“What is Cultural Terrorism?” Reading Response
In Maya Mikdashi’s work “What is Cultural Terrorism?” she approaches the term “cultural terrorism” in a negative way and emphasizes on the rivalry between BDS, an activist group known as “freedom fighters” (par.02, Mikdashi), and SCTL, an online group against BDS. She does this by giving researched examples that relate to each issue and concludes her discussion by stating that terrorism has no fixed definition but is more or less determined within a politicized context, which is unique to every culture. It is easy to understand Mikdashi’s point of view especially through her convincing and factual examples that are affecting our lives today. Moreover, cultural terrorism, an aspect shared among all cultures especially Arab cultures, are matters that should be discussed and resolved.
Mikdashi begins by indirectly indicating how the word “culture” (par.01, Mikdashi) truly is a sensitive matter to be discussed for cultures differ and can be affected in different ways; for example, terrorism. Accordingly, cultural terrorists are those that are in opposition to the government and thus place the lives of many innocent people in danger including their own. Lebanon, one of the many examples she used, was and still is a victim of cultural terrorism. Living in Lebanon, it has become a tiresome routine to be informed of the terrorist bombs that occur frequently close by. It is kind of ironic how terrorists seek justice yet place the lives of many blameless people in jeopardy and thus bringing their entire society into mere destruction.
Furthermore, it is evident that Mikdashi is addressing her discussion to the Lebanese society from her use of certain locations like “Casino du Liban” (par.02, Mikdashi), a well-known place among Lebanese citizens. She also points out a recent case that occurred in that location and that caused uproar after Lara Fabian cancelled her performance. Her cancellation was as a result of BDS...