Western societies, including America, have embraced the practice of commemorating fallen soldiers as a means of honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the state's interests. The constant promotion of slogans that reference lives lost contributes to a normalization of military engagement as the status quo. Linda Ahall explores how the military has integrated itself into mainstream society and explains that in the UK, wearing a red poppy leading up to Remembrance Day is widely seen as common and expected, creating a sense that's something people do (159). Remembrance Day in the UK pays tribute to service members who have died from World War One to present conflicts. The red poppy has become a normalized symbol in mainstream society, and those who choose not to wear one may face public shaming. The act of supporting the military and taking pride in one's country has become intertwined with national identity. The weeks leading up to Remembrance Day perpetuate the idea that military engagements are frequent and the primary solution to various issues. Despite numerous conflicts involving the UK since WWI, such as WWII, the Korean War, the Afghanistan War, and the Iraq War, reducing the complexity of these conflicts to a simple rose petal worn briefly seems absurd. Similarly, the United States observes a federal holiday known as Memorial Day to honor soldiers who have died in past conflicts, mirroring practices in many other countries globally. The collective remembrance of fallen soldiers has become deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Western nations, shaping perceptions of military engagement and the sacrifices made for national interests.

Police members are supposed to promote safety and security within the community as they engage with local citizens. Citizens are supposed to trust, rather than fear, those in blue, and the police are expected to serve citizens in a humane and respectful manner. Jeff Adachi examines this trend in American cities, claiming, "90 percent of American cities with populations above 50,000 have SWAT teams, as do more than 90 percent of cities with 25,000 to 50,000 residents" (Adachi 15). Utilizing SWAT teams in quiet suburbs often intimidates citizens, especially people of color who have faced racial discrimination in America's past. Instead of forming bonds with community members, the police are equipped with special weapons that operate on the basis of fear rather than cohesive collaboration. Critics argue that while deemed essential to use SWAT teams in times of crisis, such incidents are infrequent. Adachi provides a reason for the frequent use of SWAT teams, stating, "Federal funding for local law enforcement is often based on how many people are arrested and the value of assets seized in drug busts" (15). The usage of SWAT teams is employed for simple drug busts to secure more federal funding. Citizens draw the conclusion that if the police are militarizing for a routine drug bust, one can only imagine what tactics they will employ when a legitimate threat is invoked.

Recruitment rates for U.S. military branches have seen a decline in recent years, prompting increased marketing efforts to reach citizens in their daily lives. A growing initiative has led military institutions to target parents and actively seek to recruit their children. Stuart Tannock discusses the rising antiwar movement in his publication, "Is 'Opting Out' Really an Answer?" mentioning the "Leave My Child Alone!" coalition's nationwide "Opt Out Campaign" challenging the No Child Left Behind Act. Over 9,000 kids have opted out in response (Tannock 164). The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines have integrated themselves into mainstream society to enlist young children. Parents are often uninformed about these contacts, and officers attempt to persuade children without parental knowledge. Despite the benefits offered to those who serve, the profound impact on an individual's life and the possibility of loss are lasting considerations. Marketing tactics targeting children through the internet, TV, video games, and sporting events fall under parental supervision but remain unchecked in schools. Open communication between recruitment facilities and parents is crucial, as parents have the right to determine potential future outcomes for their children. Military advertisements in public schools require substantial capital, which could be better utilized to address diverse student needs. William Ayers highlights the financial aspect noting that Chicago spends $2.8 million on JROTC and an additional $5 million on two military academies, surpassing spending on other special programs (596). Yet, JROTC and military academies do not guarantee that students will enter the armed services. This capital could address numerous problems within the public school system and cater to a broader range of student needs.