This quote connects to the theme of dehumanization. Vonnegut repeatedly dehumanizes his fellow humans, but most especially through the Tralfamaodrians, Billy's alien friends. The aliens view humans almost as if they are in a glass cage for inspection. Kind of creepy, but so it goes.
During war, what characterizes humans as machines? To begin, all soldiers wear the same exact clothing making them appear to be the exact same on the surface. When in formation, all personality is lost - soldiers are one unit, one team. They march in the exact same way, mimicking machines in a factory repeatedly doing the same motion. Finally, soldiers follow order without question. Machines do the same - humans press a button, a machine does the job. During a war, a commander says a command, the soldiers follow.
Does war really make humans into machines? No. But from the outside, Earthlings probably do appear to be machines. Vonnegut is pointing out how unnatural war is to the human race. War changes humans into something they are not meant to be.
I had never thought of this theme, but now that you point it out, it is obvious. I really really really really really like this blog. You should be proud of it. I now see the idea of dehumanization as much more prevalent in the book, and it helps contribute to the overall anti-war theme. Thanks for helping me learn more about the book =)
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