Last week, I wrote a piece on the new entry for “illegal immigrant” in the AP Stylebook and how it was an effective way for the media to promote its own agenda. At one point in the post, I claimed that even terrorism wasn’t off out of the reach of the media’s clutches. Well, interestingly enough, a few days after the AP made the change to “illegal immigrant, they also changed the meaning of the term “Islamist.” Here’s the Stylebook’s original definition:

Supporter of government in accord with the laws of Islam. Those who view the Quran as a political model encompass a wide range of Muslims, from mainstream politicians to militants known as jihadi.

This is the new definition.

 An advocate or supporter of a political movement that favors reordering government and society in accordance with laws prescribed by Islam. Do not use as a synonym for Islamic fighters, militants, extremists or radicals, who may or may not be Islamists.

Where possible, be specific and use the name of militant affiliations: al-Qaida-linked, Hezbollah, Taliban, etc. Those who view the Quran as a political model encompass a wide range of Muslims, from mainstream politicians to militants known as jihadi.
This definition change comes primarily from complaints from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).  Apparently the AP Stylebook board was asleep during CAIR’s presentation, because it’s laughable that members of “a political movement that favors reordering government” according to the teachings of the Quran would be viewed as anything but militants and extremists. This is just another tragic example of labels becoming politicized and twisted in order to appease the loudest voice in the room. Expect more changes in the near future.