If We Must Die

If We Must Die

Claude McKay

1921 1922

The poem "If We Mush Die" carries a patriotic theme. It demands honor and respect for courage's actions. Determination and unwavering willpower push the inner fight until there is no more breath to fight. The greatest emphasis is stressed on the point that the courage's and unwavering actions shall not be taken in vein. The country in whose honor the great shoulders fight need to be respected in no less honor than any other. A black soldier with the capacity to provide an equal outcome as a white soldier is no less valuable. In essence, a soldier fighting for the honor of his country shall have no color or race. On war grounds time shall not be wasted on inner segregation and bickering about differences, but all efforts should concentrated on the enemy as one army of country brothers. In reference to present times, a case could be made for Muslim or Middle Eastern soldiers not getting equal respect for service. It is a well-known fact that just about all terrorist acts toward Untied States originate from Muslim extremists that have strong association to the Middle East. In addition, the Middle East, majority Muslim, has been open about its negative views toward the Western World and particularly the United States. With that in mind it can be argued that Muslim soldiers in the United States do not receive the same respect as others. I believe that is what the discussion prompt was edging toward. However, I would have to strongly disagree with such an argument. Muslim and or Middle Eastern soldiers in Untied States show great patriotism just by being an American soldier and aiding in the fight against terrorism. These soldiers are fighting fundamentalist beliefs that originate from a land, which they or their ancestors have come from. In addition, such soldier is highly resourceful in which case they provide critical Intel and special op opportunities. America respects these soldiers for standing up and saying, "No, that is wrong, and my religion condemns such terrorist acts against innocent civilians". In retrospect, high position Muslim and or Middle Eastern leaders were frowned upon when they failed to stand up and condemn the terror acts of 911. We can say we are subdivided into various communities and sections, but when the world looks at us the only thing they see