Using word terrorist

Submitted by NG Lynd (United States), Mar 13, 2009 at 16:13

The issue with just using the word "terrorist" is that anyone can be called terrorist, and by using this word and this word only, the listener won't think of an Islamist even if they happen to be one. Instead, they will see whoever they are learning to pair with the word "terrorist" in their heads; these days, there is a focus on animal rights activists (the number one domestic terrorist threat!)

As time goes by, terrorists are not seen as radical Islamists; and of course, radical Islamists are not always "the terrorists". But when they are, shouldn't we clarify? If we don't, could people eventually lose sight and forget the fact that there is still a terrorist threat from Islamism within our own borders?

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