Escapism vs Reality: Balancing Mental Health & Global Awareness Today

Many escape harsh realities through entertainment, but true resilience comes from awareness and engagement with global issues, balancing mental health and proactive societal involvement.

The Escapist's Dilemma: Confronting Reality in a World of Entertainment

In today's fast-paced, career-oriented society, many people are unknowingly engaged in a daily mental battle. They live in a reality crafted by streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+, a reality often

Picture: NPO Kennis

disconnected from the true state of the world. This raises an important question: Is it fear that drives people towards these platforms, or is the actual reality too daunting to face? Are they unable to banish the harsh truths of everyday life from their minds, even as they try to sleep?

The Proximity of Conflict

Is the specter of war becoming too close for comfort, or has it never really left our consciousness? Despite numerous global conflicts—such as those in Gaza, Israel, Serbia, and Russia—many people seem disengaged. Conversations about television often revolve around misery, politics, and excessive advertising, yet seldom touch on the fear of new wars. When discussing current world events, those engrossed in Netflix often claim ignorance or express a desire to avoid such topics. Their focus is on enjoying life, not dwelling on "pointless" conflicts. This attitude suggests a widespread disengagement from both local and global issues.

Today's world seems increasingly fragmented, with individuals living in isolated bubbles. At home, they live private lives, avoiding external input. At work, they do the minimum required, ensuring it benefits them sufficiently. There is a pervasive belief that everyone should mind their own business. When things go wrong, the onus is on others to have been more vigilant. This mindset implicitly suggests that those who don't engage with platforms like Netflix are missing out, failing to take care of themselves.

The Justified Fear of Demons

Given the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Israel, Russia, and Serbia, and the significant political involvement and sponsorship of these wars, the threat of escalation is real. Daily warnings abound, echoing the sentiments of those who lived through previous wars. For many older individuals, the memories of war remain vivid, disturbing their peace even at night. For these people, sleep often comes only with the aid of pills or other substances.

The horrors of war extend far beyond the battlefield. As illustrated in the book "Silent Fathers," written by the son of a World War II labor camp survivor, the trauma experienced during conflict often results in long-lasting psychological scars. The father's nightmares and silent suffering were passed down to his son, illustrating the profound and enduring impact of war trauma. The atrocities witnessed and endured left lifelong marks, not just on the victims but also on their families.

Disconnection from Global Issues

There is a growing concern that many people are becoming increasingly disconnected from global issues. This could be attributed to information overload, where the constant barrage of negative news leads to desensitization or deliberate avoidance. What might be perceived as selfishness could also be a form of self-preservation. Constant exposure to distressing news can be psychologically draining, leading individuals to prioritize their mental health by focusing on more immediate and controllable aspects of their lives.

It's unfortunate that so few people engage with these powerful stories or read books that highlight the lasting impact of war. The experiences of those who survived horrific labor camps should serve as a stark reminder and motivation to intervene in emerging conflicts. Yet, many prefer to escape into the worlds offered by Netflix, Disney+, and HBO. These platforms often feature violent and war-themed content, providing a sanitized version of reality that remains comfortably distant.

Escapism and Media Consumption

Many people turn to entertainment as a form of escapism. It provides a temporary refuge from the overwhelming realities of the world, including wars and political strife. This can be driven by fear or anxiety about current events or simply a desire to find joy and relaxation amidst the chaos. The allure of curated, often idealized worlds on platforms like Netflix or Disney+ contrasts sharply with the often harsh and chaotic reality. People may prefer these narratives because they offer control and resolution, unlike the unpredictable and unresolved nature of real-world conflicts.

Preparing for the Next Conflict

While these films and series may entertain, they do little to prepare people for the actual horrors of war. Reality, with its complexities and brutality, often proves more terrifying than fiction. As such, those who rely on entertainment as a means of escape might find themselves unprepared for real-world traumas, forced to process their experiences in silence.

