Since the release of Zero Dark Thirty earlier this month torture has been the topic of choice for quite a few trolling U.S news outlets. The movie which tells the tale of the raid on Bin Laden depicts the torture used by American intelligence agencies and the military in order to gain intel as to the whereabouts of Bin Laden.

The first 45 minutes or thereabout follows a few CIA agents as they’re interrogating alleged terrorists being held at various CIA and military black sites in mostly undisclosed locations. Admittedly some or most of the depicted torture interrogation tactics used were highly unethical and highly degrading on behalf of both parties. However, can we realistically see an end to the use of torture in the near future?

Some say torture has existed almost as long as human society has. Which I can believe. Let us think back to the Roman empire era, to the cold war, WWII and so forth. Why was tortured used then? More importantly why has it remained in use?

Anyway, back to the movie.

A few months before Zero Dark Thirty was released the National Geographic channel went about and created their own short movie about the raid on Bin Laden. Unlike Zero Dark Thirty the National Geographic’s movie had completely overlooked the use of torture.

Which is what lead to presume this: the majority of people would support the use of torture if they’re it was proven to increase the amount of valuable intelligence given – in turn, save the lives of many from terrorism.

Now don’t get me wrong. I do strongly believe that the use of torture is a slippery slope which only heads downhill. But, at the same time I strongly believe the majority of American would cold-heartily support the use of torture as long as they’re able to close their eyes, plug their ears and believe it never happened.

Movies like the National Geographic’s raid on Bin Laden is great for CIA operatives who are keen on the plugging of the public’s eyes and ears when it comes to torture. However, its these films like Zero Dark Thirty that bring to light issues normally overlooked or pushed aside. Regardless of the target I strongly believe this movie was necessary in having the masses rethink the use of torture.

Considering it’ll never be completely abolished – what would you do?