PC absurdity has reached a new height in the BBC’s decision to edit the word “terrorist” out of its London bombing coverage:
The BBC’s guidelines state that its credibility is undermined by the “careless use of words which carry emotional or value judgments”.
Consequently, “the word ‘terrorist’ itself can be a barrier rather than an aid to understanding” and its use should be “avoided”, the guidelines say.
So as not to cause a barrier, the perpetrators are now referred to as “bombers,” a term that apparently carries less of an emotional or value judgment. Aren’t they selling these pyrotechnics artists a bit short? At least call them demolitions experts or something that will boost their self-image.
I don’t really think that a terrorist wants their definition to be toned down. Fear is their primary tool, not bombs. If it were possible to reduce their effectiveness by changing their title, I’d be stunned. As it is, they probably think we (free nations) are quite stupid. We get attacked and respond by renaming them.
I don’t think I’d want to be Westernized either!