What is your definition of terrorisim

[jaster]

I want to know what everyones definition of terror/terrorisim, whether state terror ( Sabra and shatila masscres) of individual group terror (tamil tigers, Hamas) or eco-terror (E.L.F). so respond

[Lord Testicles]

My definition of terrorism is someone or something using terror for political ends.

[Amusing Scrotum]

There's similar thread on the subject here -- Terrorism (http://www.revolutionaryleft.com/index.php?showtopic=44249&st=0) -- it goes of the tracks a bit, but you'll probably find it useful.


Originally posted by jaster+--> (jaster)I want to know what everyones definition of terror/terrorisim[/b]

The FBI's definition is pretty good....


Defining Terrorism
"Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."

Link (http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/~pine/Phil110/terrorism.html).

[Jim]

wordnet's definition:

terrorism
n : the calculated use of violence (or threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimindation or coercion or instilling fear

[Clarksist]

Although, its important to note: when you here the word "terrorist" it is usually from people who disagree witht he so-called "terrorists" beliefs.

The Contras were called "freedom fighters" by Reagan. :lol:

Che is called a "terrorist" by modern capitalists. :lol:

[Enragé]

terrorism is instilling fear in the hearts of your enemies, thereby trying to accomplish a certain (political) goal.

Thats it.

[Elect Marx]

Originally posted by Armchair Socialism+Jan 10 2006, 03:15 PM--> (Armchair Socialism @ Jan 10 2006, 03:15 PM) The FBI's definition is pretty good....


Defining Terrorism
"Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."

Link (http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/~pine/Phil110/terrorism.html). [/b]
I have two problems with that one. First, what the hell does law have to do with it? If terrorism is legal, it is still terrorism and second, I don't see why this isn't just a term for anyone terrorized.

I also think this definition falls short by not including "terror." Terrorism makes people afraid, that is the point and as such I would expect to see that point made. Overall the definition is vague and doesn't only apply to the "terror" of extreme conditions. I could even use this definition to label capitalism, a system of terrorism; which while partially true, this is hardly definitive of capitalism.

[jaster]

well sounds good, i have been asking around where i am and it seems that everyone around me (washington state USA)has a deeply flawed definition. so i now systimaticly deconstruct a randomly chosed definition.

"Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."

lets start with the first part, the coersion above mentioned could apply to any military campaign really, for example the US war to 'bring democracy' to the middle east could be construde as terrorisim as it furthers a political agenda, and then everyone goes into what is your defintion of 'intimidation' or 'coersion'. My opinion is that the topic of terror and terrorisim is to broad a topic to cover with a catchall definition and must be taken case by case, however as most people here know, those who write the history are the victors.

[Morpheus]

"Terrorism" is a perjorative term used by an institution or person to call others names & single them out as legitimate prey. Calling someone "terrorist" is sort of like calling them "evil" "unethical" or "bad": it's all in the eye of the beholder. It has no "objective" meaning, it's just a way to demonize one's opponets.

[Delirium]

Terrorists are the new Communists, and dont forget about those Damn drug Addicts.

[KC]

Acts against civilians in order to further political goals, usually through fear.

[death88junkie]

altho this is not a definition..
i believe that terrorism as a word doesnt really exist... it's just the opponents of others.
a terrorist acts the way he/she does bcuz he/she believes in the principles he/she acts upon.. if that makes sense.
to many, saddam is a terrorist, but to his hometown population of Tikrit he was a great leader..
to anti-capitalists, bush is a terrorist, but to people who voted for him, obviously, hes not...
to capitalists, che was a terrorist, but to socialists he was one of the greatest people...
so its actually an opinion rather than a label. ;)

[Elect Marx]

Originally posted by [email protected] 12 2006, 01:06 PM
altho this is not a definition..
i believe that terrorism as a word doesnt really exist... it's just the opponents of others.
a terrorist acts the way he/she does bcuz he/she believes in the principles he/she acts upon.. if that makes sense.
to many, saddam is a terrorist, but to his hometown population of Tikrit he was a great leader..
to anti-capitalists, bush is a terrorist, but to people who voted for him, obviously, hes not...
to capitalists, che was a terrorist, but to socialists he was one of the greatest people...
so its actually an opinion rather than a label. ;)
Basically what Morpheus said, reducing the word to a slanderous label; like calling someone a jackass. Though I still think it has meaning if you use it in the correct context.

[expatriot]

I think people who fly planes into buildings are terrorists. Also people who blow themselves up at markets or on public buses are terrorists. These acts are done to instill fear in civilian populations until that population's government either gives in to their demands or changes their policies.

These type of terrorists are cowards of the utmost degree because they target innocent people.

[Elect Marx]

Originally posted by [email protected] 12 2006, 08:07 PM
I think people who fly planes into buildings are terrorists. Also people who blow themselves up at markets or on public buses are terrorists. These acts are done to instill fear in civilian populations until that population's government either gives in to their demands or changes their policies.

These type of terrorists are cowards of the utmost degree because they target innocent people.
Why such a narrow scope? Aren't people that bomb innocent civilians from miles away also terrorists? What of those ordering such acts?

I think the greatest cowards are the people that have others kill for them but targeting innocents is always despicable.

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by [email protected] 13 2006, 01:07 AM
I think people who fly planes into buildings are terrorists.
What if the targetted building is the military headquarters of an evil empire bent on exterminating millions of innocent people?


These type of terrorists are cowards of the utmost degree because they target innocent people.

I don't see why targetting innocent people automatically makes you a coward. You have to be pretty brave to carry out a suicide attack, even one I don't agree with. If your'e willing to die for your cause, your'e not a coward whatever else you may be. What's really cowardly is firing missiles at other people from miles away, where you can't even be hurt.

[Schwarzwald]

Terrorism is any aggressive, non-provoced act of violence against civilians incapable of defending themselves. Examples would be bombings, hi-jackings, bank robbings, kidnappings, or hostage situations not to mention the usual sensless rampages of mail men.

[RedSabine]

Originally posted by [email protected] 10 2006, 08:08 PM
I want to know what everyones definition of terror/terrorisim, whether state terror ( Sabra and shatila masscres) of individual group terror (tamil tigers, Hamas) or eco-terror (E.L.F). so respond
I think all war is terror, getting shot at, having cruise missles blow up your house, soldiers, bombs, senseless killing, it's all terror.

[enigma2517]

I agree with most of what is said above.

However, if you're looking for any sort of concrete definition of terrorism I'd say its any violence that involves civilians and attacks on non-military targets.

Of course, when national armies do it its just collateral damage...

[Ol' Dirty]

Terrorism: The philosophy of causing fear within a living thing to achieve ones ends.

Thusly, the U.S. "shock and awe" (and a lot of the things they're doing) theory is terrorism.

And, the "War on Terror" is bullshit, because war inevitably causes terror, both upon the initial combatants, and civilians.

Peace.

[Glasgow]

:ph34r: