I 2017 Midterm Question #2
I Imagine
that you are writing a policy memo to President Donald Trump in U.S., the
Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskyte, or President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni
about the kinds of policies and programs that they should support in order to
reduce global terrorism. What would be the main points you would make (drawing
from our readings)? Include a child development point of view, considering our
readings on child development.
A policy memo sent to a world leader regarding the reduction of global terrorism would include topics around joining organizations as well as the effects that youth joining these types of organizations might encounter. It is first important to note that according to Post (2005), there is no “quick fix” to reducing global terrorism. There are, however, steps to be taken at a policy level that can help to begin to alleviate the problem of terrorism. Post (2005) outlines four primary goals that must be included in anti-terrorism policies in order to create the necessary changes. The first, and most effective solution, is to prevent people from joining terrorist organizations in the first place, because once they succumb to the group psychology of a terrorist organization, there is little chance of turning back. A second item to help reduce terrorism is to produce disagreement within the group. Because these groups often harbor high levels of tension and rivalries within, creating additional tension allows for traitors to be able to gain and provide additional information. The third goal is to provide amnesty programs in order to help individuals get out of terrorist organizations. Policies can be implemented which provide leniency to terrorist who are willing to work with authorities in order to provide information. These are similar to witness protection programs that exist in the United States. The fourth and final goal is to create messages to reduce support for the group itself and, importantly, its leader. Post (2005) highlights this goal as being particularly important as a way to deter new recruits. With this goal, the message is shared that the group and the leader are not heroes, but in fact are damaging the reputation of the organization.
ReplyDeleteWith regards to child development, Garbarino and Kostelny (1996) studied Palestinian children exposed to political violence in order to learn of the development effects of such exposure. The study determined that children who are exposed to political violence are likely to suffer developmentally and are also more likely to have behavioral problems (Garbarino & Kostelny, 1996). Political violence combined with family violence or stress creates an even more difficult situation for a child exposed to such factors. When faced with these types of situations, a child will often face post-traumatic stress, which in turn will lead to behavioral problems later in life. Interestingly, Palestinian children had the same rates of PTSD as U.S. children who regularly face violence.
Nowadays terrorism is just like increasing disease which is affecting the whole world. Everyone is debating how to stop further terrorism. There are a lot of strategies created, but are these strategies working? Most of the strategies are designed to prevent a terror act as itself, but not to uproot the background of terrorism: Their acts of terrorism are acts of revenge against the generation of their families that they hold responsible for their failures in this world (Post, 1984).
ReplyDeleteMany terror intervention methods say: report any suspicious activity, plan what would happen in emergency, reject requests from strangers at airports and on flights, learn first aid and firefighting. It’s all very good to educate people how to react if the terror act already happened or what to do if you think that somebody is planning to do it. Most governments say: we have to persecute the terrorists and punish them so cruel that another ones would not even think of doing that, but is this the case? To punish, to kill back? Are their afraid of punishment or death? I don’t think so: They are ‘‘killing in the name of God’’ and do not need official notice; after all, God knows“. People who are ready to die in the name of God do not afraid of any kind of punishment, they believe that: „Their acts of terrorism are acts of vengeance against the regime that damaged their families“.
So what the world and world’s powerful people could do to prevent and eliminate the terrorism from the world. Maybe we should pay attention to people who are implementing these acts. To pay attention in what conditions are they growing up, what education they are getting. I strongly believe that most of the people who are doing the acts of terrorism firmly believe they are doing the right thing, because they are raised from early childhood as a soldiers, they brains are washed and they find to kill a person as normal thing to do: In compliance with God’s order, we issue the following fatwa to all Muslims:
The ruling to kill the Americans and their allies—civilians and military—is an individual duty for every Muslim who can do it in any country in which it is possible to do it, in order to liberate the al Aqsa Mosque and the holy mosque [Mecca] from their grip, and in order for their armies to move out of all the lands of Islam, defeated and unable to threaten any Muslim. This is in accordance with the words of Almighty God. We—with God’s help—call on every Muslim who believes in God and wishes to be rewarded to comply with God’s order to kill the Americans and plunder their money wherever and whenever they find it“.
In my opinion there should be created a strategy in accordance with child development. There should be created groups of all kinds of professionals and they should be send to these locations. The children must get proper education to see the other side of the world. They should be kept busy by various activities like sports, music, art but not guns, fitghts and etc. Poverty is also a big issue because money is a major factor why people join terrorist groups. Children do not see any opportunities to live a normal life so by donating to charities that help people and societies with few opportunities may help stop someone from being a terrorist.
So we should stop being indifferent and try to understand how these people are being growing up, what conditions do they live in and what opportunities do they have in their lifes and maybe, only maybe we could make a difference.
