In the context of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the slaughter of peace-loving Ukrainians as well as the rising tide of despotism around the world and south of our border, it is surely time for the news media to rethink their use of the word “strongmen.” If there is even a slight likelihood that Putin's taste for human blood is excited by this unfortunate misnomer, think of a more appropriate word. Words matter.
Consider the connotation of the word strongmen. There is a real probability that in the minds of insecure and paranoid individuals describing them as strongmen gives them a gift. In times of trouble, this description might give new energy and sick validation to the psycho tyrants of the world.
For the record, despots of the world do not vary on the basics. They lust after power and blood and are invariably insecure, paranoid and weak.
Norm Sorenson
Prince George
