Don’t Say – Say Dictionary
Written by Haitham Sabbah on 19. November 2004, 2103hrs // Part of Haitham Sabbah's adventure in Failures, General, Media // Other posts by Haitham Sabbah
While I was going through the comments triggered by my “Bro. Arab Christians, Hold On, Don’t Leave” post, I was wondering how and why some Arab (media, politician, writers, journalists, etc…) are twisting the facts.
It also reminded me that during the Cold War, in their propaganda, the United States and the Soviet Union would sometimes be supporting opposite sides in a civil war, but both sides would call the party that they supported “freedom fighters.”
I think many people understand where I am going with this. Am I bitter? Yes, and disappointed. Caring about something-greater-than-myself does not make me less patriotic.
Look at it. A well planned, well executed propaganda campaign can be measured by the amount of lies absorbed by the targeted recipients. It can also be measured by false terminologies that after time become the accepted norm. Usually they do this to make someone or something appear nobler or nastier. The theory is called “Don’t Say – Say Dictionary.”
Unfortunately, some Arab media proceeds in this propaganda as they instructs their Don’t Say – Say Dictionary to target unsuspecting recipients of the twisted version of the truth. Don’t say “Jewish Settlements” - say “Jewish Villages, Towns, or Communities.” Don’t say “Colonialism” - say “Return to the Homeland.” Don’t say “Palestinian Militants” - say “Palestinian Terrorist.” Don’t say “West Bank” - say “Judea and Samaria.” Don’t say “Resistance” - say “Terrorists, Fundamentalists, Insurgents.” Don’t say “Martyr” - say “Suicide Bombers.” You get the picture?
Sadly, enough Arab bought the lying slogans repeated over and over and over again, such as the American slogan, “Freedom is on the March” which really meant, we will bomb Iraq into submission. These slogans and lies don’t need to make much sense – just repeat them often enough until they sound so familiar they become “common knowledge” and are mistaken for truth.
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November 20th, 2004 at 1:12 am
well the media is one of the strongest weapons and i think Arabs should use it to fight back. look at it, since 9/11, wenever anything happens its “terrorism” for example. I think Radio Sawa and probably AL7urra which r American, use this say-dont say theory all the time
November 20th, 2004 at 4:26 am
Well You wanna know what slogan I heard once?
“The innocent Israeli Bullets”
November 20th, 2004 at 8:24 am
It reminds me of some of the debate that went on in the U.S. a while back on suicide bomber/homicide bomber, terrorist/resistance terminology. I really get disgusted at the intentional lack of distinction between legitimate resisistance and terrorism. Some have even gone so far as to equate any support or sympathy for the Palestinian people with endorsing “terrorism”.The same goes for recognition that the Iraqi people have a right to resist occupation. Blurring the lines serves them quite well.
November 22nd, 2004 at 11:59 pm
Great post Haitham.
This Don’t Say - Say dictionary is a very strong tool that is used to brainwash people and convince them of what is unconvincable.
The other day we were watching TV and this reporter on CNN was talking about the “Israeli war of independence”.
Now, let’s say we Arabs and Muslims are not dumb enough to buy that no matter how many times we hear it, but other people all over the world will believe it because they don’t know better, and that’s where the strong support for Israel comes from for example.
It’s a very sensitive and important issue.
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December 22nd, 2006 at 10:27 am
[...] “Dictionary to target unsuspecting recipients of the twisted version of the truth. Don’t say “Jewish Settlements” - say “Jewish Villages, Towns, or Communities.” Don’t say “Colonialism” - say “Return to the Homeland.” Don’t say “Palestinian Militants” - say “Palestinian Terrorist.” Don’t say “West Bank” - say “Judea and Samaria.” Don’t say “Resistance” - say “Terrorists, Fundamentalists, Insurgents.” Don’t say “Martyr” - say “Suicide Bombers.” You get the picture?” read more @ http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2004/11/19/dont-say-say-dictionary/ [...]