Who is deemed a terrorist?

    An act of terrorism can be defined as unlawful, politically motivated violence and/or intimidation that is usually used against civilians. A person who does acts of terrorism is a terrorist. The definition seems simple, but who is really deemed a terrorist?

    The word terrorist has been pinned to a certain stereotype through the use of media and the cultivation of the American enemy. The image that comes to mind (and in a quick Google images search) for the word terrorist is a Middle Eastern man. This stereotype has been fostered by influences ranging from movies continuously portraying brown Muslims as terrorists to the president of the United States’ words. 


    In March 2016, Donald Trump said “It’s very hard to separate (Islam and terrorism). Because you don’t know who’s who” (Corbin. 476). Having these words come from the president of the United State’s mouth is extremely influential and detrimental to verity. As well as this, Trump and the United States’ government focus on being outspoken about acts of terrorism when it fits the narrative of being a Middle Eastern man while letting White-acts of terrorism slip through the cracks. This is furthered by Trump’s tweets that spotlighted worldwide acts of terrorism and neglected internal acts. Such as the case of the 2021 United States Capitol attack. This was unlawful, politically motivated violence and intimidation done by people who weren’t deemed as terrorists according to Trump. This group consisted of a majority of White individuals and it is important to realise that if that wasn’t the case, the account of this event would be very different. 


    Although there is much to unpack with his role, the blame for making the word terrorist be racially inclined can not be solely put on Trump. The War on Terror has majorly helped in encouraging a common enemy among the American people; the Islamic terrorist. The War on Terror was used as a tool to direct internal tension outwards which has ended up with the United States’ military to commit acts that are technically terrorism, but aren't seen as so.


    This blurring of Islam and terrorism is extremely hurtful as it has and will continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and will result in ill-researched American foreign attacks. This issue with who is inherently deemed a terrorist and who doesn’t get the title has become based off of race and belief of the person. The exact same argument can be made with the word “warlord”. In only rare instances would this term be used for a White individual as the word has become intrinsically attached to African people. 


    The degree of terrorist-like-acts that is tolerated for White people allows for them to not be deemed a terrorist. So what is the term that should be used for them? Because it has already been strongly established and knit into our society who the terrorist is. 






Citations:

Corbin, Carolina Mala. “Terrorists are Always Muslim but Never White: At the Intersection of Critical Race Theory and Propaganda.” Fordham Law Review Volume 86. Issue 2 (2017): 454-485.


Comments

  1. Ellie StephensonDecember 5, 2021 at 9:58 AM

    Great blog post! Based on your assertion that "terrorist like acts committed by white people are tolerated," much more than those of islamic or African people, I would like to ask you if you think that the insurrection and invasion of the White House last winter would be considered Terrorism in your eyes? Certainly, if it had been people of foreign descent committing these actions, we would undoubtedly consider this terrorism, so why is it that when white people commit the same actions, we question whether or not it was terrorism?

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    Replies
    1. Annabelle VeithDecember 9, 2021 at 11:24 AM

      Thanks for your comment Ellie! I think this is an important question that we can ask ourselves about what violence is accepted and anticipated from different groups of people. I argue White acts of terrorism not being deemed terrorism is all rooted in the false expectation of White people being in the right or at least being able to justify their actions. There is a completely false presumption for non-White people, considerably Black and Muslim people, to have innate unjustifiable aggressiveness and violence. I believe these stereotypes regarding morality of non-White people and terrorism is what facilitated the Capitol attack not being considered a terrorist attack by many Americans.

      Delete
  2. Thomas WDecember 6, 2021 at 6:52 AM

    This a good post, and something that America needs to reckon with this decade. Do you think that maybe there should be a new word for domestic terrorism, because of the shifting viewpoint that Americans have about the term?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annabelle VeithDecember 9, 2021 at 12:55 PM

      Thanks for your comment Thomas! I think a very complicated thing with terms, especially in International Relations, is that they are complex and uncentralised due to differences in cultural and political perceptions. I think that we could create and use a new word for terrorism, but at the same time that wouldn't address the issues with the term. If anything, the stereotypes and issues with the term would only translate to the new one.

      Delete

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