Who really wants to serve in combat? (February 6 2013)
Zillah Eisenstein the American political theorist, activist and Professor of Politics having written books that have tracked the rise of neoliberalism both within the U.S. and across the globe. Eisenstein has published an article on Aljazeera titled ‘Female militarism: Band of sisters?’ claiming that fighting on the front lines of a war zone doesn’t exactly reflect feminist ideals or progress towards gender equality. Eisenstein states “…US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the military’s official ban on women in combat. This overrides a 1994 Pentagon ruling that excluded women from artillery, armour, infantry and other combat. …I wonder who really wants to serve in combat? Who wants to fight wars in the first place? Who wants to be on the front lines and kill other human beings – or better yet, get killed themselves? …Not all, but many who “choose” to enlist have few other alternatives. Many are in the US military today because of a lack of alternatives in a shrinking job market. …The pay is about equal between Wal-Mart and the military, although the latter job can get you killed. I do not think that many enlisted women are any more pro-war than I am. It is a job, albeit a dangerous one. The rest of us are just lucky enough to have other options. …My point is that the global economy and its shrinking labour market, everywhere, is growing more militarist and more female at the same time. And, it is really important to not confuse the presence of females, especially in combat, with gender “equality”. …There is less and less equality for everyone, men and women alike. Equal to what and to whom and for what? I am thinking about that 99 percent. US military women are still part of the 99 percent, unequal even if now with full citizen rights.”
Inspired by Zillah Eisenstein, Aljazeera ow.ly/hfL1N Image source Facebook ow.ly/hfKZS
