Whakarongo, tamariki ma!
ISLAMOFASCIST - Islam'o'fascist n. A follower of the Islam faith with right-wing totalitarian politics.
OK, it is far from perfect but the word fascinates me.
I first heard it (is this mere coincidence) shortly after the Iraq 2005 election when it became apparent (to all those who did not foresee such an outcome) that the leading parties in that election were the Shi'a supporters of a Shi'a State in Iraq.
It is another of those "sweet little propaganda terms" intended to denigrate, dehumanise and demonise those people - and particularly Iraqis - who are seen as opposing "democracy, American style" in Iraq.
Watch for it to gain increasing prominence in the right-wing blog world and media such as USAToday and Fox as commentators such as Lim(p)baugh use it to beat their drums of hate and war.
Friday, February 11, 2005
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6 comments:
I agree, there is not only no need for the term Islamofascist, but its (I'm sure to be) frequent usage in the MSM will only further drive home a misrepresented, misunderstood idea Westerners have about Muslims and politics, and Islam in general.
The term has been around for quite a while now, I first saw it shortly after 9/11.
Usually it is used as a synonym for Taliban style rule and Bin Ladinism.
Others have tried the term Islamism to describe this particular political movement, If I had to choose I would prefer Islamofacist as it more clearly, in my opinion, differentiates between this particular political movement (which borrows themse from Islam) and Islam itself.
I have not seen the term applied to either Iran or Shi'a politicians in Iraq and I think it would be a mistake to use the term in that context.
Dave, agree that there is a difference in theocracy (which you can find in Iran, and other places) and what is labeled Islamofascist, and I don't even think that the label itself is inaccurate, because when you talk about a government restricting all aspects of life, enforced by secret police, and based off of an extreme sect of Islam, the name makes perfect sense.
What bothers me is the average American's (can't speak for New Zealanders, I hope the cultural awareness is a bit better) basic lack of knowledge about Muslims, and the legitimate historical role that Islam plays in Middle Eastern government. When terms like these are used and not explained (which happens all too often), I'm afraid it only proliferates a simplistic archetype. Very few people who listen to Limbaugh harangue Islamofascists, for example, will concern themselves with whether or not he properly applies the label, and to what group.
I've used this term now for over a year. I'm sorry, but it is fitting for a form of Govt like the Taliban or a suppressive Govt ruled strickly by Sharia.
Fear not the usage by MSM since it offends their sensibilies.
Dave and MacBoar, AM has put it nicely.
"When terms like these are used and not explained (which happens all too often), I'm afraid it only proliferates a simplistic archetype. Very few people who listen to Limbaugh harangue Islamofascists, for example, will concern themselves with whether or not he properly applies the label, and to what group. "
I only wish to add the point that the term "fascist" ADDS to the emotions involved by invoking the images of Hitler and Mussolini even in the minds of those who did not live through WW2.
That is, I suspect, one of the primary intentions in the minds of those who use the word "islamofascist" indiscriminately and without regard for its true meaning - to perpetuate the lie.
this is off topic i know, but "the artist" has stopped posting my comments. mainly due to the fact he can't come up with a decent reply. i have finished reading his site, but you might be interested in these as a scientific alternative to his crichton (state of fear) rubbish:
http://www.realclimate.org/index.php?p=74
http://www.realclimate.org/index.php?p=76
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