Neringa Sipele
I agree with your opinion about using education to help children learn about the world and see "the other side" of things. There are so many fundamental differences in ideologies, but based on the Post article, the children often do not have too many choices once they are caught up in the terrorist groups. Also, like you said, poverty plays a big role. On a larger scale, not only would it be important to work to solve the root problem of terrorism, but it would be just as important to solve the root problem of poverty. Like we talked about in class, eliminating terrorism can create world peace.
DeleteI also think that it is very important for those of us on the other side to try and understand how people in those populations are being raised and the condition that they live in. A key piece of social work is to understand the person in his/her environment, so this would be incredibly important to keep in mind as social workers who might be working with people in these populations.
After reading the article “The New Face of Terrorism: Socio-Cultural Foundations of Contemporary Terrorism” by Jerrold M. Post, M.D. the first idea that came to my mind was “what is the child position?”. Terrorism is a business that negatively affects many people. It doesn’t come as a surprise that in a culture where excessive violence against each other isn’t uncommon, it also majorly affects children. I’ve also read somewhere that kids in Syria are taught, from a very young age, to hold a gun, fight in a battle and kill and worst of all, they believe it’s for the sake of God. I think the biggest cause of this is that children are gullible and easy to manipulate. Through inhumane exploitation they quickly adopt the political and cultural point of view of those that have a thirst for violence. They believe what they are told and in turn they construct their own world of violence and misery. Because of this reason I would try to keep those kids safe from the ideas of terrorism and to help them see the bigger picture. For example, to help them get a wider view about terrorism, global issues and etc. The main thing what I want to say is that educating children in such a situation could be a “lifebuoy” in reducing child exploitation.
ReplyDeleteGerda D.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteGerda,
DeleteYou're very right, terrorism can start at a very young age. It is worrisome and frightening to think of all the violence children learn and are exposed to at such young ages all around the world. Not only do many children know where to go to buy a gun, but they also know how to load the gun and fire the gun at an "enemy". Terrorism kills and injures the lives of thousands of innocent people everyday. Instances in the United States include the events of September 11, 2001, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, and the Columbine shootings.
When children see shootings and violence taking place they are confused, sad, and scared. In many cases in the United States children have watched their friends and classmates be killed right before their eyes for no sensible reason. Sometimes children are also sent messages that killing people makes one powerful and dominating.
Chicago is one of the leading cities in the United States where violence occurs, often daily (most often caused by gun and street violence among gangs). Many children who are raised in the streets of Chicago do not understand a lifestyle that does not include violence and aggression because that is all they have ever witnessed. I know a family in Chicago who lost a son to gun violence; he was only 16 years old at the time. The family was heartbroken, but people in many neighborhoods of Chicago assume that violence is bound to happen and the young people are not afraid to start problems. These stereotypes and judgements about young people need to stop. For so many years people have identified certain areas of cities as violent places, but this thinking can only be reversed when we as citizens and social workers mentor young people and teach them about cooperation, partnerships, and peace building, rather than committing crimes, engaging in violent acts, or competing for favoritism, and power and control over others.
Only when we can learn to live in peace and harmony with our differences can terrorism begin to decrease worldwide.
There is surmounting complexity surrounding terrorist regimes. However, there are a few patterns found that may orient us toward how we should shape policy and programs to reduce global terrorism. Through the writing of Jarrold M. Post (2005), it is evident there is both a cultural component and a socio-economic component to one’s desire to join a terrorist regime. There is an example given of a boy who went to a school where a member of Fatah taught him. The boy came to idolize this individual and, during his impressionable adolescent years, years often characterized by a desire to fit in and feel important, the idea was placed in his mind that the only way to become a true man was to join the revolution and “take back the lands stolen from his parents and grandparents” (Post, 2005). One can see how a child told from a young age how they were pushed out of multiple places for being Palestinian, and treated as second class citizens, would develop a want to do something about it. If these desires are met with a promise that an increase in social standing would result if you join such a group one would be very tempted. According to Post, “A youngster who belonged to [a group] was regarded more highly than one who didn’t belong to a group and got better treatment…”(2005).
ReplyDeleteOften those who resort to terrorism have long been living under inequality and they want to do something about it. In the Child Rearing Attitudes and Behavioral Inhibition in Chinese and Canadian Toddlers: A Cross-Cultural Study, it was suggested, “child-rearing beliefs and practices are important factors that may mediate cultural influences on child development” (1998). With this in mind, it makes sense that over time all of the influences and ideologies the child encounters growing up, from both parents and outside forces (such as those at school), would affect their future decisions to join a terrorist group. Therefore I think the most important policy should address a child’s options for the future. Post says this well when he states, “Alienated youth must be able to envisage a future within the system that promises redress of long-standing economic and social inequity and come to believe that political activism can lead to their finding a pathway to these goals. Otherwise, striking out violently in despair will continue to seem like the only course available” (2005). With reform to the education system, you open up the chance to reach children from a young age while most impressionable. Post continues by saying this could be done by, “Providing economic support to education reform, with the establishment of secular schools with moderate curriculums could assist in this effort” (2005). This plan would be a great starting point and would create the potential for lasting change. However, you would be up against cultural norms, as the parents of the children may prefer they remain in a school tied to their religion. Putting social workers on the ground to assess the needs of the families before enforcing any policy on the population would be the best strategy.