The Psychological Impact of War

The psychological scars of war, as illustrated in the book "Silent Fathers," often linger long after the physical conflict ends. These traumas can affect not only those who experienced the war directly but also subsequent generations. The adage "prevention is better than cure" holds significant weight when it comes to conflict. Understanding and remembering the past, as well as recognizing the signs of emerging conflicts, are crucial steps in preventing future atrocities. Yet, the challenge lies in maintaining awareness and action in a world where many prefer to avert their eyes.

Balancing Awareness and Mental Health

It is important to strike a balance between staying informed about global events and protecting one's mental health. This balance can be challenging but is necessary to foster a more empathetic and proactive society. Encouraging people to engage with real-world issues, perhaps through more accessible and compelling storytelling, can bridge the gap between escapism and awareness. Developing psychological resilience can help individuals face harsh realities without being overwhelmed. This can be achieved through education, community support, and fostering open discussions about difficult topics.

What will be you choice?

In these turbulent times, the choice between engagement and escapism is more critical than ever. While entertainment offers a necessary respite, it is essential to remain aware and proactive about the world's challenges. Learning from the past, building resilience, and promoting awareness can help bridge the gap between escapism and reality. By confronting these issues head-on, we can better prepare for whatever the future holds.

Russian Soldier Defects After Commander Shooting: War Ethics Debate

A Russian soldier's shocking act—shooting her commander and fleeing to Ukraine—challenges military loyalty, ethics, and the ever-persistent war industry.

Would it be surprising if a Russian soldier suddenly shot her own army commander? This act of defiance, whether driven by impulse or careful planning, carries deep implications. The soldier fled towards the Ukrainian army, a move that hints at a rejection of the conflict her country is waging. This raises critical questions about “military loyalty”, "discipline", and the consequences of such an act.

Facing the Death Penalty: Military Justice

In the rigid hierarchy of the military, insubordination—especially the extreme act of turning a weapon on a superior—often results in severe punishment. “Military law” typically allows little room for mercy, and the “death penalty” is a common consequence in such cases. The fact that this soldier fled towards Ukraine might have been a desperate attempt to escape immediate execution. However, her fate remains uncertain. This incident forces us to consider the ethical implications of “military justice” in the modern world, especially as society increasingly questions the “morality of the death penalty”.

The Military: A Dictatorship Within a Democracy?

The “military” operates as a separate entity within the broader society, governed by its own strict set of rules. The “chain of command” and the necessity of “obedience” create an environment where the individual’s moral compass can be overshadowed by the demand for absolute loyalty. This incident of a soldier turning against her commander challenges the foundation of “military discipline” and brings into focus the “authoritarian nature” of military institutions. Can such rigid structures coexist with the broader democratic values of “personal freedom” and “human rights”?

War Cemeteries in Normandy: A Reflection on Sacrifice

A visit to the “Normandy war cemeteries” offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of military obedience. The “Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial”, with its 9,387 meticulously maintained graves, reflects the deep respect given to those who died in service to their country. The “preservation of history” is evident in the care given to these sites, highlighting the value placed on “military sacrifice”. However, the stark contrast with the “La Chambre German Cemetery” raises questions about the “value of life” on opposing sides. The subdued design and communal graves at La Chambre suggest a different narrative, one where the tragedy of war is shared collectively rather than celebrated individually.

Equality in Death: A Question of Moral Value

The disparity between the American and German war cemeteries highlights uncomfortable truths about how we remember the dead. Are the lives of soldiers from one nation worth more than those from another? This question of “moral equivalence” is brought into sharp focus when we consider that some German graves hold multiple soldiers, a stark contrast to the individualized graves of their American counterparts. The “ethics of war” demand that we consider whether all lives lost in conflict deserve equal respect and remembrance, regardless of the side on which they fought.

