Pat Tillman’s death
Pat Tillman was a true patriot whose death sparked an enormous debate in the public domain. Tillman, a former Corporal and football player, died in April 2004 after being short severally in the forehead during the American- Afghanistan war.
Tillman denounced his football career even after being promised fatty returns and joined the U.S army in 2002. This was after the U.S was attacked by terrorists on September 11 2001. The attack led to a series of deaths and injury of scores of civilians.
The attack prompted Tillman to join the army in order to protect his country. Pitman initially served as the Arizona State governor. The death of Tillman remains unclear. Some reports indicate that Tillman was assassinated by his colleague because he had changed his opinion about the war.
On the other hand, the state maintains that he was killed while in the line of duty (friendly fire) (Pat Tillman’s Documentary, 1). This incidence produced an outrages debate because the family of Tillman and the public wanted to know what exactly happened. The incident also sparked debate in the academic circles.
Bourgeois theory
This is a philosophical theory of French origin that was postulated in the 18th Century. The theory referred to social-economic classes.
The bourgeoisie are a social class defined by their wealth and cultural values (Frank 23). In fact, a bourgeois is also seen as a capitalist. On the other hand, bourgeoisie in the contemporary academic and sociological theory symbolizes the class that is in power in a capitalist society (Frank 24).
A comparison of the two
The death of Tillman can be argued from the bourgeois theory point of view. The U.S government and U.S army represent the ruling class. The U.S government and army have a set of rules that regulate them. The regulations dictate the behavior of citizens and the armed forces. They act as a representative of the culture in the bourgeois theory.
If Tillman’s death can be viewed from the assassination perspective, then the government and the army represent a capitalist society. The government and the armies appear to poses superior power that is unquestionable.
First, Tillman is killed because he had changed his view about the war. Tillman lost his life because his views appeared to disagree with his army seniors’ views. This incidence indicates a society that lacks democracy and freedom of expression.
Thus, it is a clear representation of the capital society in the bourgeois theory. Second, the government took a stand that was seen as a measure to protect the army from condemnation. The government indicated that Tillman died while in the line of duty.
A doctor who examined the bullet holes in the head of Tillman’s corpse revealed his disagreement with the view that the soldier was shot in a friendly fire. The doctor indicated that the proximity of the three bullet holes in the Soldiers’ head warranted further examination (Pat Tillman’s Documentary 2).
However, the government refrained from conducting the proposed investigation. These incidences indicate a capitalist society. Thus, when viewed from this perspective, Tillman’s death amounts to Bourgeoisim.
The incident illustrates a society that lacks accountability from its leaders. Civilians have got no say in the society because the government influences most of the decisions taken in the society. Therefore, the death of Tillman illustrates some aspects of bourgeois theory.
Works Cited
Frank, J. Becoming Bourgeoise: Merchant Culture in the South 1820-1865. Kentucky: Kentucky University Press, 2006. Print.
Pat Tillman’s Documentary. The Classical Liberal 2010. Web.