But what should be done with those already in terrorist regimes? Often once an act is committed, individuals feel they have no out of the regime due to their status as “wanted criminal”. Post suggests the idea of amnesty programs. He states that they would include, “…reduced sentences or amnesty [being] offered in return for cooperation with the authorities. Such programs are, in effect, ‘‘protected witness’’ programs…” (2005). Terrorism is immensely complex, and there are countless cases of recruits today which differ from the conventional idea of recruits. Therefore, extensive research must be done to determine what methods would be most successful. However, what is certain is any policy or program implemented should have the individuals they are targeting in mind to better serve the population and get to the source of why so many are joining terrorist groups.
Statement of Issue: Global terrorism has seen a rise in activity over the last several decades. From the terror attacks in the United States in 2001, to the rise of ISIL, global terrorism shows no signs of slowing down. There are several policies that can be enacted to slow the rise of terrorism, if only the government of the United States and other leading nations would take actions to improve the state of the world, rather than perpetuating wars and terrorism.
ReplyDelete1. Better fund education both domestically and in countries where terrorism is a key issue. Education is the biggest and most powerful weapon against global terrorism. In countries where women and girls are not allowed to go to schools and face terroristic threats by the likes of Al Qaeda and ISIL to already war-torn nations that have had to put a halt to their education systems, children are out of the classroom and are not learning important information that not only allows them to have real careers but they are also falling into the hands of individuals who want to use them in their wars and terror.
As we have read, studying children exposed to violence in political settings can cause drastic issues for the children’s development. Improving programs that protect children and providing treatment to children must be at the highest level of priority, as the children are innocent but also grow up to be adults who will make decisions on the kinds of lives they want to lead.
Improving the school systems of America, where children are not always exposed to cultures, religions and ways of life different than their own, can drastically improve the opinions that children will hold when they grow into adults.
2. Stop drone attacks near civilian areas. When innocent men, women and children are murdered in the middle east by a United States military drone attack, the Central Intelligence Agency has stated that it encourages terrorism, out of revenge and hatred for the United States. We must always protect civilians, whether domestic or international.
3. Provide a way for members of terror groups to leave. Some members were inducted into terror organizations and swiftly realized they did not want to participate. Allowing these members to leave, without persecution, will not only reduce the numbers involved in terror attacks but may be a way to gain vital intelligence into the operations of the terror organization.
First of all, I very much agree with your stance on education playing such a vital role in the shaping of children, especially those in countries most affected by groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIL. However, what struck me the most was your point made about drone strikes. For some reason I completely neglected to think about the impact this could have on the children and their future before reading your post. Because terrorism has been proven to be fueled by this hatred of western ideals, it would only make sense that a child growing up in a place bombed by the US would only reinforce whatever it is the child is being told by those in the terrorist groups. Therefore, you helped me see that besides the obvious need to end drone strikes for the protection of civilians, there is also a need to end drone strikes to prevent more from siding with the ideology terrorism preaches. Lastly, I similarly wrote about the need for some sort of way out for those who found themselves stuck within terrorist groups. I believe giving them a way out without persecution, while also creating the possibility for gaining further intelligence through the creation of a program ex-terrorists could join to aid the US, would open up doors to find the best way possible to put an end to terrorism. It would be interesting to see how something like these could effectively be carried out.
DeleteTo help reduce global terrorism, peace building policies and programs need to be developed by world leaders and implemented into society. More work needs to be done to teach values of cooperation and collaboration instead of the need for individualism and competition. Global terrorism often originates in societies where individual competition is valued. To prevent a society focused on individual competition, modesty and humility are essential behavioral traits of a community (Bonta, 1997). Furthermore, individuals who live in nonviolent societies often remain modest about their personal achievements. People who live in nonviolent communities believe that pride in one’s achievements can lead to hostility, aggression, and violence with other people (Bonta, 1997). Communities also often remain peaceful and nonviolent when there is not a primary leader leading the people and developing a system of hierarchy. In nonviolent communities there is often not a leader, but rather people working together to make decisions. For example, the Amish people practice living modesty, simply and in community. They make decisions through cooperation, collaboration, and consensus, always working as a family or community unit.
