Dakeyras Posted May 21, 2003 Report Posted May 21, 2003 We had last weekend a discussion why people and the press talked of "kriegsmüde" (German) = tired of war when referring to the unwillingness of some European countries (old Europe) to participate in the recent Iraq conflict? Why didn't they say something like 'peace loving' why did they use a word which if one analysis it states: If the Europeans were a bit 'fitter' or something they'd happily join in and give Saddam a big whack. Just wanted to hear some of your thoughts about it
Tamaranis Posted May 22, 2003 Report Posted May 22, 2003 Now coming into this knowing nothing about German... Its not a lack of fitness, I think it more implies just what it means. They've been through some recent wars and they're sick of it... That's almost (but not quite) the same as peace-loving, unless it translates somewhat like "Tired from war".
Ayshela Posted May 22, 2003 Report Posted May 22, 2003 i think it speaks of subtle differences in motivation, which is one of the ways words can be used to manipulate impressions of people and things. something which translates as "peace loving" will give the impression of someone motivated to do or abstain based on an active motivation toward peace. something which translates as "tired of war" will give the impression of someone who's been-there-done-that sick and tired of it, motivated less from desire specifically for peace and more from desire to avoid what their recent reality has been. it's subtle, but then, manipulation is a subtle thing.
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