What effect do you think words and phrases have on international politics?

Question

Especially concerned with the 'war' on terror and what calling it a war means.

Answer 1

Khruschev said, "We will bury you". He didn't.

Answer 2

For some, it is a simplified term for a global effort to combat extremism. For others, it is reminiscent of the "war on drugs," a war which many, if not most, consider to be an unwinnable endevour. Others think the term 'war' is divisive, especially moral relativists.

What I think is more that the term is just that, a term. People tend to focus on names more than the substance of what is done: not always, but the important question here, not to disrespect yours, is what is, could and should be, done in the war on terrorism, not whether such a label lacks nuance and objectivity. Such disputes over matters as names are often obfuscations from the important issues, whether intended that way or not. Likely, a person obsessing over the war on terror label simply wants attention, and will give attention to the irrational complaints of others over the name to get more for themselves.

Answer 3

Catch phrases are used as a substitute for free thinking. They are a form of propaganda and are used to categorize an event or situation so that there becomes a standard response every time it is mentioned. The "war on terrorism" is a good example. It is used so often that it becomes meaninless. And also to demonize people in order to justify doing horrible things to them.

Answer 4

A lot!!
I got the opportunity to hear a former speech writer for Bush speak. He discussed that when Bush was giving his speech to UN asking for sanctions back in Iraq, he inadvertely added an "s" on to a word. This completely changed the speech. The speechwriter was convinced that this "s" was the reason the UN refused to back the US in Iraq.

Then there was also the whole flap about Bush using the word "crusade" to desribe our war on terrorism. This angered a lot of people in the Middle East because this word carries a different conotation in the Middle East then it does in the US

Answer 5

In my opinion, you can paint a picture as many different times as you want, but in the end the subject is the same girl sitting on a chair, no matter what colors you use to illustrate the shading on her face: purple, red, white, black. The girl doesn't change just the colors the artist used to paint her.

The war with Iraq is just that. Bush tried to give purpose and reason. He used a different color to paint the subject, but President Bush isn't an artist, and when America saw what was really going on his approval raiting went down.

Answer 6

Propaganda... ugh