ReplyDeleteThere are four identifiable aspects that need to be included in a peaceful anti-terrorism policy. One of the most important elements in a global anti-terrorism policy is to restrain people from joining terrorist organizations (Post, 2005). Once individuals become part of the group dynamics of a terrorist organization it becomes hard to ever leave (Post, 2005). An anti-terrorism policy also needs to provide amnesty programs to help individuals leave terrorist organizations and form disagreements among the group rather than “group think.” A peaceful antiterrorist policy also needs to weaken the power of the terrorist organization and its leader (Post, 2005). By creating and putting into effect antiterrorist policies, leadership and membership in terrorist organizations becomes unacceptable within a society.
Creating peaceful communities and discouraging participation in terrorist organizations needs to begin by educating children and youth. In Western countries children are taught at an early age to be assertive and independent in the home and at school with their peers. Developing autonomy and self-resilience are characteristics taught and valued in Western cultures, whereas in many Eastern countries children are taught the values of family and dependence on one another (Chen, Paul, Rubin, Chen, Cen, & Stewart, 1998). In Western school children learn that through personal determination and a strong work ethic they will achieve personal goals and dreams. As a result, children in Western countries grow up with the notion that individual hard work should always lead to personal success in their personal and professional lives (Chen et al., 1998). These childhood beliefs often lead individuals to form hierarchal situations and compete aggressively with others as adults. Furthermore, researchers have found when children are trained to think and perform independently they also become more withdrawn from other people and do not always know how to socialize with others as they grow older (Chen et al., 1998).
Learning how to be peacemakers and build peace needs to start at a young age. Individuals need to learn the value and importance of living in a cooperative environment versus trying to create competitive lifestyles for themselves. When a child grows up in a cooperative environment there are many benefits to his or her personal life and relationships with others. Schools need to adopt policies that promote cooperative learning rather than competitive individualized learning (Bonta,1997). When children develop and learn in a cooperative environment they are better able to master and retain course work, have an increased motivation to learn, develop conflict resolution and communication skills, and their self-esteem, mental health, and cognitive development grow stronger (Bonta,1997). For example, most public schools throughout the United States stress the importance of speed, learning material to get ahead of others academically, and individual mastery. Public schools also emphasize the importance of a student overcoming his or her weaknesses. In contrast, education for Amish children operates differently then a student who attends public school (Bonta,1997). Amish children learn to accept human weaknesses and that they need their peers and God to help them improve their weaknesses (Bonta,1997). In contrast to students educated at public schools, Amish children stress socialization and the importance of group work (Bonta,1997).
ReplyDeleteReferences
Bonta, B. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychology Bulletin, 121, 299-320.
Chen, X. H., Paul, D., Rubin, K., H., Chen, H., Cen, G. Stewart, S., L., (1998). Child-rearing attitudes and behavioral inhibition in Chinese and Canadian toddlers: A cross-cultural study. Developmental Psychology, 34(4), 687-697.
Post, J. (2005). The new face of terrorism: Socio-cultural foundations of contemporary terrorism. Behavioral Sciences and Law, 23, 451-465.
I’m choosing to write a policy memo to President Donald Trump because I feel like he needs the most guidance. I would start off with a revamping of our education system. Education is critical no matter where a person is from. In class we talked about essentialization and how it can form prejudice which can take an internal attitude. Self-awareness can come from education so people can gain culture competence. Education programs can be put into place in all schools so students from all over can receive education. Education is crucial in child development; the way students are taught is how they see the world. If we want to see a change, we can start by teaching our younger generations. This way they can develop a different understanding and maybe actually make a difference. Another solution of a way out of terrorism are “These amnesty programs can not only facilitate exit but can also produce dissension within the group as well.”(J.M. Post, 14). An issue with terrorism is getting yourself out of it, so implementing more programs in saving people who are stuck and protecting them as well. I think going along with both of these is government enforcement in doing their job in reducing hostilities. Hopefully having an understanding of reasons why and figuring out how to prevent terrorism will be key to success.
ReplyDeleteThe current global terrorist threat on the mind and consciousness of many around the world today is from the terrorist organization ISIS, which on some levels appears to be combination of nationalist-separatist terrorism and islamist fundamentalist terrorism as defined by Jerrold Post (2005). Traditional nationalist-separatist terrorism fights to establish a new political order based on ethnic dominance or homogeneity, and islamist fundamental terrorism is not trying to influence the rest, rather it’s aim is to “expel the secular, modernizing West” (p 451 Post, 2005). Isis is fighting to not only expel the West, but also establish a new political order based on Islamic law.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few policies that would be helpful as a means of reducing global terrorism; comprehensive care and support for families, specifically young children in war and conflict ones, creating intentionally open and inclusive communities that provide realistic options for engagement and policies that supports the development of women’s rights.
