(no subject)

[merchimerch]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4191513.stm

Wow this makes me so incredibly sad - I can completely see why the soldiers would open fire on the poor kid, especially since 13-14 year olds have been known to tote real rifles (the militarization of children is a whole other problem). And taunting soldiers with toy guns is probably not the smartest thing to do. But still - the kid was shot dead for teasing an occupying soldier with a toy. So sad on so many levels.

I think it's a strong argument against both occupation and war toys.

Comments

[merchimerch.livejournal.com]

war toy are big issue. On one hand, I know that most little boys will turn anything into a gun - a stick, some non-descipt lego parts, their hand, whatever. I don't think the more unrealistic toy weapons are so bad, i.e. nerf guns, neon plastic water guns, etc.

I'm assuming that this kid would not have been shot dead if he were taunting that soldier with a nerf gun. That toy gun may have been an Eid gift because 13 and 14 year olds are fantasizing about joining the resistance and killing Israeli soldiers.

The whole thing is just appauling. The amount of anger and despair that flows through both sides of the conflict is something I can't even comprehend. It is these small glimpses of humanity that really reach me more that the statistics of casualties on either side.