In recent years, the media has been a powerful force in shaping public opinion and influencing how we perceive certain events and individuals. However, this power comes with great responsibility, and it is important for the media to uphold ethical standards in their reporting. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case when it comes to covering conflicts and wars.
One example of this is the way U.S. news outlets have described Edan Alexander, a soldier captured at a military outpost, as opposed to how they refer to Palestinian prisoners. While the former is rarely referred to as a prisoner of war, the latter are often labeled as “hostages.” This double standard in language is not only inaccurate, but it also reflects a biased and unfair portrayal of events.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the context in which these terms are used. According to the Geneva Conventions, a prisoner of war is defined as “anyone who, while fighting in a conflict, falls into the hands of the enemy.” This means that Edan Alexander, as a soldier captured in a military outpost, should be considered a prisoner of war. However, U.S. news outlets have consistently chosen to use terms like “detainee” or “missing in action” to describe him. By doing so, they are downplaying the severity of his situation and failing to acknowledge the fact that he is a prisoner of war.
On the other hand, when it comes to Palestinian prisoners, the media has no hesitation in labeling them as “hostages.” The term “hostage” is defined as “a person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition.” This implies that the Palestinians are not prisoners of war, but rather innocent civilians being held against their will. This could not be further from the truth. The majority of Palestinian prisoners are detained for their involvement in resistance against the Israeli occupation. They are not hostages, but rather political prisoners fighting for their rights and the rights of their people.
This double standard in language is not only misleading, but it also perpetuates a biased and one-sided narrative. By referring to Israeli soldiers as “detainees” and Palestinians as “hostages,” the media is painting a picture of a conflict between a powerful state and innocent victims. This completely ignores the fact that Israel is a military superpower with one of the strongest armies in the world, while the Palestinians are an occupied people fighting for their freedom.
Moreover, this language also serves to justify the mistreatment and abuse of Palestinian prisoners by the Israeli occupation. As “hostages,” they are seen as a threat that needs to be contained, rather than human beings with rights and dignity. This allows the Israeli government to continue their policies of torture, administrative detention, and denial of access to fair trials without facing any consequences or criticism from the international community.
It is worth noting that this double standard in language is not limited to U.S. news outlets. In fact, it is a common practice among Western media outlets in general. This is not only a disservice to the principles of ethical journalism, but it also goes against the values of fairness and objectivity that the media is supposed to uphold.
In conclusion, the media’s use of language is a powerful tool that should not be taken lightly. By choosing to label one side as “detainees” and the other as “hostages,” U.S. news outlets are not only being inaccurate but also perpetuating a biased and unfair narrative. It is time for the media to take responsibility and use language that accurately reflects the situation on the ground. Edan Alexander is a prisoner of war, just like thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and it is time for the media to start using this term to describe him and others like him. Only then can we have a fair and balanced understanding of the conflict and work towards a just and lasting peace for all involved.
