Soldiers who face death in battle are often confronted with their own mortality and may look for ways to cope with this reality through different means. One way that some soldiers have found solace is through their sexuality. Soldiers may view sexuality as a form of spiritual grounding, existential affirmation, or transcendence when facing imminent death. This can help them feel connected to something larger than themselves and give them a sense of purpose in life.
One example of how soldiers have used sexuality as a form of spiritual grounding is through rituals involving women known as "comfort women." In World War II, Japanese soldiers would take comfort from women captured during the war, engaging in sexual acts with them before going into battle. These encounters were seen as a way to connect with the divine and provide strength for the soldier. Similarly, soldiers in other conflicts have sought out sex workers for similar reasons. The act of engaging in intimate relationships provides a sense of connection and belonging that can be difficult to find in the chaos of war.
Another way soldiers may reinterpret sexuality as a form of existential affirmation is by using it as an escape from the terrors of combat. Some soldiers report feeling trapped in a cycle of violence and fear, but then experiencing moments of transcendence through intense sexual encounters. These experiences can help soldiers break free from the mental and emotional strain of war and feel alive again. They can also help them reaffirm their humanity and remind them why they are fighting.
Soldiers may use sex as a form of transcendence by seeing it as a way to connect with something beyond the physical world. Sexual desire is often seen as a primal force that ties humans together, and soldiers who face death may seek out this experience to connect with others on a deeper level. Engaging in intimacy can also provide a sense of release and relief from the stress of war, allowing soldiers to feel freer and more relaxed.
Soldiers' reinterpretations of sexuality as a form of spiritual grounding, existential affirmation, or transcendence can offer a way to cope with imminent mortality. While these acts may seem counterintuitive, they can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in the midst of conflict.
How do soldiers reinterpret sexuality as a form of spiritual grounding, existential affirmation, or transcendence in contexts where mortality feels imminent?
Soldiers often experience trauma when they are involved in combat and may find themselves in situations where their lives are at risk. This can lead them to reinterpret sexuality as a means of coping with fear and anxiety about death. Sexual intimacy may become a way for them to feel connected to something larger than themselves, to have an experience that transcends the moment-to-moment reality of war.