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> if your enemy thinks like you, talks like you, acts like you, shares your values and views the world the way you do, is he your enemy? Can he be your enemy? W
by true_religion 13y ago
> if your enemy thinks like you, talks like you, acts like you, shares your values and views the world the way you do, is he your enemy? Can he be your enemy? Why would he be your enemy?
Sure. Previous to the 20th century, most wars were fought over control over resources, land, and prestige.
- scottdw2 13y agoIn war, identity is a defined "negatively". That is, not by describing positive attributes to you, but by describing negative attributes to the enemy. "We are the opposite of x", hence we fight. If you neutralize the ability of the enemy to define you (because he is like you) he can't define himself, and so he cannot fight you. Thus, there is no enemy, and hence no war.
- true_religion 13y agoI can accept that, but at the point you've already gone to war... it is pretty easy to point at any difference between you and the other country, and say that your way is better. (e.g. First World liberal democracy U.S.A looks down upon 1st world liberal democracy U.K. because U.K. has socialized healthcare thus clearly is insane).
- ekianjo 13y agomost of these were driven by governments and empires, not people. as an ndividual you have everything to lose to go to war.
- wozniacki 13y agoSure. Previous to the 20th century, most wars were fought over control over resources, land, and prestige. Or over spurious differences like incompatible belief systems and divinities. Spurious differences but holding a great deal of emotional charge. edit: added quote.
- thaumasiotes 13y agoFrom the 1974 The Four Musketeers: Porthos: I mean, what are we killing them for? Because they sing psalms in French, and we sing them in Latin? Aramis: Porthos, have you no education? What do you think religious wars are all about?
- aaronem 13y ago"Previous to the 20th century?"