American+War+Stories_+American+Sniper

American War Stories in the 21st Century

#1 New York Times Bestseller
Subject: Chris Kyle
- Navy SEAL and author of American Sniper
- Collaborators: Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice
Associated Works:
- American Wife: Memoir by Taya Kyle, Chris Kyle's widow. Focuses on themes of love, war, faith, and renewal.
- Film adaptation starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller.
- Highlights the story of the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history.

Cultural Presence: Includes diverse forms such as:
- Reality TV shows
- News reports (Fox News, NPR editorials)
- Talk radio
- Magazine cover stories
- Memorial service reports
- Motivational speeches and fundraising efforts
- Various media (YouTube videos, blogs)
- Philanthropic merchandise (
- Documented lawsuits
Collective Discourse: Centers around four main themes:
- War violence: Referring to Kyle’s confirmed kills.
- Weapons and military techniques: Focused on the materials and tactics used in Iraq combat.
- Representation of the enemy: Contextualizes Kyle's adversaries during the war.
- Family: Explores Kyle's personal life and relationships.

Viewer Perspective: The film encourages audiences to view the war through a military lens.
- Constructs a moral reasoning surrounding military practices.
- Aims to foster obedience among viewers rather than critical deliberation.

Chris Kyle's Experience:
- Unique story as a sniper with over a hundred combat kills.
- Universal themes of love, struggle, and commitments to family reflected in Taya's perspectives about their life.
Lone Wolf Family Man Representation:
- Balances individuality with collective identities.
- Chris highlighted as a reluctant warrior compelled to fight evil for his family.

Taya's commitments after Chris's death:
- Promises to fulfill Chris's unfinished projects (including American Gun).
- Represents strength and resilience.
Personal Reflection:
- Feelings of inadequacy juxtaposed with gratitude for her sacrifices.
- Recognizes both her and Chris as symbols of military families' challenges and sacrifices.

Thematic Wrap-Up:
- Explores themes of war’s emotional toll on families.
- Emphasizes the cultural significance of military families’ sacrifices.

Next Week: Focus on Contemporary War Films
Suggested Reading: Richard Slotkin's A Great Disorder: National Myth and the Battle for America (Harvard UP, 2024).