United States and Iran Demonize Essay

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" (Beeman 2005, p.6)

In addition to the way they saw the "other" was the manner in which they saw themselves and their action. The creation of correctness of their action complemented the myth of the evil inherent in the action of the other state. The actions that they engage in are considered as not simply retaliation but also as deserved retaliation. The success of these actions, like the revolution of 1978 was demonstrable evidence that this Western behemoth could be brought to heel. This allowed them to expand their ideology as liberators not only of their own people but also of all peoples who are victims of the West.

Both nations employ highly colorful and inflammatory language as part of the demonization strategy. Political leaders and religious leaders employ motifs out of the religious discourse designed to convey the message that each group is inherently evil. The use of the term the "Great Satan" (Wright & Bakhash 1997 p.129) by Iranian leaders employs the traditional Christian figure of Satan who functions as the full embodiment of all that is evil in the world. Satan in Christian literature is considered to be responsible for illness, destruction and other disasters. Satan is also an adversary of God he is the exact opposite of what God is. When the phrase is employed the intent is to deliberately link American action and policy with evil. America then becomes the most potent manifestation of evil.

The United States is equally culpable in this regard with its frequent reference to Iran as an "outlaw," "rogue state" or as "supporters of terrorism" (Wright & Bakhash 1997 p.12). This rhetoric was significantly ratcheted up by George W. Bush with his identification of Iran as a member of the "Axis of Evil." These statements are designed to challenge the legitimacy of the Iranian government and cast them as an administration whose singular purpose it to create global unrest.

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There is also a determined effort to present Iran as a supporter of terrorism. Simultaneously the U.S. presents itself as the proponents of a free world and the guardian of individual freedoms and rights. In fighting against these groups they are fighting for the oppressed and subjugated. This is a good fight since it is believed that God is a God who is in support of the American cause.

The development of demonization is advanced though the suggestion by the U.S. that Iran is holding its own people in cultural shackles. They point to what they consider the burdensome lives of Iranian women and the harsh action of the government in addressing internal dissent. Iran on the other hand identifies American decadence and sexual immorality as examples of a corrupt culture. They invoke images of innocent bystanders being killed in airstrikes and other American action as evidence of the heartlessness and the untrammelled evil of the government.

The creation of myth and the use of inflammatory language are key ingredients in the mechanisms used by both sides to demonize each other. The images that are created are tailored to the audiences that both governments pander to. The mammoth challenge is centered on bridging this chasm. Indeed it may be that the parties may have already gone too far, as long as the other side is pictured as evil then to negotiate with evil is to be evil yourself. This leaves both parties with really no alternatives but to hype the rhetoric.

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