Greenwald (2015) Flashcards
What was the Joseph Stack attack ?
In February 2010, Joseph Stack deliberately crashed his airplane into an IRS office in Austin, Texas, killing an IRS manager and injuring others. Stack was an anti-tax, anti-government extremist with libertarian political views.
Despite the deliberate nature of the attack, media outlets and government officials did not label it as “terrorism.” Instead, they emphasized criminal investigation.
The case of Michael Zehaf-Bibeau ?
Zehaf-Bibeau’s attack on the Canadian Parliament was quickly labeled as “terrorism” once it was known he was a Muslim. The attack was later revealed to be motivated by mental illness.
What does Greenwald believe about the terrorist label ?
The text highlights a double standard in labeling acts of violence as “terrorism,” depending on the perpetrator’s identity, particularly if they are Muslim.
For example, a white nationalist’s attack on a predominantly black church in Charleston, South Carolina, was initially not labeled as “terrorism.” The shooter’s racist motives were evident, leading to a debate about the use of the term.
The author therefore argues that the term “terrorism” is often applied inconsistently, depending on the identity of the perpetrator and the victims, rather than on a neutral assessment of the act.
Why is the term terrorism used differently ?
The text argues that the term “terrorism” is subject to manipulation for political and ideological purposes, and it lacks a consistent, objective definition.
The text provides examples of how the U.S. has selectively labeled individuals and groups as “terrorists” based on political and strategic interests.
The text asserts that the term “terrorism” has significant implications for political decisions, policies, and legal frameworks, justifying a range of actions from military interventions to surveillance programs.
