Class 3: Palestine Media Training
Open Air Prison vs. Concentration Camp
When referring to Gaza as an open-air prison, it unintentionally implies culpability on the part of Gazans. This terminology also inadvertently aligns with the narrative propagated by the Zionist regime, as popularized and echoed by Western media. Which dehumanizes and demonizes Gazans. It creates a framework that can lead to the use of derogatory terms such as barbarians, animals, terrorist, and so forth, when referring to Palestinians, which in turn perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Rather than using the term 'open-air prison,' consider the phrase 'outdoor concentration camp' as a more accurate depiction of the prolonged hardships endured by the people of Gaza for over 16 years, in a situation that has intensified more aggressively today.
Conflict vs Genocide
The term 'conflict' is traditionally defined as a disagreement, implying an equal balance of power. However, in the Palestinian context, applying the term 'conflict' to describe the ongoing aggressions by Israel is false and reinforces dangerous Israeli propaganda. Palestinians find themselves in a position that does not afford them the right to a fair context. It's crucial not to let Zionists deprive us of our history or strip away the context of our narrative. Instead, consider using 'genocidal aggression [perpetrated by Israel] to accurately characterize the severe and disproportionate actions inflicted upon Palestinians.
Prisoner vs Hostage
Many have noted the recurring use of the term 'prisoner' in Western media when discussing the release of men, women, and children from Israeli custody during the so-called 'humanitarian pause.' Describing these individuals, many of whom were innocent people captured by Israel without due process and held for extended periods solely due to an unjust mindset, as prisoners is not only an injustice, but downright false. It is time to stop the dehumanization of Palestinians and recognize their right to humanity. Instead, they should be accurately labeled as what they truly are: hostages who have been kidnapped by the Zionist state.
