[kj] Jaz as Suicide Bomber Part Deux.

Alex Smith vassifer at earthlink.net
Mon Nov 7 14:54:34 EST 2005


A week or so back, I started a brief discussion about Jaz's musing during the version of "Bloodsport" on XXV GATHERING that he "wants to be a suicide bomber." Well, on the interview on the DVD, Jaz re-iterates his admiration for people who are able to "die properly" (i.e. "kamikaze pilots, suicide bombers -- call them what you will").  Jaz goes onto rapturously extoll the merits of being able to "die without fear," and how we -- as Westerners -- would all be better off if we could integrate that into our culture (to "die with dignity", etc.)

What Jaz fails to address -- and again, what disturbs me -- are the *RAMIFICATIONS* of the actions of suicide bombers. It's all well and good to heap kudos on unwaivering devotion to cause, but I can't help being profoundly bothered by Jaz's irresponsibly blinkered depiction of suicide bombers as anything other than brainwashed, cowardly murderers.  

There is nothing noble or admirable about it.

Alex in NYC




More information about the Gathering mailing list