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The Hypocrisy of “Regime” versus “Administration”
Why is the Iranian government called “regime” but most of the world’s governments are known as “administration or leadership” or some other positive and respectful terminology?
Don’t get me wrong. I recognize that the current Iranian leadership has enacted unfair practices against its people, much like Russia, Turkey, and most recently the military takeover of Myanmar.
However, this word, “regime,” is often weaponized and it’s not the only term used to do so.
In most languages, a slight change to a synonym can carry a heavy load of meaning. “Claim” versus “state.” “Enter” versus “infiltrate.” “Secure” versus “take over.”
Journalists are just as guilty of this as are world leaders and even your everyday citizen on the street, when discussing social and political events.
It is clear anytime a publication or government uses the term “regime,” they seek to delegitimize that leader or government. They suggest it is dangerous, beneath the standard, and thus open to being replaced with a better government worthy of the term “administration.”
