Leading White Commander example essay topic
They found fighting much more of a privilege and looked past what most people would find containing violence, pain, agony, or plain stupid. The war wasn't just that to most soldiers, but what the men of the 54th regiment were fighting for goes way beyond that. They were fighting for, and trying to achieve dignity. Their fighting was an impression and was to stand up against the people who wouldn't give black people a chance, not even to die for their own country. I believe that this movie was titled glory because they fought for, and in my opinion achieved glory. Lincoln wanted to do better things for the union, he himself actually said that if he could save the union without freeing any slaves that he would, so his best interests were in the Union not the slave situation.
I believe that the effort that the men of the 54th Regiment changed his views. I mean when the turn out was so great it was surprising. When after told the conditions by being captured by the opposing side, they still stayed! And even when their pay was to be exceptionally lower then that of the white troops, they tore up the checks and they went to the exten of going without pay.
Even the white commanding officers chose to go along with them which I think was unity within their regiment. I believe that the Regiment worked especially hard with every task, no matter how trivial. They had no trouble at all, and when they did, by a solider who appeared to leaving was simply trying to get shoes to help him better himself in being a solider. This was an event which led to a much higher one, the realization that the 54th regiment worked much harder then the rest, and needed to be treated with more respect and to be given the necessities that they deserved. To many people and especially white solders they were simply a joke, but they proved them wrong. I think that the leading white commander, who seemed to appear skeptical of the whole idea at first, changed throughout the progression of the troops.
He like most soldiers again thought that they would never get to fight and would just be considered a joke. Once he saw the realization of how serious they were his views changed. He also kind of babied them at first with the thought that they would not get to fight. I think he disapproved of the normal harsh treating that any white solider would receive.
I think that the commanders friend also changed. He was an intelligent man who took things to heart. He was very serious and he was disciplined. To the others he appeared to want to be white. They were stereo typical and were despicable to him. He was brought up to have a vast education and on the thought that his studies were most important.
He was very willing to do new things and to have new experiences. When he arrived at the sight he realized how rough it was. He had to hurt people and that concept was difficult for him. He changed by becoming more courageous and experienced being a brave solider.
The Regiment achieved glory with certain events. First when they all tore up their paychecks, and even the white commander did also. They would not accept less for more, if that was the case then they would go for none. Another event was when the commander demanded shoes for his men. At first when they blew him off he kind of accepted that, but when he realized how much they really needed them he took it upon himself as their commander to do what it takes to get them shoes, and along with it pride for themselves and for their commander. Lastly when he let his men lead the attack at Fort Wagner.
This showed how good they really were under these poor conditions. During the Civil War when the 54th Regiment was to lead the attack at Fort Wagner it was a slap in the face to all of those who denied them of anything they deserved and those of whom thought it was simply a joke. They went above and beyond the call of duty that they were asked to do, even to people told and to people who viewed the movie it would give them pride and to teach them a lesson. The 54th Regiment taught people about pride, unity, and hard work. They showed people that they truly cared and were out to achieve what they were after even if it did cost them their lives. The fighting conditions were awful, and gruesome.
Once they shot they had to automatically reload, taking agonizing time, resulting in more reloading then actual shooting. Once they ran out of ammunition the would have to use bayonets to literally stab their opponent. This combat was really combat, they were no bombs, or nuclear weapons. This was hand to hand combat resulting in many deaths and countless amputations. This was so horrible that simple accounts of these incidents were enough to make someone's stomach turn.
These injuries that today would be considered not fatal were deadly back then. They had no medicines, or anesthesia for pain. Being shot anywhere but the arms or legs was basically a result of death. Being shot in the arm or leg resulted in amputation. I think that the movie was genuine in capturing the events, the dramas, and the emotional experiences during this war. I think that all of the characters in this movie had worked hard and did their best.
The conditions they were under didn't really phase them. I can say that I identified with them, they realized how they were treated yet they fought back in a positive way more so then I can say I would if I were in their shoes. When watching this movie I can say I felt mad when the regiment was treated unfairly or even frustrated. During the fighting and when they died I felt bad and realized that they probably knew their future the whole time. I think that what they did, experienced and strived for was glory.