It must be said that today, at the end of its semantic evolution, the word 'terrorist' is an intrinsically propagandistic term. It has no neutral readability. It dispenses with all reasoned examination of political situations, of their causes and consequences.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Badiou claims the word terrorist is used to push a political agenda rather than to neutrally describe actions.
- In plain terms
- The word terrorist is biased and stops people from thinking clearly about politics.
- What can you take from it?
- Be skeptical of loaded terms like terrorist.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What words stop you from thinking?
- Who benefits from the word?
Another view
Sometimes the term describes specific violent acts regardless of intent.
More from Alain Badiou
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