History & Words: ‘Incorrigible’ (September 5)
Welcome to ‘History & Words.’ I’m Prashant, founder of Wordpandit and the Learning Inc. Network. This series combines my passion for language learning with historical context. Each entry explores a word’s significance on a specific date, enhancing vocabulary while deepening understanding of history. Join me in this journey of words through time.
🔍 Word of the Day: Incorrigible
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkɒrɪdʒəbəl/ (in-KOR-i-ji-bul)
🌍 Introduction
On September 5, 1972, the world watched in horror as members of the incorrigible Palestinian terrorist group “Black September” carried out a brazen attack against Israeli athletes and coaches at the Munich Olympics, killing eleven in a massacre that would forever change how nations approach security at international sporting events. The attack began in the early morning hours when eight terrorists scaled the fence surrounding the Olympic Village, entered the Israeli team’s quarters, and took hostages in what would become a 20-hour ordeal ending in tragedy.
The word “incorrigible” aptly characterizes the Black September organization, whose members demonstrated an unwillingness to abandon violent tactics despite international condemnation and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their persistent commitment to terrorism as a political tool represented a seemingly unreformable approach to achieving political objectives, one that repeatedly ignored opportunities for peaceful resolution.
The Munich Massacre, as it came to be known, occurred during what had been dubbed the “Games of Peace and Joy,” creating a stark contrast between the Olympic ideals of international cooperation and the reality of unresolved geopolitical tensions. This devastating event occurred against the backdrop of broader Middle Eastern conflicts and marked a turning point in global awareness of terrorism, leading to fundamental changes in security protocols and counterterrorism approaches worldwide.
🌱 Etymology
The word “incorrigible” derives from the Latin “incorrigibilis,” combining the prefix “in-” (meaning “not”) with “corrigere” (meaning “to correct” or “to set right”). It entered English in the 14th century to describe someone or something that cannot be corrected, reformed, or improved despite attempts at discipline or persuasion. Originally used primarily in religious and moral contexts to describe sinners resistant to spiritual correction, the word evolved to encompass any person, group, or behavior pattern that remains persistently unchanged despite efforts to alter or amend it.
📖 Key Vocabulary
- 🔑 Terrorism: The systematic use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims
- 🔑 Hostage crisis: A situation in which people are seized and held as security for the fulfillment of certain demands
- 🔑 Counterterrorism: Strategies, tactics, and operations designed to prevent or respond to terrorist actions
- 🔑 Fedayeen: Arabic term meaning “those who sacrifice themselves,” used to describe Palestinian militants engaged in armed resistance
🏛️ Historical Context
The concept of incorrigibility—the persistent refusal to be reformed or corrected—has manifested throughout human history in various contexts, from individual criminal behavior to broader sociopolitical movements that reject compromise or peaceful resolution. While the term itself is often applied to individuals, it can equally describe organizations or ideologies that demonstrate an unyielding commitment to destructive paths despite opportunities for change.
Terrorism as a political tactic has ancient roots, with examples dating back to the Sicarii in first-century Judea and the Assassins in medieval Persia. However, the modern phenomenon of international terrorism emerged more fully in the mid-20th century, often connected to post-colonial conflicts and nationalist movements seeking self-determination.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which provided the backdrop for the Munich attack, grew increasingly violent following the 1967 Six-Day War, which resulted in Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), established in 1964, had initially focused on conventional military approaches but increasingly embraced terrorist tactics in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Black September, named after the September 1970 conflict in Jordan that resulted in the expulsion of Palestinian fighters, emerged as a particularly radical faction with ties to Fatah, the largest PLO group. The organization had already carried out multiple terrorist operations, including the assassination of Jordanian Prime Minister Wasfi al-Tal in 1971 and several aircraft hijackings, establishing a pattern of incorrigible violence that culminated in the Munich attack.
⏳ Timeline
- 1948: Establishment of Israel and displacement of Palestinian population
- 1964: Formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
- 1967: Six-Day War results in Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories
- 1970: “Black September” conflict in Jordan leads to expulsion of Palestinian fighters
- 1971: Formation of Black September organization
- August 26, 1972: Opening ceremony of Munich Olympics
- September 5, 1972: Black September terrorists attack Israeli quarters
- September 6, 1972: Failed rescue attempt leads to death of all remaining hostages
- September 21-October 1972: Israel conducts Operation “Wrath of God” in response
- 1973-1979: Multiple counterterrorism operations targeting Black September members
🌟 The Day’s Significance
September 5, 1972, began at approximately 4:30 AM when eight members of Black September, clad in track suits and carrying weapons in duffel bags, scaled the fence surrounding the Olympic Village in Munich. Their target was the building housing the Israeli delegation at 31 Connollystrasse. The terrorists quickly overpowered the Israelis, killing wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossef Romano in the initial assault, and taking nine others hostage.