The first, and perhaps most significant long term policy recommendation to address global terrorism should include protections and interventions for children in areas of high conflict and political violence and who experience continued exposure to acute stress and trauma. In a study by Gabardine & Kostelny (1996) of Palestinian children during the first intifada, they found that the effects of acute stress, particularly repeated and chronic stress can lead to intensive psychological consequences, going past PTSD and to a broader range of developmental and behavioral symptoms. In this case study they found that that approximately 50,000 - 63,000 Palestinian children were injured during the first two years of the intifada and approximately 18,000 Palestinian men were arrested (Nixon, 1990: as cited in Garbarino & Kostelny 1996), and not only were the children impacted by the direct violence they experienced, but also by the disruption in the family structure caused by the arrests of so many men within their families and the community as a whole. This study found that not only are the children effected by the political violence, but also by the family negativity. As these elements increased, so did the level of symptomology and potential for developmental disruption and behavioral problems. It is worth noting that the level of a familial negativity had more of an effect than the violence itself. With this in mind, there should be programs in place that can help young children process the violence they may have experienced, and potentially be exposed to a narrative that can counter, or a least help balance out that which they may be experiencing from their families. In addition to programs specifically for the children who may be exposed to such violence, it is also imperative to have program and resources available for the family system as a whole.
Post (2005) points out that one potentially effective counter terrorist strategy is to inhibit potential terrorists from fully signing on to the ideology that forms the group and thus joining the group. In order to do this, we as a society, have to give young people a realistic future vision for themselves within our societies and systems. If they are able to find a place within our communities and societies and they can see realistic options for themselves, they may be less likely to strike out against the west in desperation. Post (2005) points out that another aspect of nationalist-separatist terrorism is that the individuals who comprise these groups are often doing it in order to carry on the mission of their parents and grandparents and their acts of terrorism are acts of vengeance against the regime that damaged their family, so they see the acts of violence as acts of loyalty to their families (Post, 2005). As previously discussed, young children who experience violence are affected by this, but even more so by the generational transmission of chartered and family negativity. As such, it is easy to see how an individuals identity could easy be fused with that of the group identity, particularly if the group welcomes them in within a context that otherwise ostracizes them. With this in mind, and within the context of our increasingly globalized society, it is important that when people from other countries, religions, and contexts join our communities, they are welcomed into our communities in such way that allows them to realistically see a space for them amongst us and thus can identify with us, hopefully reducing the feeling of being ostracized and thus feeling compelled to perpetrate an act of violence.
ReplyDeleteThe involvement of women in suicide bombings and terror attacks has increased significantly since the year 2000 (Bloom 2005). Bloom (2005) discusses the prevalence of rape and assault within the societies from which these female terrorists are emerging and that the sense of humiliation and powerlessness experienced by these women is made worse by stigmatization within their own societies. With this in mind, some of the women become involved in acts of terror because it is the only means through which they can regain the honor of their family. Additionally, it seems as though part of the reason some of these women have gotten involved in terrorism is that is in some ways their form of feminism. Becoming involved with the political and terrorist movements places them on the same level as men in their communities and in some ways pushes the status quo, convincing society of their valid contributions while at the same time reconstructing the normative ideals of their society (p 58, Bloom, 2005). If there were other policies and programs in place that provided space for the encouragement and empowerment of women then it is possible that they would be less likely to turn to acts of terrorism as a means of finding equality with men. Coupled with this, if sexual violence was not so firmly equated with shame, stigma and familial humiliation, then women may be less compelled to commit acts of terror in order to regain their families’ honor.
There will be no quick fix to the issue of global terrorism, but providing more supportive programs to children directly impacted by the violence, creating communities that are inclusive and welcoming rather than ostracizing as well as providing avenues for the empowerment of women are all suggestion that could slowly start chipping away at the rise of global terrorism.
Bloom, Mia. (2005). Mother, daughter, sister, bomber. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. 54-62.
Garbarino, J. & Kostelny, K. (1996). The effects of political violence on Palestinian children’s behavior problems: A risk accumulation model. Child Development, 67, 33-45.
Post, Jerrold. (2005). The new face of terrorism: Socio-cultural foundations of contemporary terrorism. Behavioral Sciences and Law, 23, 451-465.
(Rachel Ostergaard- not sure why these are posting as 'unknown')
Memorandum
ReplyDeleteTo: Donald Trump
From: Delia Shaeffer, Global Social Worker
Subject: Reducing Global Terrorism and Protecting Children from Trauma
Date: March 16, 2017
Global terrorism has become a real threat to the United States and to other countries throughout the world. The effects that terror and violence have on adults are well known and post-traumatic stress disorder is a challenge that still remains to be overcome. “Terror as revealed in children’s testimonies defies traditional models of analysis and challenges existing psychological theories and practice” (Lykes, 1994, page 2). Organizing a task force that aims to reduce global terrorism is a must.
