Martynas, 22: It’s manly to be able to choose for yourself

 

Anna Randal for Art-Sheep

On May 11th more than 37,000 Lithuanian men, aged 19-26, woke up to find out that they had been enlisted in the army. The compulsory military service has been recently reinstiated in the country of Lithuania, and more than 3,000 men are in the list of the first recruits. Lithuanian actress Beata Tiskevic-Hasanova and photographer Neringa Rekasiute responded to this sensitive and controversial development with a series of powerful photographs, capturing men crying in military uniforms.

Many of the recruited men shared their negative thoughts, on social media, regarding this sadden “call”, causing the outrage of many who characterized their opinions as “unmanly” and “disgraceful,” amongst others. Tiskevic-Hasanova and Rekasiute wish to bring to the attention of the public, the harsh way men are being treated due to gender expectations and how they are not allowed to show their frustration and pain against such a measure.

via bp

 

Denisas, 23: In today’s free society there is no space for coercion. Compulsory things should be the ones you choose with your free will

Jaunius, 18: A gun in your hands doesn’t define your manliness

Vytautas, 27: Army won’t make a man out of you – if you are a dumbass, you will stay a dumbass

Dominykas, 26: It’s my choice what kind of man I want to be

Justas, 18: The real strength is the ability to make your own mind. Let us be strong

Edvinas, 17: Can you imprison a man’s choice and call it free living?

Danas, 28: In my opinion, the archaic times when a man was supposed to kill a buffalo and drag it home to his family are long over. I think that army is not a bad thing in general, but a compulsory one is definitely not a good thing either. Especially when the government announced it so suddenly without any public debate or preparation. A system should be introduced, one should know at school that there is a possibility to serve in the army, one should grow up with this idea

 

Jegor, 25: Only when fighting you lose

Rokas, 17: It is manly to work for your goals and ideas, and defend your values. I guess, everyone can go to the war, but army is not for everyone

Mindaugas, 25: When I was still at school, conscript army was removed. I was very happy then, but when I look back, I realize it was a better time to go to the army than it would be now when I have my own agency and when I have created jobs for other people – I need to look after all of it

Justas, 27: Army is a waste of time. How many more soldiers do we need?

Lukas, 25: If I was called to the army, I would try to find a way to avoid it. I have a wife, we are so good together and family for me is first. We have created so much, I wouldn’t want to leave it

Vytenis, 18: I could go to the army. Sometimes I lack courage and stamina to do things. Army is good if you can handle it. I was inspired by my friend, a girl, who became a voluntary soldier