Radio Chthulucene 87.9 FM

Every time I see or hear the word war to describe what is happening in Palestine, a deep repulsion moves through my body. It’s an entirely visceral reaction; logically, I know how easy it is to say war over the word genocide. I used to make this mistake myself before October 7th and before I became comfortable with my stance on this issue. However, my brain automatically shuts down with the word war. 

An instance of this was when I was preparing to listen to Marco Werman’s podcasts. I found myself getting upset over the diction used in the description for the piece “Israeli city on Lebanese border empty as Hezbollah fires rockets regularly.” In explaining the episode, the author writes, “since the war against Hamas in Gaza” (emphasis added). After reading this, I decided I didn’t want to listen to this podcast. 

Is it fair to completely ignore an artist’s craft because you disagree with their word choice? I don’t think so. I’ve always been so open to consuming media that I don’t feel comfortable with. Why was this different, though?

Maybe it’s because of my personal connection to Palestine. Maybe I’m angry from hearing “it’s complicated on both sides” because I’ve heard this my entire life. The start of the Palestinian genocide precedes me, it precedes all of us. I wish I could be impartial to it and open-minded but the truth is that I’m exhausted. 

I believe as both academics and writers, we must consider how the work we consume and create affects the world around us. This is the standard I hold for myself, at least. If we frame the Palestinian issue as a war against Hamas when nearly everyone who has died has been merely a civilian in the West Bank or Gaza, what does this mean for those who consume our art? When they get the impression of a war as well, how does reinforce the complacency towards a genocide— especially as part of an institution in a country that funds it? 

Maybe I’m just reading too much into it. 

———

Sometimes, a word rattles around in my brain, repeating until it doesn’t sound like a word anymore. 

genocide

gen ocide

gen o side

gen or side

gen oh side

gen O saide

genuine side?

Note: I do not write this as a personal attack on Marco Werman or his craft. This is merely a personal reflection and my reaction to word choice. I missed his visit on April 29, and this is what stayed with me from this specific week. I hope my tone does not appear aggressive or dismissive towards his work. 

With love from an overthinker and diction enthusiast, 

xx Deniz