This will be no ordinary task force. It would be made up of families who pledge to raise their children in an environment that teaches cooperation and nonviolence. This project will benefit not only the participating families but also the country as a whole. Terrorism often “accentuates the distinctions between the self and the other” (Lykes, 1994, page 3) often unjustly benefiting one group over another. If we want our children to grow up in a cooperative world, we must lead by example and teach tolerance and acceptance.
What we can learn from peaceful societies:
Peaceful societies value cooperation and nonviolence (Bonta, 1997). From an early age children are taught that all human beings are equally valuable. Competition is seen as a gateway to aggression and personal achievement is a benefit to all. I understand that the individualistic society we live in here in the United States has many benefits, but I ask that we start to broaden our understanding of these peaceful societies, understanding that competition and cooperation are not mutually exclusive. Rejecting the notion that an individualistic society is better than a cooperative one is the first step in erasing the distinctions between the self and the other.
The effect this task force will have on children and families:
From a child development point of view, it is clear that children and their parents act and live according to the norms of their particular cultures (Chen, et. all., 1998). While no two cultures are the same, the best child rearing practices can be share across cultures. If peaceful societies discover that excess individualism can lead to conflict it may be beneficial for other countries to adopt those “best practices” that increase collaboration and nonviolence. In this way the task force can reduce global terrorism before it starts. Teaching children that all people are valuable, helping them understand the balance between competition and cooperation, and finally building a commitment to nonviolence will definitely be a change in the right direction.
References
Bonta, Bruce. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121, 299-320.
Chen, Xinyin, Hastings, Paul D., Rubin, Kenneth H., Chen, Huichang, Cen, Guozhen, Stewart, Shannon L. (1998). Child-Rearing Attitudes and Behavioral Inhibition in Chinese and Canadian Toddlers: A cross-Cultural Study. Developmental Psychology, 34, 667-686.
Lykes, M.B. (1994). Terror, silencing, and children: International multidisciplinary collaboration with Guatemalan Mayan communities, Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Center Affiliated Faculty Publications, Boston College: 1-22.
(Part 1)
ReplyDeleteDear President Donald Trump,
The rise of global terrorism in the past few decades has been an alarming and very concerning trend. It has threatened the safety of individuals not only in the United States, but across the world. The attacks of September 11th led to heightened fear of unknown, foreign individuals, and efforts to tighten national security and lead a global “War on Terrorism.” These efforts were a direct response to a real and dangerous threat against the United States. However, these responses did little to acknowledge the underlying root causes of terrorism. It is important to acknowledge the array of factors that can affect an individual’s decision to become a terrorist, from early childhood experiences to exposure to violence to socioeconomic status. There has been a wealth of research conducted about why individuals choose to become terrorists, and this research is very important to carefully consider as the pressure builds to find appropriate responses to terrorist groups.
According to research that has been conducted about the mindsets of terrorists, it has been concluded, contradictory to what you and many others may believe, that individuals who become terrorists are psychologically stable (Post, 2005). Many individuals who choose to become a part of terrorist groups do not do so because they want to kill people. Individuals are drawn into terrorist groups because the group identity is incredibly enticing. Often, individuals who become terrorists suffer from a history of trauma, such as the consistent systematic violence that has been carried out by Israelis towards Palestinians, that usually entails losing family members or significant others to a group that is labeled as the “enemy” (Garbarino & Kostelny, 1996). Other individuals join terrorist groups because they are living in areas where there are few economic and education opportunities, so joining a terrorist group becomes one of the only viable options.
(Part 2)
ReplyDeleteAs a social worker, I work with children who have suffered traumatic events in their early development, and I can see the effects that untreated trauma can have on children. If an individual suffers from complex and consistent trauma during early childhood and they are never given an opportunity to process this, then it is likely that they will seek unhealthy attachment that gives them a sense of protection and safety. Terrorist groups are the perfect atmosphere for an individual who desires safety, protection, and attachment. It is important to realize that many individuals do not choose to be terrorists because they want to hurt and kill others, rather, individuals choose to become terrorists because they are drawn to the group identity and the idea of true acceptance and belonging.
Understanding the various reasons for why individuals choose to become terrorists can allow for more comprehensive, humane, and effective policies to combat global terrorism. First, we must understand that terrorists are normal people who have been brainwashed by a powerful ideology. This allows us to humanize these individuals and empathize with them. We must understand that an individual who chooses to become a terrorist has probably experienced a variety of hardships that led them to make such a drastic decision. Therefore, we should create policies that make it easier for individuals to leave terrorist groups such as creating economic incentives, providing education opportunities, and providing psychological treatment. We should also consider global terrorism on a much larger scale, and consider the impact of United States foreign policy on the rise of terrorism. We must reflect on how the United States has played a part in destabilizing areas where terrorist groups now thrive. I hope that you take these considerations into account as you address global terrorism during your tenure as President of the United States.
