Speaking on BBC News 24 today, the Political Councillor of the Israeli Embassy in the UK referred to the people living in Gaza as 'Gazans'. There's something disturbing about labelling a people in this casual way. It's not quite the same as saying 'Londoners'. Israel is the very reason the Gaza Strip exists; labelling the people of Gaza as 'Gazans' in a way validates Israel's occupation of Palestine and encourages the viewing of the people of Palestine as two separate entities.
Recalling the dawn of the feminist movement, scholars and campaigners always argued that language influences our subconscious. This is why 'policemen' are no longer police 'men' but police 'officers'. It's not a case of political correctness (no one will feel offended if called a 'Gazan') but a matter of language influencing our minds.
This is not to say the word 'Gazans' should be banned. There's nothing less popular than allowing even the thought of stepping on someone else's rights granted by Article 19 . However, it's worth watching out for those casual slips of tongue that may just influence the future of the Middle East.
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- London, United Kingdom
- Aspiring video-journalist with a vast array of interests ranging from social issues like prostitution to international conflicts, such as the August war between Russia and Georgia. Born in Beijing and bred in post-Soviet Russia, I find the Ruskie people and culture extremely fascinating. Equally fascinating for me are world religions and the lack thereof. A competent photographer and less-competent camera operator, I enjoy observing events as they unfold. I also enjoy making the world a little prettier, so I take up occasional jobs as layout designer. Gifted in more ways than I could wish for, I'm trying to settle my mind on a more narrow stretch of interests and pursue a rewarding career in news and media.
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