You have to be a religious figure to be a martyr, specifically. I understand there is a metaphoric vernacular meaning, but I am really not cool with using the term in this context, because the person who killed her and then blew himself up probably thought of himself the same way, and does the Middle East really need more random sectarianism?
Um... I beg to differ. Originally, a martyr was someone who would rather die than renounce their religion. However, it hasn't had only that meaning for quite some time now. Now the term means someone who has died (or is willing to die) for any cause they believe in. Or, it can even mean generically to suffer from something.
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branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2007-12-27 07:41 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-12-27 07:55 pm (UTC)You have to be a religious figure to be a martyr, specifically. I understand there is a metaphoric vernacular meaning, but I am really not cool with using the term in this context, because the person who killed her and then blew himself up probably thought of himself the same way, and does the Middle East really need more random sectarianism?
(no subject)
Date: 2007-12-27 07:59 pm (UTC)The meaning is neither metaphoric nor vernacular.
I believe the original assessment is correct.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-12-27 08:11 pm (UTC)I don't think I understand the objection.