What do we think of when we hear the word "Terrorism"? Honestly, what thought enters your mind?
For many people in America today, the word "Terrorism" evokes visions of 9/11, or some fanatical Islamic extremist with a bomb and little to no common sense. Without a doubt, there are many in America who believe that all Terrorist come from the Middle East, and they are evil people who only seek to destroy Israel and the United States. These people cringe at the sight of a person with Middle Eastern Features regardless of whether that person was born in the United States or not.
I would venture to say that if we were to do a random sample of the American population today, and ask them to identify a terrorist, better than 90% would insist that terrorists wear turbans. Very few would even identify with the terrorists who wear hoods.
Let's look at some definitions of terrorism:
(Source world.net dictionary)
terrorism noun the calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear.
(Source American Heritage Dictionary)
ter·ror·ism (těr'ə-rĭz'əm) n. The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.
(Source Dictionary.com unabridged)
ter·ror·ism [ter-uh-riz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun 1. the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes.
(Source Merriam-Webster's Dictionary)
ter·ror·ism Pronunciation: 'ter-&r-"i-z&m Function: noun 1 : the unlawful use or threat of violence esp. against the state or the public as a politically motivated means of attack or coercion
Notice how each definition is a variation of a centralized theme. Terrorism is the act of using threats, or force in an attempt to coerce and intimidate. Why is that important? The answer is in the news we watch on a daily basis.
Nooses hanging from a tree, nailed to a professor's door, drug behind vehicles, or otherwise displayed are a clear and present indication of terrorism. They represent a threat to do bodily harm to a select grouping of the population. White Supremacy propaganda websites suggesting to "drag" people "from their houses" is an open terrorist threat. Slanderous taunts on people based on their race, creed, gender, religious preference, or sexual orientation is terrorism.
The trouble with the terrorism mentioned in the previous paragraph is that it has been tolerated to the point of acceptance in the American culture. In many cases, such as cross burnings, or the painting or Neo-Nazi symbols has been regarded as mere expressions of Free Speech in America. It is that level of tolerance that has allowed racism to fester in America, and thus turned our country into a nation of hypocrites.
America has adopted a DAISNAID (Do As I Say, Not As I Do) approach to combatting global terrorism. We seek to crush terrorism in other countries, but have failed to clean out our own back yard. We chase down terrorist organization like the Taliban and Al Quida, but we over look internal terrorist such as the Klu Klux Klan, The Aryan Nation, Street Gangs, and so on. We fight to liberate others from the throws of oppression, yet racism and tainted legal systems allow people in America to suffer the pains of oppression.
Last I checked, America is part of the same globe as the other countries that make up our planet, Earth. If we are truly expecting to be successful in our global war on terrorism, we must combat it on every corner of the globe. So, while our troops are fighting the war on foreign shores, we at home should be doing everything in our power to combat domestic terrorism.
Take a stand against racism, against sexism, against gender bias, religious persecution. Take a stand against any act of terrorism in our country. This is my country, and this is your country. This is our country.
Take a real stand! Push your Congress Person for stronger laws against hate crimes.
Take a real stand! Hold your employer accountable to maintain a harassment free work place.
Take a real stand! Get the guns out of the hands of our youth.
Take a real stand! Vote corruption out of the legal system, and put non-biased people in.
Take a real stand! Show the domestic terrorists we are sick and tired of their foolishness.
Take A Real Stand.
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