It begins with assumptions that pretend to take the whole view into context, but do not, as you suggest with the WWII comparison. The side effects are perniciou

It begins with assumptions that pretend to take the whole view into context, but do not, as you suggest with the WWII comparison. The side effects are pernicious and systemic. I think the important thing to remember about PTSD and other mental illness - numbing and desensitization are not the same as healing. Whether these things occur as preparation or as treatment; I am not so certain this matters as much. The events still occur. The thoughts and memories still exist. Just because a person can not visibly show an emotional reaction or feel one, does not mean the emotion has vanished, been extinguished, or that the person has somehow been protected. The idea that this is effective preparation can lead to further confusion, both for the individual affected and those observing. I agree with learning a certain kind of preparation up to a degree. I believe doctors need a certain amount of preparation and experience in order to act during crisis. I wish people would put more effort towards creating peace, rather than assuming that war and violence are permanent conditions of the social psyche.