Culture Wars, Part I

One of the biggest changes in my life since beginning this adventure has been an abrupt reintroduction to Marine Corps culture. This is distinctly different from UU culture, which is essentially socially liberal and humanistic. At the core of UU culture is a respect and tolerance, if not acceptance, of other people and their diversity. Marine Corps culture is primarily about mission accomplishment and taking care of those who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.

Although the Marine Corps pays lip service to respectful treatment of all others, it is common to hear Marines mock or belittle those who are not like “us.” Outright homophobia is common. Being religious = being Christian. Politics? Republican, of course. The norm of behavior and expressed opinion is generally white, heterosexual male, middle class, Christian, conservative, and nationalistic. Most Marines would never question the premise that we as Americans have the right to do whatever we like here in Iraq, because we are the world’s only remaining superpower. This xenophobia is expressed, perhaps unconsciously, in the derogatory term “haji” used by many to describe Iraqis or other Middle Easterners. This word comes from the same place of intolerance and dehumanization as the labels “Jap,” “Kraut,” “Gook,” and “Red” from past conflicts. A crucial step in defining the “enemy” is to make him “the other” – something less than human. These labels, combined with our willful ignorance of other cultures, contribute to this process.

Despite the intolerance for the “other,” there is a strong sense of community among Marines. There has to be, given the life-or-death consequences of unit cohesion in combat. A tremendous bond develops among people who share danger and risk on a daily basis. The strength of the Marine is the Corps, and the strength of the Corps is the Marine.

This bond, this camaraderie, this team spirit, is reflected in an obsession with sports, competition, and sports analogies. “Let’s keep our eye on the ball and accomplish the mission.” “That was a varsity move, Maverick.” “Put your game face on and get to it.” “We really hit a home run with that mission.” This obsession is no mystery – violent team sports are a form of mock combat, which has been around for centuries. Boxing evokes "single warrior combat" - and we have the Friday Night Fights Here. Combat and violent sports draw on the same energy and feed the same desires. It’s a two-way street, reflecting a violent national culture, and perhaps a violent human nature.