Significance of Conscientious Objection to New Zealand:
Conscientious Objection during World War One had a big impact on the lives of many people in New Zealand society. During the time of the war, the conscientious objectors were ill-treated for refusing to enlist and for not co-operating. This included being forcibly handled, being beaten, sentenced to hard labour, sent to detention camps and being physically, verbally and emotionally abused. For many men, this affected their lives during the war as although they did not go to fight, in society they had to fight their own battle. The men were taken away from their families and frowned upon in society. Their families also suffered with not being able to see their loved ones, and they too were treated poorly in society. Many of the families were sent white roses as a symbol of cowardice and some were not allowed into churches or to participate in sport. The treatment of their families was a consequence of the decision to be a conscientious objector and for many of the men this was a tough decision as conscientious objectors were outcasts in society, cast aside because of their different beliefs. Often in history books, the impact of war on the conscientious objectors is not talked about in as much detail as the impact war had on soldiers. The conscientious objectors lives were greatly impacted as they were not welcomed in society, their family and friends would turn on them and they were seen as cowards by their country. There is no arguing that the war impacted hugely on those who went to war and their families, as family members and loved ones were killed and families suffered from it, yet conscientious objectors were also impacted as they too lost their friends and their lives were also affected. Even after the war they were still not accepted and being in the minority was challenging. Negative attitudes after the war remained significantly because it was the public feeling that these men had turned their back on their country whilst other brave men had gone to war and lost their lives. Everyone in one way or the other was impacted by the war which is evident through the number of losses as well as through the evidence shown in this website on the experience for those who resisted.
Looking back on conscientious objection now, it makes us question how tolerable our society is of minorities. It is evident that the government largely influenced opinions of conscientious objectors. They opposed them, enforced ill-treatment on them and punished these men for opposing conscription. This was hugely seen through the media, encouraging people of how to view the 'shirker' and this was in a very negative way. This is demonstrating the impact and influence the government has on our society. They impact our lives by enforcing rules and policies and conscription was a policy enforced that caused up-stir in New Zealand. During World War One, the government were against conscientious objectors and this therefore resulted in majority of society doing the same. This is representing how we treat people in society who believe different things and do not follow what is seen as the norm. Conscientious objectors were treated very poorly, being sent to detention camps and suffering from brutal treatment and this is reflecting on how we treat those that are different. In society, the objectors were in the minority and in comparison to the soldiers going to war it is clear that they were shown and seen in a very negative light. Society was not very tolerate during this time and they did not tolerate dissent. It was a very conformist society who expected people to conform and if you did not then you were punished. Society's attitudes towards conscientious objectors demonstrates that our history is not perfect and there are faults in our past. Today, our identity as a nation of who we are as people can be questioned due to the treatment of the objectors for following their beliefs and challenging the government. There was not fairness and equality and the conscientious objectors rights were abused when they were taken against their will, forced to do things they did not want to and put in detention camps, being taken away from family and friends. Although during that time, this seemed like the right thing to do as reinforcements were needed, war is a huge sacrifice and today, due to the knowledge we have of war experiences, many people would not want to go to fight if this were to happen now. It does not seem fair that men were forced to serve due to government policy as today, many people would refuse. In society today, there are groups of minorities who are different and believe different things. Only recently has gay rights to be married recently been passed however this is a group of people that have been discriminated and frowned upon and have only recently properly become accepted. This is an example that our society still is not perfect. We struggle to come to terms with anyone who shows a difference and does not fit into our expectations. Conscientious Objection is a good example of what is wrong in our past and of the consequences that can come from treating people differently and today it is acknowledged that they too were affected by war and it is easy to see that the conscientious objectors made a sacrifice in their own right, as for them this was big decision due to the intolerable society of that time and it is recognised today that to be a conscientious objectors for many was an act of bravery especially due to the consequences it had.
During World War Two, conscientious objectors again resisted the compulsory conscription that was introduced in July 1940. As happened in World War One, conscientious objectors were poorly treated and sent to prison camps if they refused to comply. This is showing that attitudes remained even after World War One. Conscientious Objection is something our society frowns upon in our past. When compared to Australia, their was not conscription during either of the wars and instead it was voluntary to serve your country. New Zealand as a nation demonstrated such brutal treatment in comparison to Australia who were given a choice. The men in New Zealand had no choice but to serve or to suffer the consequences. This is again reflecting how New Zealand society views outcasts and believes in forcing people to participate against their will. Although today it is different in our society where people do have a choice, this has been limited in the past. Australia may be a lot bigger meaning they had enough reinforcements however it is very questionable how strict and harsh the government was in New Zealand. Our government today is relatively fair and focuses on more equality and gives people a say. Although there is no war and the New Zealand government is a strong one, the past shows that the government can and will make people obey their rules. the question is to what extent will they go? It is unlikely that there will ever be a World War again yet if the government was so willing to force people to serve in our history, then the question remains how would we gain reinforcements if violence was to occur again. We rely on the government in New Zealand to keep our society functioning, to handle public affairs and international relations and today society is a lot more accepting of those with differences. Therefore it is essential that the situation for conscientious objectors is noticed as they too suffered from hardship but also demonstrate honour in how they followed their beliefs and went with the minority. Society can pressure people all the time and these pressures can force many to conform and conscientious objection is showing that it can be hard to challenge the government, staying true to yourself may be the harder thing to do but is usually something worth fighting for. For this reason, conscientious objectors have been noticed more and they represent what it means to fight for what you believe in.
