Navy Seals #3

Is There Racism in the Navy Seals?

http://www.navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156541

I came across a forum on Navyseals.com which was a stage for people debating whether or not there is racism in the Navy Seals. I was very surprised to find such discussion on this particular site, simply due to the fact it is a branch from the military arm of the government. On one hand I feel great respect for the people who, in theory, are risking their lives to save my “freedom.” I use the word, “freedom,” in the sense, freedom of speech, freedom of democracy, the same freedom that our country has preached since its inception in the 1770’s. Has this country’s ruling class equally distributed the same freedom our soldiers have been dying for since the Revolutionary War which freed us from the Red Coats’ oppressive ways? No. Is there a difference between America’s armed forces inhabiting every crevice of this world, and the same British wearing red coats that we fought in order to obtain our “freedom?” I digress, back to the Seals.

Soldiers come from the block, the neighborhoods, schools, churches, etc. We have images of people acting in great compassionate love towards others, while at the same time we have images of people exhibiting dark murderous hate. Our soldiers are picked from the general population, the same population who produces these acts of love or acts of hate. Is there racism in the Navy Seals? Let me ponder as my mind wonders…Racism is rooted in our society, classism too. Both are reinforced by the government which controls the armed forces in order to force its will on “the enemy.” The enemy is international, and domestic. While the government enforces its rules the people of the country buy into what they feel is right, some imitate the gov’t while others oppose its teachings. When you take people from society and place them in a team/family such as the Navy Seals, you never know what’s going to happen.

According to Didley (1/21/08 3:35pm,) “…Each man on a SEAL team needs to be able to depend on the other. There really is no room for racism. It could cost you your life. If you're not there for someone because of their race or whatever, you can't expect them to be there for you either. If you're racist, you shouldn't be in the teams.” That statement is very important in highlighting the type of bonds the Seals must develop with one another in order to survive and carry out orders from the top.

Jclay25 (1/31/08) 1:03am), “There's no way. SEALS are too smart for that and have too much character. It's like a brotherhood why would they hate somebody in their own small fraternity just cause he's black. I'm sure a few have slipped through the cracks but probly not enough to count on one hand.” I’m willing to guess there have been more than just a few bad apples who slipped through the cracks, we just don’t hear about it because the military handles its issues in house rather than in the public eye, most times anyway.