Job Discussion Forums

[Nim Chimsky]

Hi Teachers

I have been interested in the word terrorism since it seems to mean different things to different people and countries.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards

Nim Chimsky

[johnslat]

Dear Nim Chimsky

Terrorism is when a organized or semi-organized group of people (or a person) who doesn't like or hates you tries to do bad/terrible things to you and/or those you love.

Regards,
John

[JimJam]

[johnslat]

Dear JimJam,

We call them "terrorists" - they call us "terrorists." When innocent, civilian bystanders get killed, it's terrorism, no matter who's doing it.

The word itself can have a multitude of meanings, depending on one's world-view. But "that which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet." Or, as in this case, as putrid.

Regards,
John

[JimJam]

I agree with you John. Hopefully we can all agree that killing is bad.

In answer to the OP I was highlighting that, in British and American media, words like this have strong political uses. "Terrorist" has a social history of use which means it is much more than its dictionary definition.

I have noticed that the word "terrorist" is commonly used by the media as a straw man. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man_fallacy

e.g.

Thing A is a terrorist + Terrorists are bad = Thing A is bad.

[DebMer]

[Sashadroogie]

Terrorism is something that American media sources ignored for years until it burst in on them. Now we hear of nothing else.

[johnslat]

"I observe in the limited field in which I find myself, that unless I can reach the hearts of men and women, I am able to do nothing. I observe further that so long as the spirit of hate persists in some shape or other, it is impossible to establish peace or to gain our freedom by peaceful effort. We cannot love one another, if we hate Englishmen. We cannot love the Japanese and hate Englishmen. We must either let the law of love rule us through and through or not at all. Love among ourselves based on hatred of others breaks down under the slightest pressure. The fact is such love is never real love. It is an armed peace. War will only be stopped when the conscience of mankind has become sufficiently elevated to recognize the undisputed supremacy of the Law of Love in all the walks of life. Some say this will never come to pass. I shall retain the faith till the end of my earthly existence that it shall come to pass."

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Matthew 5:43-48
New International Version (NIV)


43 �You have heard that it was said, �Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.� 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

But being perfect isn't always so easy, is it?

Regards,
John

[Nim Chimsky]

Hi Teachers

I prefer the official US definitions of terrorism.


According to the Department of Defense, terrorism is "calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological." [1] Federal law defines terrorism as the "unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." [2] The U.S. Army Manual defines terrorism as the "calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear. It is intended to coerce or intimidate governments or societies ... [to attain] political, religious, or ideological goals." [3]

[1] "DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms", http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/data/t/05360.html
[2] 28 Code of Federal Regulations Section 0.85
[3] U.S. Army Field Manual No. FM 3-0, Chapter 9, 37, 14 June 2001, http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/3-0/ch9.htm#par3-7


What about the word counter-terrorism? An example- John Brennan is President Obama�s chief adviser on counter-terrorism. Where is Orwell when we need him!

Best regards

Nim Chimsky

[Sashadroogie]

Interesting definitions. They make George Washington himself into a terrorist.

[Nim Chimsky]

Hi Teachers

If any of you are having difficulties teaching your children the definition of terrorism, I suggest the following cartoon video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQBWGo7pef8

Best regards

Nim Chimsky

[johnslat]

In the US, I'm a LOT more worried about the "Holy Terrors" than I am about any other kind of terrorists.

Regards,
John

[choudoufu]

terrorist/terrorism is now whatever you want it to be. your definition,
however contorted, is valid....assuming you have the appropriate
influence over the media.

any resistance by stone-age villagers against a modern invading army
is 'terrorism.'

peaceful protesting/marches can be 'terrorism.'

the fbi encouraging/convincing borderline retarded kids to plant fake
bombs isn't entrapment, it's 'terrorism.'

even requesting that the united nations or icc review your case is
called 'diplomatic terrorism' and is unquestionably reported as such
by major 'news' outlets.