that's a good question. although it seems that we slip more easily into calling people terrorists these days.
My favourite thing about the article is that the disease metaphor is used to talk about the pirates...like this pirate thing is catchy, if you're not careful you'll sprout a peg leg or something.
I blame a lot of the overuse of "terrorist" on politicians (especially the outgoing POTUS) who are often quick to use it to label their chosen enemies. Once that begins, a lot of the stigma attached to the label disappears over time, as it becomes more and more meaningless and trivial... oh wait a second, that probably already happened to the word "pirate"! I wonder if people will be giggling at the mention of "terrorists" a century or two from now?
I saw this too.
ReplyDeleteit made me giggle (and I realize it's inappropriate but pirates make me giggle)
They were discussing that point (the giggling) on the radio the other day... I wonder why they don't just call them "hijackers"?
ReplyDeletethat's a good question.
ReplyDeletealthough it seems that we slip more easily into calling people terrorists these days.
My favourite thing about the article is that the disease metaphor is used to talk about the pirates...like this pirate thing is catchy, if you're not careful you'll sprout a peg leg or something.
I blame a lot of the overuse of "terrorist" on politicians (especially the outgoing POTUS) who are often quick to use it to label their chosen enemies. Once that begins, a lot of the stigma attached to the label disappears over time, as it becomes more and more meaningless and trivial... oh wait a second, that probably already happened to the word "pirate"! I wonder if people will be giggling at the mention of "terrorists" a century or two from now?
ReplyDeletewhat is POTUS?
ReplyDeleteyup, nothing like overuse to suck the potency out of a word.
I'd put money on your prediction.
President Of The United States.
ReplyDeleteoh. thanks
ReplyDelete