In everyday terms, this quote reflects a soldier's disillusionment with how the Vietnam War was portrayed by media back home compared to his firsthand experiences on the battlefield. The speaker, Jim Starlin, conveys that there were significant discrepancies between what he saw and endured during the conflict and the limited information available through newspapers and television reports.
The deeper meaning of this statement goes beyond just war journalism; it speaks to a broader theme of skepticism towards official narratives in any situation where people are removed from direct experience. The quote highlights how easy it is for those who haven't witnessed events firsthand to miss crucial details or misunderstand the complexity of situations. This sentiment can resonate with anyone who has ever felt that their personal experiences were not accurately represented by external accounts, whether in historical contexts, political discussions, or even everyday conversations.
Jim Starlin, a renowned comic book writer and artist, is perhaps best known for creating iconic characters like Doctor Strange's nemesis, the Mad Titan Thanos. The quote reflects his broader perspective on life beyond comics, illustrating how his military service during Vietnam profoundly influenced not just his personal beliefs but also his later creative work.
