6/15/17 - "Terrible Lie" Is terrorism (whether it comes from the Middle East or internally) a product of religious or ideological extremism, or is it primarily the result of despondency in the socio-economic infrastructure? Are the stated beliefs of individual terrorists merely a pretense that they wear as a means of glamorizing their crimes under the facade of an ideal? Terrorism seems always to be carried out for some stated purpose, and we are to believe that the individual's self-concept was the reason for their actions. They believed so firmly in something, that they had to kill for it. Usually, the stated reason is the name of God. I wonder, however, how honest are their statements? Do these people truly commit suicide out of a belief that they will be eternally rewarded for their efforts, or are they just suicidal (and homicidal)? Are we helping glamorize their deaths by confirming that such acts were carried out for a belief in God - and proceeding to identify to ourselves that religious extremism is the source of this problem? That is what the terrorist, who died "for a cause", would want. And we give it to them, over and over; hence, fueling the fire. They get to go out, glorious in their own minds, as a giant "fuck you" to the people that they hate in the name of God (And, implicitly, "The Good"). I see terrorism as caused by socio-economic status. The status of an aristocracy (who holds contradictory religious beliefs) weighs against the status of outcasts, fostering hatred and giving it an aesthetic narrative. The beliefs of a terrorist are their image - which they hold close to their hearts. If I'm going to do something outrageous, I'm going to bolster it with as much of a story as I can to justify my act. No one does things without substantiating the claim that they "should have". People invariably see theirselves as beautiful things, regardless of how heinous their actions may appear to others. The true reason for an act of terrorism - A crime of retaliation fitting what has been evaluated to be a due punishment for some injustice. So, terrorism might usually fit the definition of a violent social justice movement. Most people who seek social justice aren't terrorists, but I think the underlying motive for their action is the same as a peaceful protester. It is an extreme measure taken to enact change in the social infrastructure. Could not these individuals be reasoned with? Perhaps they would listen to no one, firmly believing that they are acting in the name of God. Personally, I do things in the name of God, and firmly believe that He would never have me resort to petty violence. I also believe that acts of terror prove nothing but that the individuals who commit them are insane. Many extreme minds would claim that I am showing that I am "on their side" by supporting social justice. In fact, it is quite common to hold this extreme view of the liberal faction of American politics. But any reasonable person can see that we are not in danger of committing acts of terror! Nothing could cause me to ever behave that way. Then, my point is, that those who claim they are committing heinous crimes for a good reason NEED to use the name of God to falsely substantiate theirselves. They wish that they were supported by a God who would condone their evil desire for revenge and triumph over an oppressor. Sadly, they are only believing in theirselves, and claiming that belief is a work of God. It is a mental error of an immature mind that does not understand itself. They are using their imaginations, and the result of that proud, obstinate belief in such is clearly horrifying. |