Trying to figure out who I am and who I want to be has been an upward battle with understanding the privilege of not having to worry about insurance, education or affording basic necessities.
Recognizing that privilege allowed me to realize that my father made choices to keep his family out of poverty, even at the cost of supporting the largest war machine in the world.
To some, joining the military is a rite of passage, but for many in the Pacific, like my father, joining the military is the only option out of poverty.
If not, another generation is raised with a heavy dependence on assistance from the local and federal governments such as food stamps- this isn’t to say that joining the military will inherently lift you out of poverty, but it will certainly provide you basic human rights like dental and health insurance, a livable wage and skills.
In my last year of high school, I filled out an end of the year form that asked what my next step would be, and there were three options: 1) college, 2) workforce or 3) military.
It’s confusing to live in a country that claims to be the land of the free, while poorer communities, especially within the Pacific region, have less of a choice and dedicated classrooms to military training- JRTOC in high school and ROTC in our university. And perhaps, if this country was truly about freedom, our people would have a fair choice to choose between seeking higher education, starting a business or fighting in war.
We need to end the cycle of enlistment as the better alternative, and invest in our communities that keep our people poor- funding education, promoting community programs, making housing affordable, and the list goes on.
Some of you will scoff at the idea and proclaim, “unrealistic or wishful thinking,” but ask yourself this, “
Is it radical to care for my family?
Is it wrong to hope for a better future?
Why should I owe the military my life?”
And if your response to any of the questions is that I am hateful, understand that being anti-military does not mean being anti-veteran.
I love my papa. I appreciate his sacrifices, and I care about him. But I hate that he wasn’t afforded the same opportunities as others.
I look forward to a world where today’s struggles lead us to a path of reconciliation between people and community, people and planet and peace.
I am the son of a US soldier, but I am anti-military.
