ISIS WAS AN EGYPTIAN GODDESS representing the universal feminine, comparable to the Roman Venus and Greek Aphrodite. Whoever began calling the jihadi head-choppers ISIS – an acronym for “Islamic State of Iraq and Syria” – did her a horrific disservice. (UPDATED)What’s more, given their regressive view of women, it’s a cruel joke, if not intentional. I propose that we reclaim the name of the goddess and use a different term for the group. A couple of years ago, the name “Daesh” came into vogue. Essentially, it’s the Arabic equivalent to the ISIS acronym, although it’s complicated.

I’m doing my part to restore the name to its rightful owner by using Isis as a category for women’s issues.

UPDATE: Feb. 25, 2017. President Donald Trump has decreed that his administration will use “ISIS.” Sad.

Image: Isis, adapted from a mural in the tomb of of Seti I in the Valley of the Kings. Source: Wikimedia.