What makes something a manifesto? Does it have to be posted online? Does it have to be a certain number of pages?
With the word "manifesto" being used so often in relation to ex-LAPD officer Christopher Dorner's online rant, it's gained a negative connotation.
Christopher Dorner's lengthy online manifesto has captured the attention of the nation. The main focus of the manifesto is related to what he calls his unfair dismissal from the LAPD in 2009. Dorner offers his commentary on a variety of political and social issues, as well as many pop-culture icons.
But what truly defines a manifesto?
Santa Maria High School English teacher Tina Allen says, "a document that is issued by a group or organization who is expressing their opinions, their objectives, their missions."
Allen says a manifesto is a very broad term, not defined by its message, page length, or where it's published.
"It can be as simple as a mission statement or it can be as long as the Declaration of Independence," says Allen.
Police Sergeant Chris Nartatez says a manifesto would be used as evidence against a suspected criminal, much like a confession. And Nartatez says he's seen this before.
"It doesn't surprise me, it doesn't surprise me that this thing is happening," says Nartatez.
Allen says the term carries a negative connotation due to past criminals who have written manifestos similar to Dorner's.
"If I were to pare it down to layman's terms, I would just call it a vent session or a gripe session," says Allen.
