June 11, 2004
Nickel and Dime explore the meaning of terrorism, part 1
A nickel and a dime were contemplating recent issues in modern society and decided to begin with some basic points.
: What is terrorism anyway? Has anyone actually defined it, or is it just like obscenity and we know it when we see it?
: How about this: Terrorism is violence for political purpose.
: Is that all it takes for it to be terrorism? Is all violence for political purposes terrorist activity?
: Well, I suppose that isn't necessarily all that it takes. It is violence in pursuit of political or social change. And we are going to have to define "violence" here eventually as well.
: How about we define violence in this case as intentional acts capable of causing death and injury?
: That'll work, for now at least. I think that we have to include some consideration of the root of the word as well. Terrorism is about inciting terror, after all. Terrorism must be defined, at least, as violence aimed at political change that incites fear.
: Or maybe we could think of it as violence that incites fear in order to effect political change?
: I think we are getting closer.
At this point in the conversation, the nickel and dime got pulled out of their pocket and stuck into a vending machine for a packet of Ultra Light Menthol Cigarretes, which distracted them from the topic for a little while.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Posted by Nutrimentia at June 11, 2004 01:14 AM | TrackBack