Analysis of Medieval Rhetoric in Post-9/11 Politics and Art

The article highlights an essay by artist and writer Dan Bustillo, published in 2016 in the third issue of the publication N-o-nS…e;nSI/c::::a_L, co-founded by Vivian Sming. Bustillo's work examines the connections between Western military strategies in the War on Terror and medieval historical frameworks, arguing that contemporary politics perpetuate historical oppression based on identity, sexuality, and difference. The piece references statements from figures like former CIA official Cofer Black, who used medieval imagery after 9/11, and President George W. Bush, who referred to the conflict as a 'crusade.' It also notes responses from Osama bin Laden and analysis by medieval scholar Bruce Holsinger, who warns against oversimplifying the conflict by framing it as a clash between modern Western values and antimodern medievalists. The article mentions how language evolved to depict groups like ISIL as 'medieval barbarians,' with former UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and President Barack Obama reinforcing Western democratic ideals as universal. This discussion is part of a broader series spotlighting N-o-nS…e;nSI/c::::a_L, emphasizing the role of art in critiquing political rhetoric.