And Soon We March

This project examines how the United States acclimates its youth to the idea of war, investigating how military presence across everyday landscapes and cultural influences shape young people's perceptions of conflict from an early age.

How does growing up amid a renewed national enthusiasm for military engagement subconsciously shape young people? And Soon We March examines how the United States, the world’s largest military power, acclimates its youth to the idea of war.

It explores where military presence and everyday landscapes intersect, and how these accumulated impressions shape perceptions of conflict. This overlap often begins with subtle, easily overlooked elements such as memorials and statues, television advertisements and children’s toys, violent video games, and Hollywood blockbusters.

Although military conflict by the United States has long been a recurring reality, the approach to it has radically shifted in recent months. Wars do not seem to need a reason, time to prepare, and lack justification.

Who are the soldiers sent into these operations, and where does their willingness to fight for their country originate?