I am confused and troubled by the use of the word 'martyr' in
the current Turkish politics and mainstream media. Anyone who is a victim of a
terrorist attack is announced and repeatedly referred to as martyr. This might
serve to some people as a consolatory tactic but not to all.
Here is the definition of
the word according to Oxford English Dictionary:
A person who chooses
to suffer death rather than renounce faith in Christ or obedience to his
teachings, a Christian way of life, or adherence to a law or tenet of the
Church; (also) a person who chooses to suffer death rather than renounce the
beliefs or tenets of a particular Christian denomination, sect, etc.
In extended (esp.
non-religious) contexts: a person who undergoes death or great suffering for a
faith, belief, or cause, or (usually with to; also with of, for)
through devotion to some object.
http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/114474?rskey=WGkqms&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid
What if the person who lost the loved one is not affiliated with any religion or simply chooses to stick to the old and traditional definition as we know/knew it? Who has the right to judge or lynch this person and on which grounds?
What if the person who lost the loved one is not affiliated with any religion or simply chooses to stick to the old and traditional definition as we know/knew it? Who has the right to judge or lynch this person and on which grounds?
