According to Nuto Revelli, writer and essayist, “the war is the never healed wound that starts to bleed every time you touch it“. A strong definition but completely comprehensive about what the war embodies in our memory and on our skin.
Wars, especially those of the beginning of the XX century, have left an indelible sign on our grandparents: the terrible memories and experiences are unforgettable for those who had the possibility to hear them, at least once.
The war leaves traces not only on those who lived it firsthand. Territory, artistic beauties, culture: everything is marked forever by destruction and devastation. Without distinction.
The effects of war on children
The war, within human history, is not an isolated case. It’s deeply rooted. It crossed different stages, passing from trenches and battlefield and getting to cities, schools and hospitals. Technology and progress changed it and bombs are defined “smart”: a shameful term becomes fashionable in recent years.
Recent years have been characterised by Iraqi war and conflicts throughout the Middle East. Conflicts that signed the youngest population. It’s this part of population that suffer more the signs of violence. They have no responsibility but the war threatens their health and undermines their happiness and their hope for a “normal” life.
Conflicts are an enemy of childhood because destroy children’s wishes and dreams and don’t allow them to receive the necessary tenderness and protection. This way of life is also instilled into their mind. From this it’s impossible not to write about the phenomenon of “child-soldiers”: one of the most hideous crimes committed by modern society.
Little creatures that, instead of going to school and learn, carry a rifle. An action which impacts negatively on their physical (wounds, malnutrition and various diseases) and also on their mental health (panic, difficulties in integration and anxiety disorders). Ultimately, a cancer to be grubbled up with everyone’s involvement.
Carl Sandburg wrote that “someday they will make a war and nobody will be taking part“: this must be our hope. For adults but also for the little ones because certain signs have to disappear.