Come si promuove una guerra? | Nico Piro @ Festival di EMERGENCY

Summary

In this powerful speech, the speaker critiques the way war is justified and presented to the public, exploring the deceptive narratives used to sell violence as a necessary and noble cause. Using terms like 'targeted assassination' and 'preventive strike,' the speaker reveals how language is manipulated to obscure the true nature of war. He emphasizes the devastating impact of conflict on civilians, challenging the moral foundations of war and urging for a shift towards a peace narrative. The speaker calls for a collective effort to dismantle the war-driven narrative and advocate for peace, stressing the importance of prioritizing human life and global cooperation over military agendas.

Takeaways

• 😀 The war is presented as a destructive cycle fueled by lies and misinformation, with powerful narratives attempting to justify it.
• 😀 War is described as a product that requires manipulation and deceit to sell, comparing it to everyday consumer products like vacuum cleaners and pants.
• 😀 The concept of a 'just war' is questioned, with the argument that all war is inherently unjust, and its portrayal in the media is often misleading.
• 😀 The use of euphemisms like 'targeted killings' and 'preventive strikes' serves to make violent acts sound less harmful or more acceptable.
• 😀 The term 'intelligent bomb' is critiqued as a contradiction, as technology may be precise, but the human cost and civilian deaths are undeniable.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the double standards in media reporting, highlighting the disparity in coverage of attacks in Gaza versus Ukraine.
• 😀 The narrative surrounding defense and security is called out for being manipulative, as wars are often waged in the name of these ideals, while ignoring the humanitarian costs.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for a shift in public perception, urging people to understand that all war is a crime, regardless of the political narrative.
• 😀 The importance of promoting a peace narrative is stressed, suggesting that governments should allocate funds toward peace initiatives rather than military displays.
• 😀 The economic motivations behind war, including control over resources and power, are exposed, with a call for a global alliance to address climate change instead of engaging in further conflicts.

Q & A

What is the speaker's perspective on war?

The speaker views war as an unjust and harmful human practice that has been occurring for millennia. He describes war as a product that is difficult to sell and argues that politicians use lies to justify it.

How does the speaker explain the difficulty in selling war?

The speaker compares war to a product, like a vacuum cleaner or pants, that people buy for unnecessary reasons. However, unlike these items, war requires lies to be sold, as its true consequences are devastating for most people involved.

What is the role of media in promoting war, according to the speaker?

The speaker highlights that in democracies, media plays a crucial role in creating a narrative that convinces the public that war is just, necessary, and inevitable. This involves controlling the conversation through social media, newspapers, and political discourse.

What are some examples of how language is used to manipulate perceptions of war?

The speaker points out terms like 'targeted killing,' 'preemptive strike,' and 'operation' that are used to make war actions sound less severe or more justified. For example, 'targeted killing' sounds less violent than 'murder,' and 'preemptive strike' sounds more protective than aggressive.

How does the speaker describe the concept of 'intelligent bombs'?

The speaker critiques the idea of 'intelligent bombs,' pointing out that while these bombs may be precise in targeting, they often still result in civilian deaths. He also mentions the rise of artificial intelligence in warfare, which further complicates the morality of such actions.

What does the speaker say about the justification for war being linked to security?

The speaker argues that wars are often justified in the name of security, citing examples like the post-9/11 wars. However, he points out that these wars led to millions of deaths and destabilization rather than enhancing security.

What is the difference between 'defense' and 'war' in political language?

The speaker criticizes the use of the term 'defense' to justify military actions, stating that even though wars are referred to as 'defensive,' they often involve aggression and violence. He believes this linguistic shift hides the true nature of the conflict.

What is the speaker’s view on the idea of a 'just war'?

The speaker firmly rejects the concept of a 'just war,' arguing that all wars are unjust. He stresses that in war, the only goal is to kill the enemy, and no matter the justification, it is always a tragedy for innocent people.

How does the speaker address the issue of double standards in how different conflicts are treated?

The speaker points out that there is a double standard in how conflicts are perceived. For example, the West condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine while downplaying Israel's actions in Gaza. This inconsistency often stems from political alliances and interests.

What is the speaker’s call to action regarding peace?

The speaker calls for a shift in focus from war to peace. He encourages people to demand that governments invest in peace initiatives rather than military spending. He stresses the importance of constructing a new narrative that promotes peace as an essential and courageous choice.