Drug Quote by Glenn Greenwald
“The fact that war is the word we use for almost everything—on terrorism, drugs, even poverty—has certainly helped to desensitize us to its invocation; if we wage wars on everything, how bad can they be?”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Intercept, 2015
Using “war” metaphorically for many societal issues desensitizes people, making serious problems seem less urgent.
In simple terms: War language dulls our response to crises.
Key Takeaway
Avoid war metaphors; describe problems precisely.
Themes
language
perception
media
conflict
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
journalistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- education
- activism
- media analysis
Key Concepts
semantic framing
desensitization
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape public urgency?
- When is war rhetoric appropriate?
A Different Perspective
War metaphors can mobilize action when used carefully.
