Civilians Quote by Alan Dershowitz
“Asymmetrical warfare is a euphemism for terrorism, just like collateral damage is a euphemism for killing innocent civilians.”
About This Quote
The language used to describe conflict often sanitizes violent actions; calling guerrilla tactics ‘asymmetrical warfare’ or civilian casualties ‘collateral damage’ masks their moral gravity.
In simple terms: Euphemisms soften the reality of violence.
Key Takeaway
Words can obscure ethical responsibility in conflict.
Themes
language
ethics
war
terrorism
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- Media reports labeling drone strikes as ‘targeted operations’
- Political speeches referring to insurgents as ‘non‑state actors’
- Corporate statements calling layoffs ‘right‑sizing’
Key Concepts
framing effects
moral disengagement
Practical Applications
- Use precise terminology in policy documents
- Educate audiences on euphemism detection
Questions to Reflect On
- When does strategic language become propaganda?
- How can societies hold actors accountable despite softened terminology?
A Different Perspective
Not all asymmetrical tactics are terrorism; the term also covers legitimate resistance movements.
![“The other thing we did as government is to open gates for the civilians to leave that [ eastern part] area [in Aleppo], and at the same time for the humanitarian convoys and help to go through those gates inside that part of Aleppo, but the terrorists publicly refused any solution, so they wanted…” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/bashar-al-assad-1027_areas_the-other-thing-we-did-as-government-is_37737.jpg)
![“[General Curtis] LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side has lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win?” quote by Robert McNamara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/robert-mcnamara-12738_burned_general-curtis-lemay-recognized-that-wha_43443.jpg)
