Last Updated: Thursday, 5 July 2007,
15:11 GMT 16:11 UK
Sri Lanka's separatist Tamil Tiger rebels are marking the 20th anniversary of their suicide bombing campaign.Note how the BBC employs "word games," to differntiate between Muslim and non-Muslim violent acts. As to imply that non-Muslim violent acts are more benevolent and condoned by Western media and state institutions.
They are remembering the 322 Black Tigers - members of the suicide wing - who have killed themselves in attacks since 1987.
The bombers have killed hundreds of people, mostly government troops, in their fight for a separate state in the north-east of Sri Lanka.
More than 60,000 people have died since the conflict began in 1972.
A ceasefire signed in 2002 between the government and the Tigers has been undermined by deadly violence that escalated last year.
Garlands
The main ceremonies are taking place in the Tigers' stronghold of Kilinochchi, in the north of Sri Lanka.
Rebels and residents of the town have been placing garlands on portraits of the Black Tigers - both men and women - killed in the suicide attacks.
The rebels' first suicide attack was carried out by Captain Miller on 5 July 1987.
He rammed his explosives-laden truck into a government army camp, killing at least 15 soldiers.
Since then, the main targets of the attacks have been Sri Lanka's politicians and top military officers.
The Black Tiger suicide wing was set up by the Tamil Tiger's leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, who has spent much of the past 20 years in hiding.
On Thursday, security was stepped up across Sri Lanka, amid government fears that the rebels would try to mark the day with an attack.
The following are some examples of the mainstream media's word games and propaganda that is employed against citizens or different societies.
Observe how some deliberately chosen terms used to malign Islam and Muslims are missing in action, when describing the violent acts of non-Muslims:
1. "Separatists," and "Rebels," instead of "Terrorists."
2. "Suicide Attackers," instead of "Homicide Bombers," (which is a favorite tearm of "Faux News").
3. The deliberate absence of "Extremism," and "Fanatics."
4. "Suicide Wing" instead of "Terror Wing."
5. "Killing Others," instead of "Murdering, " "Maiming," or "Committing Mass Murder."
6. "Ceremonies," Instead of "Chilling Event," or "Celebrating Murder, Mayhem and the Destruction of Property."
7. Carfeully highlighting that most of the Tamil's attacks were directed towards police and military personnel. As to imply that there is a difference between targeting state law enorcement & military personnel and random civilians (which there is).
The point I'm making is that the media isn't as this detailed when it comes to describing the intended targets of Muslim "extremists." They are rather painted with a much more broader brush. Even acts against military, security personnel or foreign occupation forces, are described by the media as "Terrorism."
8. The article implies that the Tamils have a "Just Cause," and an "Aim," behind the methods to their madness.
In comparison with violent acts that are perpetrated by a fringe element of Muslim extremists, which are described as being general, and randomly targeting anyone & everyone. That there is no Justification, whatsoever, behind their acts (even if they happen to be against military targets and/or occupation forces).
9. The article goes on to describe in such a way as to lead the reader to conclude that this is a time honored occasion, that is acknowledging the sacrifices made for the Tamil cause and it is rewarding those noble sacrifices with this acknowledgement.
Now, who is Glorifying: "Death, Destruction, Violence and Terrorism?"
So much for your "Fair & Balanced" information that is "Fit To Print"...
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