Meaning and Intent
The term is described as a means of expressing hostility towards Israel, refusing to acknowledge its existence, and denying its legitimacy or right to exist. Virginia Q. Tilley argues that the term implies condemnation of the idea of a Jewish state, but not necessarily of a Jewish presence. Matthew Gray writes that the term denies Israel the status of a "state", and emphasizes Israel's Zionist philosophy. Its use by Arab state media and leaders, even though other terms are equally "politically useful", "reinforces the state's anti-Israel posture and the perception of Israel as a sinister threat". Describing it as "derogatory, indirect language", Darrell Jodock states its intent is to "deny Israel any place in the family of nations". Referring to it as a "common epithet", Eric Sundquist indicates that it "echoed the Arab view, repeated in the core doctrine of the PLO, that Israel was no state at all but an illegal colonialist excrescence".
Read more about this topic: Zionist Entity
Famous quotes containing the words meaning and, meaning and/or intent:
“We must leave our pets at home, when we go into the street, and meet men on broad grounds of good meaning and good sense.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“The haiku lets meaning float; the aphorism pins it down.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“The intent escalator lifts a serenade
Stilly
Of shoes, umbrellas, each eye attending its shoe, then
Bolting outright somewhere above where streets
Burst suddenly in rain. . . .”
—Hart Crane (1899–1932)