Sincerely,
Megan Monahan
References
Garbarino, J. & Kostelny, K. (1996). The Effects of Political Violence on Palestinian Children’s Behavior Problems: A Risk Accumulation Model. Child Development, 67, 33-45.
Post, J. M. (2005). The New Face of Terrorism: Socio-Cultural Foundations of Contemporary Terrorism. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 23, 451-465.
Terrorism as a phenomenon primarily distinguished by the fact that terrorism is not just an attempt to cause panic, but also undermine confidence in the government or the prevailing policy of the country. The social impact of terrorism today, significantly increasing by two important factor: 1) the modern weapons of technical inventions and 2) expanding the media's ability to inform the world about certain requirements in spreading fear. (Beinoravičius, 2005) Firstly I think it is necessary to understand the terrorism, and the desire to become a terrorist cause. Then you can think about what action to take to avoid it. Researcher John Horgan of Pennsylvania Institute found that people who are easier to recruit terrorists, often characterized by: a) Anger, feelings of alienation and non-participation of citizens in legal political activities (eg. In the vote); b) The belief that legal opportunity to participate in political activities, do not give power to achieve real change; c) Identification with social injustice, against which they are fighting, victims; d) Feeling the need to act instead of just talking about the problem; e) The belief that the use of violence against the state is not immoral; f) Friends and relatives, sympathizers "necessary" itself; g) The belief that involvement in the terrorist movement will provide social and psychological consideration - adventure, friends, and a stronger sense of identity.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the most important causes of culture (religion, environment, personal psychology and education. Humans become terrorists, developing from a young age. In the article about “The new Face of terrorism: Socio – Cultural Foundations of Contemporary Terrorism” (2005) was written about young men between the age of 17 and 22, unmarried, uneducated, unemployed. They were unformed youth, who, when they volunteered or were recruited, were told by the recruiters that their life prospects were bleak, that they could do something significant with their lives, their parents would be proud of them. This example confirms that most terrorists is uneducated, unemployed, and from an early age to the terror habituated individuals. They sacrifice their lives for the sake of the parents, grandparents, faith. In my opinion, the suicide - bombers are the victims of manipulation of "intelligent people". It is sad that these children have grown as terrorists. They have no access to education or to choose between peace and terror. From a young age they are taught how to handle weapons.
For Dalia Grybauskaite I would like to write that we must resist revenge and focus on justice, which does not incite revenge. We need to turn away from hatred and prejudice and to focus on compassion and substantial reasons which encourage young people, especially men, to become terrorists in the quest. The state must ensure the education of children. Children are the future of the world. Teach them to live in peace, without bullying, racial hatred, revenge. Respect for another faith. In Lithuania I miss social advertisements about peacekeeping in the world. In the media, we see more negative news than positive. In my country, I would like more positive news, without hatred.
References:
Beinoravičius, D. (2005). Terorizmas. Jo priežastys ir raidos tendencijos. Vilnius.
Jerrold M. Post, M. D. (2005) The New Face of Terrorism: Socio-Cultural Foundations of Contemporary Terrorim.
http://www.bernardinai.lt/straipsnis/2016-06-27-ray-williams-terorizmo-psichologija/145929
Lina Tokarskytė (Sorry for my bad english skilss, I Hope you will understand what I wanted to say.)
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ReplyDeleteThe first minds after reading this was: education and consistent work with families and youth. Firstly, terrorism is the act of aggression. We can say that in Lithuania we don‘t have terrorism attacks, but what is worrying that we have a lot of aggression and violence around. So we need to react to this topic and start to make some steps in order to prevent radicalisation and violence. Secondly, i believe that terrorism is already the result. The result of childhood, environment ant many other things. But by reading Post (2005) I understand that there are more complex reasons than i thought before. Childs are growing up or living in a repressed or limited socio-economic status. Young people feel that they are blocked in the societies where there is no real possibility of advancement and so in terrorism groups they get fake hope of better future. But let‘s get back to the family and the roots of aggression. Hart and Nelson (1998) states that parenting styles are linked to childhood aggresive behavior: more coercion child suffers in the family more aggresively he acts with peers. In Lithuania we have this big issue with social policy that we are not working a lot with prevention, mostly we „extinguish the fire“ by solving problems, but not investing in prevention that could help avoid these „fires“(problems). So one of the points i would suggest to fund and create more preventive and educational programs for parents: parents skills groups, support programs for first time parents and etc. Also would be very important not to forget strenghten services for child and youth. Develop child and youth centers, pay more attention to youth work – because in this age risk to be involved in terrorism groups are higher. European commission (2017) recently released recommendations for youth workers and policy makers about preventing marginalisation and violent radicalisation. It states that there are 3 main level of prevention: generic (to all young people), targeted (who show tendencies or want to join groups), indicated (already engaged in the groups and want to get out). So, to sum up, it is important to educate all the society about this issue and pay more attention in supporting families, children and youth.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
M.D., Post (2005). The new face of terrorism: socio-cultural foundations of contemporary terrorism. Behavioral science and the law 23, 451-465.
