Larry Heinemann Document Reading

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Born and raised in Chicago, Larry Heinemann served as a conscripted draftee in Vietnam and has described himself as an ordinary soldier. He also is an American Novelist primarily concerned with the Vietnam War. His writing style is blunt and straightforward, and he speaks his mind. He chronicles his several returns to Vietnam and his personal and political views concerning the country and the war. Through sharing his personal experiences in Vietnam, Heinemann states that he does not believe the country has learned anything from the war. Although many hoped that the war could be remembered as a nostalgic and positive experience, unfortunately it is not remembered in that way. In my opinion, I believe that wars should be remembered and learned from. Most of the time, wars will be viewed in a negative light inevitably however that does not mean that our country should not still learn from past mistakes and move forward. Another main idea Heinemann points out is the idea that Vietnam felt everything had to go their way. He feels this attitude and mentality was going to get them into big trouble. I agree with his point of view entirely in that this attitude and unrealistic and sets them up for trouble later on. Heinemann also touches on the idea that Americans don’t understand exactly the way the rest of the world sees them. He says Americans just wish they would go home. Although I believe there is some validity to this statement, I also think that it is a sweeping generalization. This may be the point of view of some Americans, however not all. This idea circles back to the concept of learning from Wars rather than dwelling on them. I find it to be in America and Vietnam’s best interest to remember the war whether it be positive or negative, learn from it, and move forward. Heinemann’s blunt approach is refreshing and quite intriguing. Throughout the reading he provides
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