American Sniper is on the verge of leading the domestic box office for the third weekend in a row. It’s garnered Bradley Cooper his third Oscar nomination in as many years, and has many people calling it one of the best films of 2014. If you somehow haven’t heard anything about this movie, it tells the story of the most lethal sniper in American history.
But there’s more going on and being said. Many have directly criticized Chris Kyle for a number of things. He’s who the movie is about. And very recently Bill Maher had some hasty words to describe him. Again for those who don’t know, Chris Kyle was killed by a U.S. Marine Corps veteran about a year ago.
My reasoning for writing this post is because people are watching a movie adapted from a book and immediately criticizing Chris Kyle. Which is unacceptable. What right do I have to criticize any military veteran when I myself could never join the ranks to defend this country and its interests? None. I have no right. Because I have no idea what it’s like, and I never will. No matter how many war movies Hollywood makes, I’ll never have a clue what it’s really like. And neither do any of these people criticizing Chris Kyle or any other veteran.
If you want to criticize the actions that led to Chris Kyle’s deployment, then okay. If you want to criticize Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of the man, then okay. If you want to criticize the entirety of the movie, then okay. If you want to criticize the politicization of war in America, then okay. But do not criticize someone like Chris Kyle who went and served in another country in the midst of war. Because you have no idea what he experienced. And you weren’t right there alongside him.
Johnny Reads 
I read his book. The man was amazing. Very sad what happened to him.
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Yes. He definitely wasn’t some psychotic killer or whatever I’ve heard people call him. It’s a joke that anyone can even say that.
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He saw an enemy. And he killed the enemy. He was very good at it and I am eternally grateful for men like this.
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Yes. Likewise. I should read the book. I have Marcus Luttrell’s.
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I have his book as well. One aspect of American Sniper I found really interesting was when Kyle explained the rules of engagement American soldiers had to abide by. INSANE. Talk about frustrating. They practically need to be shot before they can engage.
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Why are you tellimg me about a book I haven’t read? You’re spoiling it. Lol
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Hahaha. Quit sucking your thumb. I haven’t given anything away.
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I had no idea he discussed rules of ebgagement. So…
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. . . so you’re welcome.
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Had to say thanks first.
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Well played.
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Thank you for this post. And I wish more people said this instead of taking everything and nailing it down to one opinion. I totally agree with you, and it was refreshing to hear someone else say what I think. 🙂 I don’t hear too many people within our generation that would be willing to say this.
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I think you’re right. No one wants to voice their own opinion. Especially about something like war. Or they just agree with what they see or hear on TV.
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Preach it, brother!! I know you’re an atheist, but the expression fit. I completely agree with you. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
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Haha. I just think it’s stupid. I get that everyone always seems to have an opinion on everything. But not this. Not guys like Chris Kyle.
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Loved both the book and movie. Chris Kyle did what he was asked to do, and war does not leave room for people to hold hands and sing “Kumbaya”.
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Exactly right.
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