Response To: Hiroshma By Berger :: essays research papers

In his essay "Hiroshima," John Berger examines the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. As he flips through the pages of the book Unforgettable Fire, he begins to relay his own views on the dropping of the A-bomb. Berger suggests his belief that it was an act of terrorism on the Japanese. While viewing the drawings, paintings, and descriptions the victimes of the A-bomb created, Berger starts forming his opinion on the tragedy. He eventually concludes that Japan was a victim of terrorism. However, unlike most terrorists who are from small countries, Japan's attacker was the most powerful nation in the world. America, the country that symbolizes peace and freedom, led the massacre on thousands of Japanese. Just as Berger states, when American children are taught about Hiroshima, the fact that it was unnecessary is ommitted. Never had I been urged to stop and comtemplate the question of why it happened. Likewise, never was this topic addressed in my history courses. In fact, I cannot remember one occassion when I was told of the innocent people who became victims of the attack. I, just as all American children, was taught that it was an important event in history. However,it was never once explained to me that it was important because it marked the largest terrorist act in history. As Berger composes his essay, he argues against things that everyone is told are wrong. However, he is one of the few who actually make the connection between the Hiroshima attack and terrorism. His argument is utterly flawless. He defines terrorism and then points out every aspect of this definition in the Hiroshima bombing. From the lack of necessity to the loss of thousands of innocent lives, the Hiroshima incident represents the model terrorist attack.