The diaries on Islamic Fascism by
SusanG and
Grand Moff Texan have unleashed a firestorm. Some of it is trolling, some is honest and respectful disagreement.
The writings of Judith Butler and other scholars of language teach us how powerful and violent language can be. But some just don't get it. Word choice matters.
Some of these individuals derided the critiques of Susan et al calling them the "PC police." Posters have shrilly proclaimed that the term "islamic fascist" is appropriate because it is accurate. "Call a spade a spade," some said.
Much argument ensued between different dictionary brandishers claiming to know the "real" definition of fascist. My response is different.
My response centers on the consequences of word choice, rather than the so-called accurate definition of the term.
From a comment responding to Bushfan, slightly edited and enlarged.
The term is not the truth. No two-word soundbite can accurately capture the truth. "Islamic Fascist" is a code word just like anything else.
Is calling someone a "nigger" the truth? That's something else the "PC police" don't like to hear. "Nigger" is another code word for a group of people.
What you call "political correctness" I call respect.
Here is another code word: "diplomacy." You cannot do diplomacy if you are disrespectful. Word choice has consequences; you chose the words that match the outcome you desire.
Obviously, some people choose "islamic fascism" because they wish to associate a particular religious tradition with a widely despised form of government. What is the outcome? Inflaming hatred, silencing dissent, generalizing about and demonizing a vast proportion of the world population.
So, no one is going to arrest you. Or hit you on the head. Or anything like that. There is no PC Police. I don't like the term "islamic fascism" because I don't like the consequences of using that word. The term is profoundly disrespectful and has an inflamatory and hateful impact. Do not use the term unless you mean to cause the consequences. That isn't "political correctness," that's common sense.
However, there is one code word I don't mind using for y'all: Trolls. Trolls are disrespectful. Unless you are willing to engage in respectful discussion, this is the last sensible riposte you are getting from me, Troll. Your comments on this and other threads are consistently senseless. I expect your time here on the Kos to be short and painful. Next time, I'll give you a recipe: troll toast.