the front page is now like half articles on this currently, so it’s probably time for a megathread because none of us want to keep track of 12 threads on this subject and all the resulting comments. only major subsequent developments (for example, boots on the ground; pronunciations by governments; that sort of stuff) will get their own thread. otherwise please post stuff in here for the time being. any threads not meeting this criteria will be locked and removed. thank you in advance for your cooperation.

  • jarfil@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    5
    ·
    1 year ago

    If it simply meant using fear as a weapon, then every state that has prisons and police would be terrorist.

    Well… you said it 🙈

    The Oxford definition adds "unlawful" as an extra requirement, but I'd readily call Iran's morality police "terrorist", despite being lawful and state sponsored.

      • jarfil@beehaw.org
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        1 year ago

        Russia and Belarus also use fear to control their citizens. Setting a place on fire to make the state fear you, definitely can be called terrorism. Asking for sanctions against a state… hm, kind of? Technically, many of the sanctions against Russia are also intended to instill fear, including amongst civilians so they stop supporting their state. Making the EU fear whether it will have enough fuel for the winter, is another case.

        There's a lot of terrorising going around these days.

        • Five@slrpnk.net
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          7
          ·
          edit-2
          1 year ago

          The word is useless for describing violent acts in a meaningful way. It can mean making children traumatized with bombs, or making HOA members afraid their property value will decrease with graffiti, vastly different actions and outcomes.

          Tellingly, none of the people who tried to overthrow the government and caused hundreds of senators and congresspeople to retreat in fear have been charged with terrorism.

          Meanwhile, people who take videos of animal abuse on farms are terrorists. Eric King is housed at the infamous prison for terrorists ADX Florence, and is referred to the counterterrorism unit for passing out Union cards.

          No one who wants to be taken seriously should use the word "terrorist" in a descriptive context. It is not a meaningful word, it's a noise people make when the word they actually mean is socially inappropriate or politically inopportune.

          • jarfil@beehaw.org
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            2
            ·
            edit-2
            1 year ago

            The word is useless for describing violent acts in a meaningful way

            Agree.

            It is not a meaningful word

            Disagree.

            "Terrorism" has a clear meaning, and observing when people use it, or avoid using it, is even more meaningful, as proven by those examples.

            PS: I've been called a "no freeloading terrorist", a "TV remote terrorist", and a "cleaning terrorist". It may not tell you much about what I did, but it should convey enough meaning about what they were thinking.

            • Five@slrpnk.net
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              1
              ·
              1 year ago

              It seems the person who called you a terrorist did not want to be taken seriously :)