New Books in Sociology
Benjamin Schrader, "Fight to Live, Live to Fight Veteran Activism after War: Veteran Activism after War" (SUNY Press, 2019)
May 7, 2025
Benjamin Schrader, Director of Adult Learner and Veteran Services at Colorado State University and author, shares powerful insights on veteran activism. He redefines the narrative around veterans, portraying them not as victims but as active agents of change. The conversation explores their transitions from military service to social justice, addressing issues like antiwar organizing and economic justice. Schrader emphasizes the critical need for veterans to reshape notions of patriotism and the importance of telling their own stories in the journey toward healing and activism.
55:31
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Quick takeaways
- Veterans actively reshape their identities through social justice activism, challenging stereotypes and redefining bravery beyond combat roles.
- The 'soldiers contract' reveals the complexities of citizenship and accountability, emphasizing the unique societal position of veterans engaging in activism.
Deep dives
Veterans as Activists
Military veterans, particularly those who have served in combat, often confront the complexities of their experiences through social justice activism. Many veterans channel their grief and guilt into advocacy, seeking to demilitarize their communities and redefine notions of patriotism. This shift from being seen solely as symbols of national pride to active participants in social movements highlights a transformative journey. Their stories, drawn from personal interviews and experiences, reveal a profound understanding of courage as not only serving in conflict but also as standing up for justice and change.
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