Why does the media define terrorists as militants, Islam extremist, etc.?

Question

To me, a militant is one who fights military foe, not people at a restaurant. If we could just define terrorism, and call it for what it is. When some one terrorizes the community by killing civilians or destroying civilian property, that person is a terrorist.

Just to respond to Nina, It seems you have respect for terrorist who blow up civialians in a restaurant. Are you upset that terrorist Zaquari got killed & the terrorist with explosives in Toronto Canada got caught?

Answer 1

According to Dictionary.com the definition of MILITANT is:
1. Fighting or warring.
2. Having a combative character; aggressive, especially in the service of a cause: a militant political activist.

Does not require military.

It is really Muslims who say that the terrorists are Islamic Extremists and that is parroted by the media. From reading the Quran I would say that the terrorists are just following what the book says for them to do. When dealing with us infidels (anyone who isn't one of THEM,) they are supposed to convert us to Islam, OR subjugate us and tax us, OR kill us. While in the process they are allowed to pretend to be peaceful and to be liars and deceivers to us infidels about their true nature/thoughts/feelings/desires/plans.

It is the stated goal of many of these so-called Extremists to take control of the entire world and have a worldwide Muslim society. Start sewing your robes and building your rock huts--it's time to go live in the 6th century if they get their way.

Answer 2

The word militant has come to refer to any individual or party engaged in aggressive physical or verbal combat, normally for a cause. Journalists often use militant as a neutral term for soldiers who do not belong to an established military.
However, in answer to your question, labeling people who are - fighting to get back their freedom, their land and dignity on their own soil - as terrorist is very prejudiced. Looking back at history, there has always been an insatiable hunger to conquer and invade the middle east. This region, especially the Islamic countries have been going in and out of wars, revolutions etc. to try to regain what has been / is being unjustly taken from them. Looking at Palestine & Iraq; these countries have been invaded, their people have been terrorized, tortured, killed by their occupiers and yet when they fight back to redeem what is rightfully theirs, they are "labeled" as terrorists! Are these the moral vallues of the so called civilized nations?
Bigrb, please get your facts straight and understand what you read, especially with regards to religion before you spread out information on issues you know nothing about. The Quran says nothing of the slander you stated, so please get your information from proper sources before you spread incorrect information.

Answer 3

A terrorist is someone who uses violence as a politically-motivated act of coercion or attack.

A militant is technically someone who is a fighting, warring, aggressive person; not necessarily involved with military.

Answer 4

A media person is usually someone who doesn't know their as_ from fat meat if they had both hands on it. Listen to PBS or some intellectuals who know what they are talking about. People who do know get out of the mainstream media because they can't deal with these idiots. Bill Kurtis is one and also one of my favorites.