18 December 2005

A note on the use of the term "holocaust"

I was listening to George Galloway's radio show at the weekend.
It's very often the only thing worth tuning in to.
I like him and many of his views.

He made a point that pertains directly to the contents of this think tank.
He said that there was only one holocaust: The Holocaust. With a capital "T" and a capital "H".

It is undoubtedly true that the Holocaust is an incidence of genocide that is very probably unique in various ways.

However, if a holocaust means or can mean a genocide or a great slaughter, then to say that the Holocaust is the only holocaust is to limit language unreasonably, as well as being factually incorrect.

Also the sanctify the Holocaust linguistically in this way, even though the Holocaust is probably unique in various ways, is to seem to create a hierarchy of genocides, something that would reasonably be seen as repugnant.

There have been many genocides and massacres in history - who is to say that only one should be referred to as a "holocaust"?

The word obviously has the effect of dramatizing and enhancing the negative aspects of a genocide. "Genocide" is more factual; "holocaust" is more emotive. "Holocaust" maybe implies more malicious intent and makes it sound more extreme.

The point about my spoof posters included in this think tank which included the phrases "Iraqi Holocaust", "Irish Holocaust" and "Iberian Holocaust" - terms which I do not personally think are inappropriate - is that they are based on the idea of an exhibition. They are to be seen in comparison with the posters advertising the Holocaust Exhibition in London.

I personally think many other expressions such as African American Holocaust and Armenian Holocaust are perfectly justified.

If there is a permanent and prominent Holocaust exhibition at the Imperial-ist War Museum in London, then this is giving public, prominent and permanent recognition of this genocide.

Recognition of some other genocides is far from being achieved in some cases and this is the point I was trying to make with my posters.

In my opinion the above makes sense in the context of the name of Holocaust Memorial Day, which I think is correctly named.
To remember the Holocaust and all holocausts.

http://www.hmd.org.uk/

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