In watching this critique given by Edward Said, I felt he brought up an interesting point about how civilizations many times in history have used "redeeming ideas" to justify the occupation and sometimes violent acquisition of previously established territories. Such ideas have been known as Manifest Destiny when the United States was expanding west, and the blame placed on Jews during the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler in Germany justified the genocide of millions.I do see a resemblance between these redeeming ideas and the religious ideas that leaders in the Israeli military/government seem to have that justify the demolishing of houses, constant use of brutal force, and the inhumane treatment of other human beings.
There is no reason that can truly justify these actions but apparently as seen throughout history, the ends justify the means. This approach is never admired in hindsight.
Wow, what an interesting connection! I completely forgot about the whole "manifest destiny" concept. Isn't it strange that this conquering and killing is okay as long as it's us that's doing it or other people promoting our interests? Makes you feel kinda silly I guess...
ReplyDeleteI absolutely support your conclusion given that it has been the historical nature of politics to use any straws or arguments to support the current political trend. Whether it was giving the Jewish nation Israel "because it was written in the Bible' or occupying Iraq because as Bush says "It is the axis of evil", politics will do what it takes to suit its won purposes
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