By dawn, the world learned of the crisis when the terrorists issued their demands: the release of 234 Palestinians and non-Arabs jailed in Israel, plus two German terrorists—Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof—held in German prisons. The audacity of attacking the Olympics—historically a venue for peaceful international competition—demonstrated the incorrigible nature of the organization, willing to violate all norms of international conduct to advance their cause.
Throughout the day, German authorities negotiated with the terrorists while planning a rescue operation. The incorrigible determination of the hostage-takers became increasingly evident as they rejected multiple offers and extended deadlines. Television crews broadcast the crisis live around the world, creating an unprecedented media event that gave the terrorists an international platform.
The situation reached its tragic conclusion at Fürstenfeldbruck airfield, where German authorities had arranged a transfer to an airplane—supposedly to fly the terrorists and hostages to Cairo. An attempted rescue by poorly prepared German police failed catastrophically. In the ensuing gunfight, all nine Israeli hostages, five terrorists, and one German police officer were killed. The Games were suspended for 34 hours—the first such interruption in modern Olympic history—before resuming after a memorial service, a controversial decision that many criticized as insensitive.
💬 Quote
“They’re all gone.” – Jim McKay, ABC Sports announcer, delivering the news of the hostages’ deaths to American viewers on September 6, 1972
🔮 Modern Usage and Reflection
Today, “incorrigible” is used to describe behaviors, attitudes, or entities that consistently resist change or correction despite concerted efforts. While sometimes employed humorously to describe minor stubborn traits, its more serious applications remain relevant to discussions of persistent negative behaviors that defy reformation.
The Munich Massacre fundamentally transformed how societies view and respond to terrorism. The attack demonstrated that terrorist organizations could be truly incorrigible in their methods—willing to violate any norm, exploit any venue, and sacrifice any life to achieve their aims. This realization led to the development of specialized counterterrorism units in numerous countries, including Germany’s GSG 9 and Israel’s expanded operations of specialized forces.
🏛️ Legacy
The Munich Massacre left an indelible mark on international security practices. Olympic security budgets increased exponentially—from $2 million in Munich to nearly $2 billion for recent Games. The event also prompted the development of international counterterrorism cooperation, as governments recognized that no nation could address this threat in isolation.
For Israel, the attack reinforced a national commitment to aggressive counterterrorism, exemplified by Operations “Wrath of God” and “Spring of Youth,” covert missions targeting those responsible for the Munich attack. These operations continued for decades, reflecting Israel’s determination to demonstrate that attacks on its citizens would not go unanswered.
For Palestinians, the attack had complex repercussions. While gaining international attention for their cause, the massacre alienated potential supporters and reinforced negative stereotypes. Some Palestinian leaders eventually acknowledged that such terrorist tactics were counterproductive to achieving Palestinian national aspirations.
🔍 Comparative Analysis
The incorrigibility displayed by Black September in 1972 differs significantly from many other political resistance movements throughout history. While many revolutionary or resistance groups have eventually transitioned to political participation and compromise, Black September demonstrated a commitment to violence that rejected diplomatic solutions. This contrast highlights the distinction between armed resistance movements that maintain potential for political evolution and truly incorrigible terrorist organizations that become defined entirely by their violent methods.
💡 Did You Know?
🎓 Conclusion
The events of September 5, 1972, stand as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences when incorrigible extremism rejects peaceful resolution in favor of violence. The Munich Massacre transformed not only Olympic security but the entire approach to counterterrorism worldwide. Five decades later, the legacy of this tragedy continues to influence international security protocols and cooperative counterterrorism efforts. This anniversary reminds us of the need for vigilance against extremism while pursuing diplomatic paths to resolve even the most entrenched conflicts.
📚 Further Reading
- 📘 “One Day in September” by Simon Reeve
- 📗 “Striking Back: The 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre and Israel’s Deadly Response” by Aaron J. Klein
- 📙 “Terror at the Olympics: Munich, 1972” by Alexander Wolff
