Since elections are largely a game of perception, the upcoming US presidential elections is at feverish pitch with smear campaigns. For Barack Hussein Obama, it’s working both ways on the perception scale. Those who are for him are accused of terrorism, while those against, of racism. The McCain-Palin camp brands Obama a terrorist. A Muslim-sounding name can easily be associated with Radical Islamism a.k.a. terrorism. So, if Obama wins, the hugely-budgeted US-sponsored campaign towards global collective panic and power of nightmares called War on Terror would have obviously worn out its use.
What’s in a name? A lot. A Muslim-sounding name makes for a Muslim stereotype which, in turn, makes for the terrorist stereotype. This is so because, in this day and age, the pervading mindset is that not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims. So, someone with a Hussein in his name is “palling around with terrorists,” as Sarah Palin averred.
There is more to the West’s utter belief on its anti-terror campaign. This is more like cashing in on the present world’s obsession with stereotypes. A beard, a turban, some dark skin easily become associated with firearms, explosives, hostaging, pillaging, blowing up oneself in crowded places, and flattening really tall skyscrapers. All these talk about terrorist association is only making Obama a major talking point. Bad publicity is still publicity. If Barack Hussein Obama clinches the US political top post, the Muslim stereotype of a terrorist might just be put to rest a little.
Tags: McCain-Palin, Obama, Racism, Radical Islamism, terrorism, terrorist, US presidential elections, War on Terror