The Tyranny of War: Obedience Versus Conscience

The Russian soldier’s decision to shoot her commander and flee suggests a profound internal conflict. Perhaps she recognized the futility of the war in Ukraine, driven more by “political power” than by any just cause. This act of defiance reflects a struggle between **

“obedience” and “conscience”—a dilemma faced by many soldiers throughout history. The “moral ambiguity” of war, especially one as contentious as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, forces us to question the justifications given for such violence and the “responsibility” of soldiers to reject orders they deem unjust.

The War Industry: Perpetuating Conflict

The ongoing production of weapons and the rise in “military-industrial complex” profits suggest that war is, unfortunately, a thriving business. If “weapons manufacturing” continues, so too will conflicts around the world. The economic interests tied to the war industry often perpetuate violence, raising ethical questions about the “commodification of war”. If we wish to see an end to such conflicts, the “global community” must take a stand against the industries that profit from death and destruction.

Conclusion: A Call for Universal Remembrance

In the end, the story of this Russian soldier is a stark reminder of the complexities of war. It challenges us to think about the nature of “military authority”, the value of human life, and the role of personal morality in the face of “military orders”. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers on all sides of conflicts, we must also consider the ethical implications of how we remember them. Whether through equal treatment in death or through the rejection of the “war industry”, the global community has a responsibility to uphold the dignity of all who are caught in the crossfire of war.

Kipling’s Poem: “The White Man’s Burden” on colonial control

The English journalist Joseph Rudyard Kipling (b. 30 Dec 1865 — d. 18 Jan 1936) was an Indian-born, renowned writer of the United Kingdom. His poetry explores and travel the readers back in 1899, the war between Americans and Filipinos. Moreover, the poem dig down racist behaviours toward non-white. The poem was written in the same year 1899. The fight lasted for three years. In the poem “The White Man’s Burden” Kipling well elaborate this piece of poetry of war and social inequality.
The most famous expression of literature of the western world and colonialist whim over Filipinos were expressed here. It was an effort to persuade the United States to join the empirical club and seize the Philippines.
The eagerness of Rudyard and his effort seems touching the readers on urging the Americans.
The war had begun on 4th Feb 1899 two days ago the US Senate accepted the treaty. More than 4000 American soldiers were died. And on the other hand, over 20,000 Filipino fighters were down. The loss of the Philippines were more, almost 200,000 civilians died in the war due to violence, famine and disease. The battle was occurred at Manila Bay.

Poem: “The White Man's Burdenby Rudyard Kipling

 Take up the White Man's burden —
Send forth the best ye breed -
Go bind your sons to exile
To serve your captives' need;
To wait in heavy harness
On fluttered folk and wild -
Your new-caught sullen peoples,
Half devil and half child.
 Take up the White Man's burden -
In patience to abide
To veil the threat of terror
And check the show of pride;
By open speech and simple,
A hundred times made plain,
To seek another's profit,
And work another's gain.
 Take up the White Man's burden -
The savage wars of peace -
Fill full the mouth of famine
And bid the sickness cease;
And when your goal is nearest
The end for others sought,
Watch Sloth and heathen Folly
Bring all your hopes to nought.
 Take up the White Man's burden -
No tawdry rule of kings,
But toil of serf and sweeper -
The tale of common things.
The ports ye shall not enter,
The roads ye shall not tread,
Go make them with your living,
And mark them with your dead!
 Take up the White Man's burden -
And reap his old reward,
The blame of those ye better,
The hate of those ye guard -
The cry of hosts ye humour
(Ah slowly !) towards the light:-
“Why brought ye us from bondage,
“Our loved Egyptian night?”
 Take up the White Man's burden -
Ye dare not stoop to less -
Nor call too loud on Freedom
To cloak your weariness;
By all ye cry or whisper,
By all ye leave or do,
The silent sullen peoples
Shall weigh your Gods and you.
 Take up the White Man's burden -
Have done with childish days -
The lightly proffered laurel,
The easy, ungrudged praise.
Comes now, to search your manhood
Through all the thankless years,
Cold-edged with dear-bought wisdom,
The judgement of your peers. 

Joseph Rudyard Kipling

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