Sophie Scholl, a young student of the University of Munich in the early 1940's, was considered a terrorist by the government that ultimately executed her. Her terrorist act was handing out anti-war leaflets in her University. Today she is celebrated as a hero.
So, I wonder: what is the definition of terrorist? Who is a terrorist and who is not? Who decides and has the power to label someone as a terrorist?
The first place I looked for a simple definition is the Oxford English Dictionary. It states: "One who entertains, professes, or tries to awaken or spread a feeling of terror or alarm; an alarmist, a scaremonger." Or "any one who attempts to further his views by a system of coercive intimidation." I don't think Sophie Scholl tried to intimidate anyone, although she rightfully resorted to "awaken[ing]... a feeling of alarm."
I wanted to see what the CIA had to say about terrorism, but got a little nervous... hmmm... (I did learn that the CIA website has a section for kids, as well as educational tools on it though....)
Anyway, I checked wikipedia.org and its entry seems to be quite reasonable. It explains that there is no precise definition to the term terrorism (the term "terrorist" is not in wikipedia.) The entry states that " some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war." That's a statement worth thinking about.
In regards to researching the question: who decides and has the power to determine a terrorist, wikipedia has another very interesting entry: list of designated terrorist organizations. This list shows which countries/unions consider which groups as terrorist groups. It is interesting to see that the USA might consider one group a terrorist group while the EU, for example, does not. Also, the KKK of the United States is not listed.
So, while someone might consider another person a hero, someone else may label them as terrorist.
(wikipedia may not always be a reliable source, but I believe that these two entries are reasonable for these purposes)
So, while someone might consider another person a hero, someone else may label them as terrorist.
(wikipedia may not always be a reliable source, but I believe that these two entries are reasonable for these purposes)
Just like everything, I guess this really important subject is left to interpretation and opinion. After all, most Americans see our armed forces as heroes, while people living in the Middle East may see them as terroists and vice versa. So the cycle continues.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that using the word "terrorist" is simply a way of deeming someone who does not agree with you as "evil." It is often a way of ignoring the person or group's history. This word is only a way of pointing a finger at fellow human beings.
ReplyDeleteHow odd that wikipedia has no entry for "terrorist." Isn't it strange that a term used at will in the media every day is impossible to define. We, too, have come across this problem of terminology already in our work together in class discussion. Though we should be fastidious in our meanings, I feel that getting bogged down with terms and semantics can often impede an otherwise fruitful discussion. Consider secondary students (or the students Owen and I teach in English 1050) who have opinions but might lack the language with which to express them.
ReplyDeleteI find the term terrorist a strong one. There are definitely people who terrorize others,such as an abusive spouse or other family member might. However, I also feel that the term is being thrown around in the political arena too easily today, and without a clear definition to the world of what is actually meant by it. When we hear "terrorist" in the news, what do we assume? Do we think, "Someone causing trouble in the neighborhood," or "a guy in Afghanistan who did something?" Then, what is that action that made the news story report that person as a terrorist? Is it owning a gun, killing people,simply being in the wrong place in the wrong time, or an armed robbery? I don't know... It's not easy to answer, I guess.
ReplyDeletePowerful argument. Interesting how we like to put labels on things for political gain.
ReplyDeleteYou're completely right! The term "terrorist" has such a stigma around it that has almost completely erased the meaning found within the Oxford dictionary. This entire phenomenon illustrates just how powerful the media truly can be. The word terrorist now applies to nearly anyone who does not agree with the dominant ideology of our culture. Any sort of opposition to government could be deemed an act of terrorism.
ReplyDelete"Shock and Awe" seems to me the very definition of "terrorism."
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