Irony and Handholding

Though it becomes more and more apparent that I'll be unable to write as often as I'd like, perhaps less lofty / realistic goals are best. I was reading an article today by Martin Marty entitled Irony and "Islamofascism".

Though I've read the term before, the continued usage is troubling to say the least. Not only because the use indicates a much wider social perspective, but also because of the very basic power of words. Don't worry, I won't bore with a tirade regarding linguistic social theory, as the practice of controling public opinion through language is well established. Case in point, the carefully aggressive spin applied by Bush's handlers shortly after the "freedom fighters"...no "insurgence" began cropping up in Iraq. It's just a powerfully scary phenomenon; watching particular words worm there way into social consciences and begin to inform day to day speech.

Concerning Martin's article: while I find his analysis compelling, his address of Scruton's "poor analysis" dominates the text and frames the argument in such a way as to exclude rather than dissuade. While on one hand I'm compelled by his rallying cry, I'm left wondering whose been convinced. Has this article dissuaded an ardent believer in WW III, or has Martin simply continued the ingroup bolstering for which polarized groups have come to be known?

Thoughts, suggestions? Am I completely misreading Martin, or is it yet another example of propaganda (however appreciated) unapproachably displayed?