First of all, as Americans, we all saddened by the recent events in Orlando. I wish that I could tell you that this problem is going to go away quickly; however, that's probably not going to be the case. It looks like we are in a long and protracted struggle.
In association with this issue of terrorism, there's a debate that hits at one of the core issues of this AP class: rhetoric. As the number of incidents of terrorism within America has increased, there are different opinions as to how our elected public officials should refer to individuals who have committed acts of terror. On one side, President Obama and his administration have not used the terms "radical Islamic" or "radical Islam" for several reasons: 1) they believe it gives the terrorists "undeserved religious legitimacy," and 2) they also believe the rhetorical effect of those words plays into the hands of our enemies by creating a sense of a war between the West and Islam. They argue this is exactly what the terrorists would like to provoke.
On the other hand, many critics of President Obama on this issue argue that it's important to correctly name and identify our enemy, so the public knows exactly who we are fighting. Clearly, many, if not all, of the recent acts of terror in the United States and elsewhere have been committed by Islamic individuals who have been radicalized in one way or another. That's really not a hotly contested claim, I don't think.
So, the question is this: if you were elected President in 2016, what choice of words would you make if and when the time comes to refer to an act of terrorism? Keep in mind that as President of the United States, your choice of words is very important and establishes a tone not only in the country but also around the world. You're not just some citizen discussing politics with your neighbor over the backyard fence. You have to seriously and soberly and solemnly consider the rhetorical effect of your words on a lot of different people and groups who often have competing interests. In other words, what choice of words keeps the country the most safe?
Is there another approach to this issue that has not been presented? The problem for public officials is that either choice seems to have some negative consequences. If you don't say "radical Islam," you risk alienating the many Americans who believe that political correctness has crossed the line and weakens our country; conversely, if you do say it, you risk creating the mistaken impression that the United States is in a fight against Islam. Could this impression fuel words and behaviors that actually radicalize an otherwise peaceful individual into committing an act of terrorism?
Here are two articles that discuss the debate in light of the Orlando shootings:
David Brooks' "Religion's Wicked Neighbor" and NBC News "Why Won't Obama Say Radical Islam?" You can find a lot of different opinions out there on this issue if you are curious.
Finally, I'm putting this out there with the understanding that each one of you will make a thoughtful response and be mindful that it's OK if we don't agree. One skill you will need in life is to understand that everyone doesn't agree with you all of the time. Please be respectful of the fact that some of your classmates are NOT going to agree with you. It's OK.
In association with this issue of terrorism, there's a debate that hits at one of the core issues of this AP class: rhetoric. As the number of incidents of terrorism within America has increased, there are different opinions as to how our elected public officials should refer to individuals who have committed acts of terror. On one side, President Obama and his administration have not used the terms "radical Islamic" or "radical Islam" for several reasons: 1) they believe it gives the terrorists "undeserved religious legitimacy," and 2) they also believe the rhetorical effect of those words plays into the hands of our enemies by creating a sense of a war between the West and Islam. They argue this is exactly what the terrorists would like to provoke.
On the other hand, many critics of President Obama on this issue argue that it's important to correctly name and identify our enemy, so the public knows exactly who we are fighting. Clearly, many, if not all, of the recent acts of terror in the United States and elsewhere have been committed by Islamic individuals who have been radicalized in one way or another. That's really not a hotly contested claim, I don't think.
So, the question is this: if you were elected President in 2016, what choice of words would you make if and when the time comes to refer to an act of terrorism? Keep in mind that as President of the United States, your choice of words is very important and establishes a tone not only in the country but also around the world. You're not just some citizen discussing politics with your neighbor over the backyard fence. You have to seriously and soberly and solemnly consider the rhetorical effect of your words on a lot of different people and groups who often have competing interests. In other words, what choice of words keeps the country the most safe?
Is there another approach to this issue that has not been presented? The problem for public officials is that either choice seems to have some negative consequences. If you don't say "radical Islam," you risk alienating the many Americans who believe that political correctness has crossed the line and weakens our country; conversely, if you do say it, you risk creating the mistaken impression that the United States is in a fight against Islam. Could this impression fuel words and behaviors that actually radicalize an otherwise peaceful individual into committing an act of terrorism?
Here are two articles that discuss the debate in light of the Orlando shootings:
David Brooks' "Religion's Wicked Neighbor" and NBC News "Why Won't Obama Say Radical Islam?" You can find a lot of different opinions out there on this issue if you are curious.
Finally, I'm putting this out there with the understanding that each one of you will make a thoughtful response and be mindful that it's OK if we don't agree. One skill you will need in life is to understand that everyone doesn't agree with you all of the time. Please be respectful of the fact that some of your classmates are NOT going to agree with you. It's OK.