Intense war stories can make people realize the horror of war. They show that war is not just about glory and victory but also about destruction and death. For example, when hearing about the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, people understand the extreme devastation that modern warfare can bring.
Horrible war stories often make people more aware of the futility of war. When hearing about the countless deaths, the maiming of soldiers and civilians alike, and the long - term destruction of landscapes and cultures, it becomes clear that war rarely solves problems in a sustainable way. This can lead people to advocate for diplomatic solutions and peaceful coexistence rather than military action.
These stories can create a sense of horror and disgust towards war. They show that war doesn't discriminate and can bring out the worst in humanity. When people hear about the massacres in places like Rwanda, they understand that war can turn neighbors against each other in the most violent way. This may lead to a more pacifist stance among the general public, as they don't want to see such atrocities repeated. They might also be more critical of their governments' decisions to engage in military actions.
Bloody war stories can make people see war as a truly terrifying and inhumane thing. For instance, when we hear about the mass casualties in the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, it makes us realize the high cost in terms of human lives. It can make people more reluctant to support wars casually.
War stories can make war seem more real. They show the gritty details, like the fear soldiers feel and the actual destruction. So, they can make people more aware of the horror of war.
Well, written war stories shape people's perception of war in multiple ways. They can humanize the participants in war, whether they are soldiers or civilians. For example, a well - written story can make readers feel the fear, hope, and despair of those in the war zone. They also allow people to see the broader context of war, such as political, social, and economic factors. Moreover, they can inspire anti - war sentiment by highlighting the senseless destruction and loss of life. At the same time, they can also give a sense of the heroism and sacrifice that can occur in war, though not glorifying war itself.
These types of fictional stories, if not handled carefully, can give a very wrong impression. War is a complex and tragic event. However, if the stories are well - written and use relationships as a way to show the human side of war, it could enhance understanding. For example, showing how love and lust still exist in the face of death can show the tenacity of the human spirit. But if it's just about titillating sex scenes, it will mislead readers into thinking war is a backdrop for sexual escapades.
The personal stories often highlight the human cost. We realize that behind the military operations, there were real people with families and dreams. This can change our view from a detached understanding of the war as a political or military event to a more empathetic view of the individuals involved.
They also can turn public opinion against a war. In the case of the Iraq War, some war correspondent stories that showed the chaos and civilian casualties made many people question the purpose and conduct of the war. These stories provided a more realistic view than the official government propaganda.
War fiction can greatly influence how people see war. For example, if a story focuses on the heroism of soldiers, it might make people think of war as a place for noble sacrifice. If it shows the horrors, like in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', it can make people more aware of the real cost of war.
The horror stories had a big impact on the veterans as well. Their accounts of the war, full of trauma and pain, made the public understand that the war was not a glorious adventure. It was a hellish experience for those who fought in it. This in turn influenced public perception, as the public started to view the war as something that scarred not only the Vietnamese but also the American soldiers who participated.