The news has been telling us about this "Mastermind" who plotted the 9-11 attacks. Shouldn't someone who gets the mastermind label be a creative person who does something for the betterment of mankind? I understand the dictionary's definition of 'mastermind,' yet a terrorist who plots evil should get a more derogatorry label. Why are they called 'masterminds? What would be a better term for evil people who construct a destructive plot?
2007-03-16 11:10:07 · 7 answers · asked by cap3382 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
a mastermind... an evil genius... a diabolical wizard... why DO we covertly compliment evil plotters?
english is a funny language, and here's another example: maybe we sneakingly somehow envy those who can hatch a plot (however diabolical) and see it to fruition. one whose mind has such mastery over others in order to inflict such pain is certainly one to be reckoned with... one who some poor soul calls 'master'.
2007-03-16 15:51:15 · answer #1 · answered by patzky99 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A mastermind is simply the brains behind any project - good or bad. Black Sabbath referred to evil masterminds as "War Pigs". Perhaps we could use this one.
2007-03-16 18:28:20 · answer #2 · answered by Okie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the term "mastermind" is simply indicative of the person who's running the show, idea-wise. Unfortuantely, creativity can be put to bad uses as well as good, as we have all had the misfortune to see.
2007-03-16 18:44:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well its a bit embarassing if it turns out that the evil scheme you failed to thwart was in fact dreamed up by a total zero. but if it was a mastermind, well, it dont reflect so badly on you does it? and of course if you do actually catch them, well, extra kudos to you!
2007-03-16 19:26:28 · answer #4 · answered by waif 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
theyre masterminds because they did it and got away with it, making them smart and hard to get at the same time.
2007-03-16 18:18:29 · answer #5 · answered by joe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I prefer "Evil Genius" and I would appreciate it if people would refer to me as such. I do see your point, though. It does seem like we are glorifying a negative action in a way.
2007-03-16 18:32:08 · answer #6 · answered by Katherine J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. In the past master mind was used to desribe those who were creators behind great discoveries or inventions and has lost it,s positive meaning. as it is used to describe those who are the brains behind terroism.
maybe cause they cant think of anything better.I tried but my efforts are kinda lame._Master of Disaster_ sorry
2007-03-16 18:36:03 · answer #7 · answered by matowakan58 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