How America has reacted to the ‘terror’ in terrorism

By Grace Irwin ’18

Fear is what controls how people go about their daily lives, giving their conscience the power to change how they interact with one another and behave in society as a whole in everyday life.

According to NBC news, the number of terrorist attacks have increased sufficiently in America and around the world. As these acts have become more common, society has adapted, enforcing stronger safety precautions mentally and in means of security.

After 9/11, the nation underwent a shock that changed social attitudes forever. The fall of the Twin Towers signified a time of increased violence and threats of violence. According to a September article in the International Business Times, since 9/11, there have been over 30 million terrorist attacks around the world.

Any adult can speak to the shift in social attitudes since the rate of terrorism has risen today. Airport security, constant background checks, the growing need for personal identification and even subconscious precautionary actions have been taken while simply walking in the streets.

“Hearing stories from my parent’s childhood, I can definitely tell that the world we live in today is more paranoid about possible danger,” junior Nicole Kendall said. “They used to be more carefree and not live in constant worry.”

“I think people are much more aware of their surroundings as terrorism increases. Today’s generation is growing up with this more on their minds whereas my generation was more relaxed,” AP U.S. History and AP Government teacher Ms. Vaknin said. “We are becoming more sort of numb to it and it is becoming more a part of a society normal.”

Today, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, better know as ISIS, is an organized group performing open acts of terrorism throughout the world. Incidents of different bombings, open fire and kidnappings have been reported over the course of the past 18 years.

According to the American Psychological Association, it is the stereotyping of one group and the fear of possible terrorists, as they work undercover, that causes people to resort to extreme measures in order to ensure safety.

As a country, the people have become more aware of this increase in violence, debating what is the right choice in order to keep the country safe. President Trump has proposed a travel ban on Muslims, bringing about large controversy on whether this act breaks human rights or not.

Many argue that the controversial limitations on travel may be necessary out of fear of possible group members being admitted into society.

“We live in the ISIS era. It’s all over the news and there is a constant watch on their every move,” senior AJ Celentano said. “It’s crazy how one group of people can have such a big impact on the way we live.”

According to a January article in People magazine, there have been 26 major terrorist attacks in the U.S. since 9/11. This number may seem low, however the extremity of each attack is great. Smaller scale attacks have taken place throughout the country as well, however did not leave as significant effects on the large-scale population.

“Terrorism is a real problem everywhere, and how we react can dictate the power each group has. Fear drives us to behave in frantic ways politically,” sophomore Aidan Pero said.