the american mind cannot conceive of martyrdom

on the concept of a martyr, the pathologization of self-sacrifice, and racism.

earlier this week, i tweeted something that seemed to resonate with some people, especially in the wake of aaron bushnell self-immolating in front of the israeli embassy in DC, and after months of people (many of whom are americans and canadians) criticizing the use of the word “martyr” to describe palestinians being killed by israel.

this idea has been …