This post by Bridget Conley-Zilkic reflects many of my own thoughts on the language choices and challenges in naming the subjects of mass atrocities. An excerpt: Language choice reflects sometimes subtle (sometimes significant) variations in focus, agency and narrative development. The “who” directs our gaze. The description suggests something about the subject’s social and political standing, and how they relate to others, including “us.” Finally, in casting about for our subject, we also hint at how the story will unravel—who the heroes and villains will be. I have preferences in which language choices I make, but understand that each choice has its own logic–to define is, necessarily, to make decisions about what is included and excluded.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 13:50:52 +0000