The identification of ethical issues plays an important role in the creation of artifacts at any period. In ancient times, people were obsessed with the impact of religion on human life. During the Enlightenment, artifacts were developed on the basis of innovation. Today, individuals follow their standards and thoughts to introduce their works that become artifacts in some way. This course provides students with a chance to learn different aspects of artifacts, including the power of ethical values. One of such modern artifacts that embodies specific ethical values can be the movie Hacksaw Ridge by Mel Gibson. It is hard to believe that a single man’s life may become an artifact for a nation. However, this extraordinary movie proves a possibility to combine strong moral values, religious beliefs, and complex ethics of warfare, which results in reform and reconsideration of the already established standards.
When people think about a war, they usually imagine many weapons, violence, blood, and death to be its crucial part. Hacksaw Ridge is a story of an American young man who refused to use the gun either during professional training or in the war. On the one hand, Desmond is described as a selfless person who is ready to put his life at risk and contribute to his country, as well as “other folks should fight and die” (Gibson, 2016). On the other hand, compared to others who took life, the man aimed at saving it and “put a little bit of it back together” (Gibson, 2016). The debates around these controversial ethical principles and personal beliefs serve as a solid example of an artifact with its impact on American society and the world in general. If taken seriously, without unnecessary pathos and critique, this movie can change the lives of many people and reduce the number of deaths because of terrible wars and military conflicts.
Reference
Gibson, M. (2016). Hacksaw ridge [Film]. Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment.