War is grounded in the notion of triumph and defeat. It is zero sum

War is grounded in the notion of triumph and defeat. It is zero sum

Bruce Jackson, a renowned American folklorist and photographer, has spent much of his career documenting the lives of prisoners and the effects of war on individuals and communities. His work often delves into the harsh realities of conflict and the toll it takes on those involved. In the context of the statement “War is grounded in the notion of triumph and defeat. It is zero sum,” Jackson’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the futility of seeking victory at any cost.

War, by its very nature, is a zero-sum game. It is a brutal contest in which one side must emerge victorious while the other suffers defeat. This binary thinking perpetuates a cycle of violence and destruction, leaving no room for compromise or reconciliation. Jackson’s photographs of prisoners of war and the aftermath of conflict capture the human cost of this mentality, showing the physical and emotional scars that linger long after the fighting has ceased.