After more than 25 years serving in the US military, Richard McKinney’s return to Muncie, Indiana, found him holding strong prejudices against Muslims; he disliked their faith, their attire, and even worried when he perceived them interacting with his daughter. He resolved to eliminate what he saw as a threat by planning an attack on their mosque during prayer time. However, while scouting the location, McKinney began to see these people as kind, respectful families who showed him unexpected kindness. It apparently took only weeks for him to change his mind and recognize that they deserved acceptance, just as they had accepted him. The documentary isn’t particularly impressive. It seems to imply that the Muslim community bears the responsibility of demonstrating their innocence when terrible events occur, while also portraying the military as consistently acting with integrity. Nevertheless, it prompted me to consider what measures are in place within the armed forces to support the mental health of individuals who have dedicated years to following orders without compassion or questioning. As one of his superiors noted, they should be viewed simply as pieces of paper for target practice. This situation highlights how communication and interaction can help dismantle prejudices and misconceptions, and I commend McKinney’s willingness to be open about his experiences.

Source on TMDB