[Reader-list] Is the singular Rhetoric of Terror flawed?

[taraprakash]

Dear Taha and all.
Taha asked "should we stretch the definitions of those words only which are limited or we should we have only limited definition of words or should we stretch those words only which have limited definition?"

I am afraid I don't have an answer to it. I wish there was nobody with an absolutely correct answer to that. The answer to this question, I believe, is contingent upon time, place, person and their perspectives. One sense of the word "stretching" is masturbation. It is good as a stimulant, but not necessarily a useful one. Some people think it productive, others unproductive, others consider it counter productive. Sadly, I have no opinion on this issue, to stretch or not to stretch; or if stretch, how much.
Best

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Taha Mehmood 
  To: taraprakash 
  Cc: kshmendra2005 at yahoo.com ; reader-list at sarai.net 
  Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 1:05 PM
  Subject: Re: [Reader-list] Is the singular Rhetoric of Terror flawed?


  Dear Taraprakash,

  1. If we start stretching the definitions of any word like "terrorism" there will be no limits.

  So should we stretch the definitions of those words only which are limited or we should we have only limited definition of words or should we stretch those words only which have limited definition?

  Kindly elaborate on this rather complex framework that you have posed. 

  2. The question, what can be called terrorism and what not, brings back to one of the properties of language known as arbitrary relationship between the signifier and signified. 

  You have raised a very important point by stating that the relationship between the signifier and signified is arbitrary.

  If I remember correctly you used the same definition few weeks ago when you were trying to define identity.

   I do not have anything to add to that, except that I may want to quote you to other people in case of discussion on the national identity card. I hope you do not mind. 


  Regards 

  Taha