For countless months I have been toiling over the idea of terrorism, rolling it over in my mind again and again and yet still can't find any answers. When people think of terrorism, it seems that today by default, they think of "Islamic Extremists." Maybe I'm generalizing here but given the fact that the image the media feeds us is indeed slightly tainted, ( we all know it is) it seems fair to assume that many people concur with those particular ideals. Nevertheless whether you buy into the the media brainwash hogwash or not, 24 hour news stations feed us what we want and what we truly want is definition. There is cloudiness and vague sense of forthcoming in terrorism and it is something I, in my own ignorance and can not quite comprehend. It seems that around this particular breed of political activism, we must place a box. Afterall, It is within our boxes that we come up with answers, to life's cosmic questions about who we are. We plead for definition of subjects such as terrorism so we can separate ourselves from it and thus it aids in a type of societal self discovery.
Recent events regarding Israel indeed make me further question who can and should be defined as a terrorist. hopefully many minds are considering themselves, though through the examination of our still solid loyalty to ourselves, I doubt it. When I currently examine my own sense of self-righteousness, I begin to consider myself as a strong participant of the moral and ethical bottom in the world. I am college student, self-proclaimed lover of fashion, and most days don't consider the footprint I leave on the world. I am typical. Nothing special, Just okay. I question if my role in life as more of a follower makes me a terrorist? In my own definition, Terrorism, as related to fear is simply put the spread of fear through power structures, class discrepancies, and structural violence. I am a part of this, an active participant of the system, albeit a system I constantly question, still a participant nonetheless. My own actions have a type of butterfly effect, as do everyone elses. All results are consequences of actions the majority of the time, so what actions on my part, on our part, are causing extremism both stemming from the Middle East and even any act of violence at home?
I realize how pretentious this sounds, But I am only looking for answers. I know I don't have them. This sounds like a huge idea, however, it's not new. It's accessible if it wasn't I wouldn't be writing it. I have come to terms with the fact that my footprint on a social, environmental, and political level is far from small. In fact the way I live my life and it's imposition on the way other people live theirs in the Middle East or even here at home. However, does it indeed create a new type of terrorism? Could we call it Neo-terrorism and potentially all be placed on the same playing field? I question if the word is strong enough to that. If everyone became labeled as such would the word be enough to make us change, or at least would it be enough make us open our eyes?
In a way the labeling of all humans as terrorists provides justifaction for extreme actions on the part of everyone. Our violence, both physical and mental to a culture results in violent retaliation. Its comprehendable. Understandable even? maybe. There are definitely exceptions they are frequent and not at all suprising. Yet, if someone or a military, industrial, economical, social conglomerate threatened my culture's existance I wouldn't be suprised to see extreme organizations form. The FBI defines a terrorist incident as “a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any state, to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social goals.” This statement was written after the Oklahoma city bombing. However, when viewed paralleled to any act of violence on behalf of a nation or people throughout history, we all become terrorists. Molded into it through action and/or complacency. That's the best answer I can come up with. Its not nearly justified enough and is merely a rambling, but it's the best I've got and for now that's enough for me.
here's to wishing in wells
-Stitches
No comments:
Post a Comment