This chapter discusses the use of language in the context of warfare and conflicts, emphasizing the euphemistic nature of terms like 'lethal aid' and the need for honest and descriptive language when discussing the seriousness of war. The conversation also explores the use of the word 'war' in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, questioning its accuracy and suggesting alternative terms.
“U.S. shipment of 'lethal aid' reaches Ukraine amid Russia tensions,” NBC News reported in January 2022. “U.S. adopting 'deterrence posture' as aircraft carrier heads towards Israel,” France 24 announced in October 2023. The same month, The Hill warned about “Nutrition: The national security threat no one is talking about.” This is part two of our two-part episode on the language of war. Last week, we discussed terms like “boots on the ground” and “military footprint;” “precision” or “targeted airstrikes;” “terrorism” and the very Orwellian phrase “enemy noncombatant.” If you haven’t listened to
that episode, we definitely encourage you to do so. On this episode, we examine more of the most insidious terms that U.S. media and government officials use to sanitize military aggression worldwide, how this is affecting coverage of Israel’s nonstop murderous bombing of Gaza, and discuss how we all can and should use clearer, more accurate terms to describe the real human stakes of state violence. Our guests are Maha Hilal and David Vine.