Decisions And Emotions In Made In Iraq Story
“Made in Iraq” by James Greer describes the intense moments when thinking logically and trusting your gut can save your life and the lives of others. Making life or death decisions spawn a variety of emotions, many of which the average person cannot understand. “Made in Iraq” helps the average person understand war from a credible, internal perspective. Imagine making a split-second decision that could mean life or death.
James Greer tells a story about a time when he chose to continue his vehicle past the dead bulk. To make this decision, Greer had to assess his situation in a matter of seconds. Should he go through and risk a blast or should he find a way around and risk other unknown situations. He had to turn off his emotional switch and think about the situation logically. Letting emotions get in the way could cost him his life and the lives of his crew. “What might have happened if the IED had gone off?” “Did I make the right decision?” Even after the decision is made, he still questions whether or not he did the right thing. Many emotions run through your mind when death is an eminent danger. He says “The vivid image of blood and intestines burned in my eyes.” Soldiers need to think logically, but often times their emotions get the best of them. He talked about having to detach. “Jokes became dry.
Compassion became rusted.” When talking with Greer in person, he said that soldiers flip off the emotion switch in their brain and have trouble turning it back on when they return from war. Regular life becomes harder than it once was. Having a credible source is important when getting the correct message across to readers. “Made in Iraq” comes from a person who has experienced war first hand. Greer explains some of the disturbing details that aren’t discussed in the history books. His words come from an honest place. He describes the sights, sounds, and smells that only a soldier could recount. “Made in Iraq” uses logic, emotion, and credibility to tell the true stories of war. He describes the thoughts and emotions that go through your mind when making life and death decisions. Although a civilian will never fully understand what it is like to be a soldier, “Made in Iraq” paints a pretty good picture.
