" (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...
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