Staff Writer
America is a nation where people idolize the individuals who grace our television screens and act in our blockbusters. People spend uncountable hours watching these people perform. Their looks usually make them famous, and we worship and attempt to imitate their appearances.
Many of the people we see on television have done nothing to deserve our continuous attention and yet we continue to give it to them. We are a country that idolizes celebrities, and anyone who lives a lavish lifestyle seems to be elevated to the status of demigods.
For weeks on end, the deaths of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston were discussed continuously on every form of media. Although the death of any person undoubtedly is tragic, it seems ridiculous that we would lament two people who overdosed on narcotics, yet hardly any time whatsoever was given to the story of the death of Chris Kyle, a United States hero.
Very recently, United States Navy SEAL Chris Kyle was murdered. Kyle was shot and killed with Chad Littlefield, a fellow friend and SEAL while taking a former Marine to the shooting range as a form of therapy. According to ABC news, “Kyle was also an advocate for his fellow service members suffering from PTSD, creating a foundation to help for their treatment.” The shooter was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Kyle brought him to the range in order to help him work through the traumas he was suffering as a result of the war. The Marine then killed Kyle and Littlefield and proceeded to flee.
Kyle was known for having more than 150 confirmed sniper kills while serving four tours overseas. His actions undoubtedly saved numerous American lives, and he continued to help his fellow service members recuperate from PTSD while at home. ABC News stated, “He helped found FITCO Cares, an organization that provides at-home equipment for emotionally and physically wounded veterans.” Kyle was described by those who knew him as “tireless and generous in his efforts to help vets.”
Kyle gave his life to his country, fighting those who threatened our soil as well as saving the lives of innumerable American soldiers.
Very little attention was given to Kyle’s death, and even less was given to Littlefield’s death. Kyle’s actions made him a hero and yet our society gave him minimal respect for what he did during his life. Our televisions are continuously swamped with stories of those who died because of an addiction or were simply famous. Whitney Houston’s hometown lowered the flags to half-staff in her honor, yet a man who fought for our flag was not shown the same respect. Our society’s view of what is honorable is completely skewed. Kyle lived and died helping others, whether it was for his country or a Marine suffering from PTSD.
Americans make heroic our celebrities but forget those that die for our freedoms. Just because Kyle was not in a movie or sitcom should not mean that he is not recognized for his service. Kyle, like so many other brave and selfless soldiers, should have their stories told. He, along with the rest of our military, should be recognized for the way they continuously risk their lives so that we can sit at home and have the freedoms we take for granted.
Our world needs to open its eyes and realize that the stars we see on television are not worth our devotion and love. The real men and women like Chris Kyle, Chad Littlefield and other American heroes deserve our thanks.