was released in 2000. It is a Vietnam war film except that it takes place in US of A and the characters are not in a war. Before soldiers get sent to a war, they usually get some training. In armies that are more concern about human lives, the training is made as realistic as possible. During the Vietnam War, the US Army created a training ground called Tigerland to simulate conditions in Vietnam.
The story is about a group of soldiers who were training for a war. Each character has different reasons to go to the war and some were clearly unwilling. The protagonist has a strong opinion of the war and tries his best not to go along with anything that is untrue or is unjust in his opinion. As the protagonist is as low ranked as his fellow trainees, this leads to a lot of friction with his superiors and the system. He has two aces up his sleeve. The first is that he is a very capable soldier who knows as much if not more than the instructors. Secondly, he is able to game the system.
Sometimes it is easy to say things like "my career is on the line" or "that my conscience is clear" when one is not willing to help others. The question is that is there ever going to be a time where the person chooses to sacrifice for others? I find it sad that people who often defend their character (Eg. "I am not a bad guy", "This cause me a lot of sleepless nights") to have the most blood on their hands.
Naturally, the murderous trainee tried to get back at the protagonist at all chances but failed.In the last attempt on the protagonist's life, the trainee used live rounds to shoot at the protagonist. At that moment, the protagonist stood up and inflicted a non life-threatening wound on his buddy. This ensured that his buddy was given a medical discharge as the buddy was not able to continue with the training.
At some point in life, you will have to accept that you may never get ahead or achieve what you want. because of your principles. Do you sulk, limit your contribution or try your best to benefit others?
Last week, I caught a film caught Tigerland. For those people not familiar with this indie film, it was released in 2000. It is a Vietnam war film except that it takes place in US of A and the characters are not in a war. Before soldiers get sent to a war, they usually get some training. In armies that are more concern about human lives, the training is made as realistic as possible. During the Vietnam War, the US Army created a training ground called Tigerland to simulate conditions in Vietnam.
The story is about a group of soldiers who were training for a war. Each character has different reasons to go to the war and some were clearly unwilling. The protagonist has a strong opinion of the war and tries his best not to go along with anything that is untrue or is unjust in his opinion. As the protagonist is as low ranked as his fellow trainees, this leads to a lot of friction with his superiors and the system. He has two aces up his sleeve. The first is that he is a very capable soldier who knows as much if not more than the instructors. Secondly, he is able to game the system.
- Not looking the other way
Sometimes it is easy to say things like "my career is on the line" or "that my conscience is clear" when one is not willing to help others. The question is that is there ever going to be a time where the person chooses to sacrifice for others? I find it sad that people who often defend their character (Eg. "I am not a bad guy", "This cause me a lot of sleepless nights") to have the most blood on their hands.
- Work within the system
One of the more ironic twists in the film was when the protagonist was put in charge of his unit because of his ability to put another soldier under arrest. The protagonist could hardly claim ignorance since he was often in serious trouble with the army. Once he was put in charge, he showed that he was willing to take care of the welfare of his men (Eg. Issue them a leave pass before his superiors gave permission).
I have seen a lot of SJW who are just hat and no cattle. These are people who are able to make a difference and yet find it easy to give "feedback" or criticism. Others are willing to contribute in insignificant ways so as to be able to claim action (Eg. People offering to bring ice to a party). I do not expect everybody to sacrifice themselves on a daily basis but if all you are willing to contribute is the minimum, there is a lot of competition for that position.
- Acceptance of life
Naturally, the murderous trainee tried to get back at the protagonist at all chances but failed.In the last attempt on the protagonist's life, the trainee used live rounds to shoot at the protagonist. At that moment, the protagonist stood up and inflicted a non life-threatening wound on his buddy. This ensured that his buddy was given a medical discharge as the buddy was not able to continue with the training.
At some point in life, you will have to accept that you may never get ahead or achieve what you want. because of your principles. Do you sulk, limit your contribution or try your best to benefit others?
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