Today views of conscientious objectors has changed with many people wanting to remember them for the battle that they fought. This may not have been a violence involved fight however many conscientious objectors were subjected to hardship and suffered during the war. For years after the war, conscientious objectors did not have it easy and it was never recognised how they suffered. Many were still frowned upon in society, with people not wanting any association with them and for them the struggle continued even once the war was over. In 2014, the film Field Punishment No.1, directed by Peter Burger, demonstrates the treatment of the fourteen conscientious objectors sent to Europe during World War One. The film is showing how much they suffered and the ill-treatment they endured and it gives a demonstration of what they went through. The film is recognising their suffering and gives society a good idea that they were victims of the war too. The airing of this film has shown society of the effects of not tolerating minorities in society. These men were strong and brave men because they opposed the government and this was a big decision during this time. Today this is seen as rememberable and the conscientious objectors have been recognised today for what they had to endure as they teach a lesson to society of how hard it is to be different and that people should not be ill-treated for believing in something different. It is viewed today, that although soldier fought through violence and conscientious objectors fought through resistance, both shared the equal belief of wanting peace however were going different ways about this. Armed conflict and civil war is still occurring in the world today. It is proven by our past that going to war means huge losses and if violence is still occurring then it demonstrates that there is not peace with our past. Focus needs to be given to the problems that have caused the violence as fighting is only causing death and destruction. Recently in 2014, a proposal was announced in Dunedin to create a memorial for the conscientious objectors in order to remember them for their bravery. Being a conscientious objector came at a great personal loss, fighting a battle for peace and equality and standing up against political dissent. It is now realised today the importance of being able to voice your conscience and the memorial is a reminder that people should stand up for their beliefs and not let political powers over rule them. Conscientious Objectors may not have been acknowledged in the past, but today they are noticed and are remembered by many as brave me who fought their own battle that is seen as courageous and although they may have not gone to serve their country, they fought for peace and today show that peace is something that is needed in our society. Therefore, conscientious objection has had an impact on the lives of men in our past and is of significance to New Zealand and today, the actions of these men is remembered and in New Zealand today it is better understand that violence is not the solution to peace.
Conscientious Objection during World War One had a big impact on the lives of many people in New Zealand society. During the time of the war, the conscientious objectors were ill-treated for refusing to enlist and for not co-operating. This included being forcibly handled, being beaten, sentenced to hard labour, sent to detention camps and being physically, verbally and emotionally abused. For many men, this affected their lives during the war as although they did not go to fight, in society they had to fight their own battle. The men were taken away from their families and frowned upon in society. Their families also suffered with not being able to see their loved ones, and they too were treated poorly in society. Many of the families were sent white roses as a symbol of cowardice and some were not allowed into churches or to participate in sport. The treatment of their families was a consequence of the decision to be a conscientious objector and for many of the men this was a tough decision as conscientious objectors were outcasts in society, cast aside because of their different beliefs. Often in history books, the impact of war on the conscientious objectors is not talked about in as much detail as the impact war had on soldiers. The conscientious objectors lives were greatly impacted as they were not welcomed in society, their family and friends would turn on them and they were seen as cowards by their country. There is no arguing that the war impacted hugely on those who went to war and their families, as family members and loved ones were killed and families suffered from it, yet conscientious objectors were also impacted as they too lost their friends and their lives were also affected. Even after the war they were still not accepted and being in the minority was challenging. Negative attitudes after the war remained significantly because it was the public feeling that these men had turned their back on their country whilst other brave men had gone to war and lost their lives. Everyone in one way or the other was impacted by the war which is evident through the number of losses as well as through the evidence shown in this website on the experience for those who resisted.
