War On Gaza: The Politics Of Language In Media Coverage
Outlook|December 21, 2023
Mainstream media uses different sets of words for the two sides when reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict
Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
War On Gaza: The Politics Of Language In Media Coverage

On October 12, at the India Today news channel’s primetime show, ‘News Today’, anchored by well-known journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, UK-based Palestinian academician Makram Khoury-Machool described Hamas’ operational methods as a “military struggle” that was resorted to after “the world failed Palestinians” in the face of years of “Israeli atrocities”. Sardesai protested instantly. “Let us not justify terrorism. This is terrorism, sir!” he said, regarding Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. He then asked the question that has been thrown at every Palestinian representative appearing on mainstream TV news channels, especially those headquartered in the US and Europe. “Will you and others condemn the Hamas terror attack on Israel? Innocent civilians were killed in a barbaric fashion. Do you agree that the first step towards any kind of reconciliation is clear and outright condemnation of what is seen as terrorism of the worst kind?”

Sardesai has never used words like ‘‘terror’’, ‘‘crime’’, or ‘‘barbaric’’ about Israel’s role in Palestine in his shows. Even though he did mention “a lot of concerns about the nature of the Israeli offensive and what it means for civilians caught in the crossfire,” he never asked Israeli authorities to “condemn” Israel’s indiscriminate and relentless bombardment.

Denne historien er fra December 21, 2023-utgaven av Outlook.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 21, 2023-utgaven av Outlook.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA OUTLOOKSe alt
Layers Of Lear
Outlook

Layers Of Lear

Director Rajat Kapoor and actor Vinay Pathak's ode to Shakespeare is an experience to behold

time-read
4 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Loss and Longing
Outlook

Loss and Longing

Memories can be painful, but they also make life more meaningful

time-read
6 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Suprabhatham Sub Judice
Outlook

Suprabhatham Sub Judice

M.S. Subbulakshmi decided the fate of her memorials a long time ago

time-read
8 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Fortress of Desire
Outlook

Fortress of Desire

A performance titled 'A Streetcart Named Desire', featuring Indian and international artists and performers, explored different desires through an unusual act on a full moon night at the Gwalior Fort

time-read
7 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Of Hope and Hopelessness
Outlook

Of Hope and Hopelessness

The body appears as light in Payal Kapadia's film

time-read
3 mins  |
December 21, 2024
Ruptured Lives
Outlook

Ruptured Lives

A visit to Bangladesh in 2010 shaped the author's novel, a sensitively sketched tale of migrants' struggles

time-read
5 mins  |
December 21, 2024
The Big Book
Outlook

The Big Book

The Big Book of Odia Literature is a groundbreaking work that provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to the rich and varied literary traditions of Odisha

time-read
4 mins  |
December 21, 2024
How to Refuse the Generous Thief
Outlook

How to Refuse the Generous Thief

The poet uses all the available arsenal in English to write the most anti-colonial poetry

time-read
4 mins  |
December 21, 2024
The Freedom Compartment
Outlook

The Freedom Compartment

#traindiaries is a photo journal shot in the ladies coaches of Mumbai locals. It explores how women engage and familiarise themselves with spaces by building relationships with complete strangers

time-read
1 min  |
December 21, 2024
Love, Up in the Clouds
Outlook

Love, Up in the Clouds

Manikbabur Megh is an unusual love story about a man falling for a cloud. Amborish Roychoudhury discusses the process of Manikbabu's creation with actor Chandan Sen and director Abhinandan Banerjee

time-read
5 mins  |
December 21, 2024