In this discussion post, Valionica Fayette offers an incisive view on the definition and public perception of terrorism by answering the following three questions:
- What do you think are the major differences between terrorist incidents vs. natural disasters to the psyche of the population – both the population directly affected as well as the population indirectly affected?
- Is there a difference between a “terrorist” and a “mass shooter”? If yes, what do you think the differences are? How does a terrorist differ from an ordinary criminal?
- Have long-standing assumptions about terrorism been challenged by terrorist events (e.g., the World Trade Center attack in 2001, the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013, the Buffalo Shooting in 2022, the January 6 United States Capitol attack in 2021 etc.)? The long-standing assumptions are:
- Violence appeals to supporters.
- Focuses attention on terrorists and their causes.
- Attains tangible political aims or actions (e.g., the release of colleagues, change of government).