Looking back on conscientious objection now, it makes us question how tolerable our society is of minorities. It is evident that the government largely influenced opinions of conscientious objectors. They opposed them, enforced ill-treatment on them and punished these men for opposing conscription. This was hugely seen through the media, encouraging people of how to view the 'shirker' and this was in a very negative way. This is demonstrating the impact and influence the government has on our society. They impact our lives by enforcing rules and policies and conscription was a policy enforced that caused up-stir in New Zealand. During World War One, the government were against conscientious objectors and this therefore resulted in majority of society doing the same. This is representing how we treat people in society who believe different things and do not follow what is seen as the norm. Conscientious objectors were treated very poorly, being sent to detention camps and suffering from brutal treatment and this is reflecting on how we treat those that are different. In society, the objectors were in the minority and in comparison to the soldiers going to war it is clear that they were shown and seen in a very negative light. Society was not very tolerate during this time and they did not tolerate dissent. It was a very conformist society who expected people to conform and if you did not then you were punished. Society's attitudes towards conscientious objectors demonstrates that our history is not perfect and there are faults in our past. Today, our identity as a nation of who we are as people can be questioned due to the treatment of the objectors for following their beliefs and challenging the government. There was not fairness and equality and the conscientious objectors rights were abused when they were taken against their will, forced to do things they did not want to and put in detention camps, being taken away from family and friends. Although during that time, this seemed like the right thing to do as reinforcements were needed, war is a huge sacrifice and today, due to the knowledge we have of war experiences, many people would not want to go to fight if this were to happen now. It does not seem fair that men were forced to serve due to government policy as today, many people would refuse. In society today, there are groups of minorities who are different and believe different things. Only recently has gay rights to be married recently been passed however this is a group of people that have been discriminated and frowned upon and have only recently properly become accepted. This is an example that our society still is not perfect. We struggle to come to terms with anyone who shows a difference and does not fit into our expectations. Conscientious Objection is a good example of what is wrong in our past and of the consequences that can come from treating people differently and today it is acknowledged that they too were affected by war and it is easy to see that the conscientious objectors made a sacrifice in their own right, as for them this was big decision due to the intolerable society of that time and it is recognised today that to be a conscientious objectors for many was an act of bravery especially due to the consequences it had.
During World War Two, conscientious objectors again resisted the compulsory conscription that was introduced in July 1940. As happened in World War One, conscientious objectors were poorly treated and sent to prison camps if they refused to comply. This is showing that attitudes remained even after World War One. Conscientious Objection is something our society frowns upon in our past. When compared to Australia, their was not conscription during either of the wars and instead it was voluntary to serve your country. New Zealand as a nation demonstrated such brutal treatment in comparison to Australia who were given a choice. The men in New Zealand had no choice but to serve or to suffer the consequences. This is again reflecting how New Zealand society views outcasts and believes in forcing people to participate against their will. Although today it is different in our society where people do have a choice, this has been limited in the past. Australia may be a lot bigger meaning they had enough reinforcements however it is very questionable how strict and harsh the government was in New Zealand. Our government today is relatively fair and focuses on more equality and gives people a say. Although there is no war and the New Zealand government is a strong one, the past shows that the government can and will make people obey their rules. the question is to what extent will they go? It is unlikely that there will ever be a World War again yet if the government was so willing to force people to serve in our history, then the question remains how would we gain reinforcements if violence was to occur again. We rely on the government in New Zealand to keep our society functioning, to handle public affairs and international relations and today society is a lot more accepting of those with differences. Therefore it is essential that the situation for conscientious objectors is noticed as they too suffered from hardship but also demonstrate honour in how they followed their beliefs and went with the minority. Society can pressure people all the time and these pressures can force many to conform and conscientious objection is showing that it can be hard to challenge the government, staying true to yourself may be the harder thing to do but is usually something worth fighting for. For this reason, conscientious objectors have been noticed more and they represent what it means to fight for what you believe in.
Today views of conscientious objectors has changed with many people wanting to remember them for the battle that they fought. This may not have been a violence involved fight however many conscientious objectors were subjected to hardship and suffered during the war. For years after the war, conscientious objectors did not have it easy and it was never recognised how they suffered. Many were still frowned upon in society, with people not wanting any association with them and for them the struggle continued even once the war was over. In 2014, the film Field Punishment No.1, directed by Peter Burger, demonstrates the treatment of the fourteen conscientious objectors sent to Europe during World War One. The film is showing how much they suffered and the ill-treatment they endured and it gives a demonstration of what they went through. The film is recognising their suffering and gives society a good idea that they were victims of the war too. The airing of this film has shown society of the effects of not tolerating minorities in society. These men were strong and brave men because they opposed the government and this was a big decision during this time. Today this is seen as rememberable and the conscientious objectors have been recognised today for what they had to endure as they teach a lesson to society of how hard it is to be different and that people should not be ill-treated for believing in something different. It is viewed today, that although soldier fought through violence and conscientious objectors fought through resistance, both shared the equal belief of wanting peace however were going different ways about this. Armed conflict and civil war is still occurring in the world today. It is proven by our past that going to war means huge losses and if violence is still occurring then it demonstrates that there is not peace with our past. Focus needs to be given to the problems that have caused the violence as fighting is only causing death and destruction. Recently in 2014, a proposal was announced in Dunedin to create a memorial for the conscientious objectors in order to remember them for their bravery. Being a conscientious objector came at a great personal loss, fighting a battle for peace and equality and standing up against political dissent. It is now realised today the importance of being able to voice your conscience and the memorial is a reminder that people should stand up for their beliefs and not let political powers over rule them. Conscientious Objectors may not have been acknowledged in the past, but today they are noticed and are remembered by many as brave me who fought their own battle that is seen as courageous and although they may have not gone to serve their country, they fought for peace and today show that peace is something that is needed in our society. Therefore, conscientious objection has had an impact on the lives of men in our past and is of significance to New Zealand and today, the actions of these men is remembered and in New Zealand today it is better understand that violence is not the solution to peace.