Zionism and Islamism

Dave —

Originally these words had specific meanings - zionism meant the belief that Jews should have their own "jewish state" and islamism meant a belief that Islam should be implimented politically.


Despite their benign meanings they have very negative connotations in the modern world.


I have also see them thrown around with a great deal of liberality - islamism is often used as a blanket term for terrorism, fundamentalism, or those who call for a return of the caliphate - even though the original meaning did not necessarily refer to these things.


Zionism too is often a blanket term for Israelis, jews, jewish conspiracies, or any kind of oppressive action against muslims by nonmuslims - again this stretches the original meaning of the word.


In their modern context are Islamist and Zionist useful anymore? Are they simply dangerous slurs?


Forum

Omrow — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 - 12:51

Salam


You are right.


Today the words "zionist" and "zionism" are used by most Muslims in a very racist context.


A "Zionist" is automatically seen as a muslim-oppressing Jew.


And "Zionism" is simply viewed as a war upon Muslims.


Christians who support it are regarded as accessaries to suppression.


Omrow