Every Monday, I anxiously anticipate reading the articles dedicated to the university I love and the opinions of students who occupy the same few blocks of academic property that I do five days of the week. But on Jan. 25, I regret to say this was not the case. In the article, “American Sniper Disappoints” by Rob Gabe, the only thing that was apparent to readers was the blatant attack and analysis on the human individual that was portrayed in the blockbuster film and the man who ultimately dedicated his life to the safety and well-being of Americans while overseas. Ironically, servicemen and women defend the same right that has been used to slander Chris Kyle in publications all across the country, especially as the trial of his murder is continuing this second.
[pullquote align=”center”]I question whether the author held animosity.[/pullquote]The article published was a mix of contradictory and extreme opinions on the life of the solider and how he was represented in one of the top-grossing movies of all time. The author specifically cites the experiences of Kyle that were addressed in his autobiography, the same experiences that have gone under scrutiny for exaggeration and lack of truth, which is clearly a possibility and what many believe to be the truth about his time overseas. As a strong proponent of the first amendment, I refuse to discredit the opinions of the author, but offer a different perspective on the matter.
A component of being an intelligent member of a democratic society is questioning and researching the truth, but sometimes, the truth is separate from the matter. When all is said and done, Chris Kyle honorably served our country and dedicated his life away from friends, family and his beloved state of Texas in order to defend the safety and foundation of the United States of America. American Sniper witnessed extreme success and caused a national discussion about war and its implications because it demonstrated to Americans something most of us will never see – war in the raw. Despite the movie’s accurate depiction, or lack thereof, of post-traumatic stress disorder or the accuracy of Kyle’s remembrance of bar fights, the solider is someone Americans should fight to defend the honor of and not slander their integrity and service, especially of a man who is not present to defend himself. In response to “American Sniper Disappoints,” I question whether the author held animosity towards Kyle, or truly had a vision for what the film should have been or had the potential to be.
To anyone criticizing the actions and recounts of stories of servicemen and women, I encourage these individuals to even attempt to identify with them and their story. As men and women risk their lives overseas, ask yourself, what have you done today? I suppose questioning Chris Kyle’s honor in a print publication and exercising your right to freedom of speech is exactly what he fought for you to have the liberty to do.
Lauren Grow is a third year student majoring in Communications. She can be reached at Grow.Lauren@gmail.com