I'm so proud of my brother. He has an interview with Fox 21 as a graphic artist. I hope he gets the job! Good luck bubby!!

So...something that's been irritating me lately. Army recruiting commercials. I will preface this rant as follows: I support our military. Without our military we would not have the freedoms we do...nor anyone to protect us. I think being in the military is a noble profession and admire and respect people who choose that career path. However...i do not approve of their recruiting methods as follows.

Commercial 1:

A young man sits at the table with his mom. And he tells her that he's found a way to go to college. He says "don't get mad mom...but i've checked them out...(insert Army plug here) And besides, it's time for me be to the man."

Issue:

This commercial is telling all impressionable young teens that they can not truly be "The Man" until they join the army. Boys who do not join the army never become "the man". Joining the army does not make you a man...nor does not joining the army doom you to perpetual boyhood either.

Commerical 2:

A young man in an Army uniform is sitting on the front porch with his dad. His dad says "You did two things back there that you've never done before. At least not at the same time. You shook my hand..and looked me straight in the eye. Where did you learn that?"

Issue:

This may seem like a perfectly innocent commercial. However...the comment about shaking hands and looking in the eye is a metaphor for respect. By joining the army...you earn respect from your father. Now that's just striking a little below the belt. How many boys out there are desperate for their father's approval? Joining the army does not earn you respect. Being a decent person who doesn't sit on his ass and play video games all day earns you respect. Get a job...any job...that earns you respect. Stop being a dick and move out of your momma's house. That earns you respect.

Commerical 3:

A young man is playing pool with his dad and discussing the option of the Army Reserve. He says they'll pay for school, and i can get training in just about it anything. Dad "but it's the army". Son"No...it's the reserve. They'll train me around here until they need me." Dad: "but it's the army" Blah blah blah in this style...then finally the dad says "Will you get good training?" Son: "it's the army"

Issue:

How sweet and touching. This is by far the best of the commercials. My only issue with this commercial is the statement "They'll train me around here until they need me." What they don't tell you is...you'll go to college...get your degree...and then ship out to Iraq before you have the opportunity to use your degree.

Deja Disclaimer:

I support our troops. I am grateful for what they do. I do not support the ones who govern the troops though. I think our troops deserve someone better than George Bush.