C.H.Hart, Nelson, D.A. (1998). Overt and Relational Aggression in Russian Nursery-School-Age Children: Parenting Style and Marital Linkages. Developmental psychology 34(4), 687 – 697.
European commission (2017). The contribution of youth work to preventing marginalisation and violent radicalisation. A practical toolbox for youth workers & Recommendations for policy makers. Publications Office of the European Union: Luxembourg.
Terrorism can be significant and overwhelming challenge for families worldwide. It is stressful disaster for an adult, so can you imagine how children should manage this? It is well known, that individuals, families, social factors influence disaster reactions and the diverse ways in which children cope (Pfefferbaum et al., 2014). Kasiram and Khosa (2008) states, that any bad event can affect not only individual or family, but community as well. These writers want to show, how family and it‘s area can be touched by terrorism and how to deal with trauma. It is not a secret that terrorism can cause many psychological injures. To experience negative and shocking events beyond the normal range of children every day‘s events, can impact their lives for a very long time, sometimes for whole life. Post-traumatic stress disorder appears in different ways, mostly negative. Depression, anger, substance abuse, relationship dynamics change, avoidance of remembering traumatic event, self-blame and etc. are trauma‘s consequences (Kasiram and Khosa, 2008). To avoid these outcomes it is important to help children cope with stressful situations. I should mention that social factors also affect children’s reactions and coping. Specifically, schools and communities greatly influence children, involving the social environment in which they interact as they recover from a disaster. Pina et al. (2008) claim that the relationship between community support and children’s coping is complex, as findings indicate both positive and negative outcomes. While receiving professional or community support may be associated with increased distress, there is inadequate evidence to date that indicates a causal relationship. As Vigil and Geary (2008) suggested, perhaps particular aspects of support result in untimely re-experiencing of the disaster, or receipt of support itself exacerbates perceptions of vulnerability or stigmatization.
ReplyDeleteA more important issue, however, may be the interplay between children’s and parent’s disaster reactions. The benefits of community support for affected children may be primarily influenced by the stress assessments, difficulty of reactions, and coping strategies of their parents. A better understanding of children’s coping in the disaster context should contribute to the development of prevention and intervention efforts that will foster resilience for children and families in the face of mass trauma (Pfefferbaum et al., 2014).
To sum up, I would like to say, that we cannot chose our faith, so do the people who face terrorism every day. It does not matter if it is an adult or a child, everybody who is in a short-term or long-term stressful situation have to get social help. Global social work can help to construct parenting skill, which may let adults affected by a disaster not to have the psychological or emotional means to assist children. In addition, working with such kind of families may reduce future terrorism or violent actions for children who grown-up in harmful community.
-Urte Jautakyte
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ReplyDeleteIt is safe to say that the current President of the United States would need the most instruction and education on foreign policies and what is going on outside of his bubble. There are many steps that he has taken in his first two months as president that could in fact increase global terrorism. The first step to reduce global terrorism would be to start with the children that get swept up in the ideal ology of terrorism at a young age with it either being flattering to them to be a part of an organization like that or the most likely cause is them. One main way to stop the spread would be to find ways to keep children out of the terrorist group’s scope such as school and other social programs. Also, targeting the children who might have family members in terrorists groups would be another way to slow down terrorism. Post (2005) goes more in depth in his article where more specific case studies of the Middle East and goes more in depth on how the terrorism problem started becoming worse not in 2001 but in the 1970s, specifically the hostage situation during the Olympics.
ReplyDeleteTerrorism has risen to a larger scale in the past 20 years because of nations like the United States forcing their way into other countries trying to “help” them. These past few years have been a focus on the Middle East. Stopping the bombing of innocent people and the propaganda against all the other nations could be another way to slow the growth of global terrorism. There also could be a focus on mental health because of the great majority of suicide bombings that happen around the world. Greater mental health counseling can also help reduce the attacks. Reducing racism could also be a remedy to the problem in order to reduce the hateful speech and thoughts that come with it. Giving terrorists an easy out or a safe place if they want to exit terrorist groups would also reduce the number of people in the terrorist organizations.
In writing a policy memo to President Trump, there is a plethora of platforms that should be considered to reduce global terrorism. One of which is education. Education is a crucial component in reducing global terrorism. There are higher rates of terrorism in countries where women are uneducated (Half the Sky, 2010). With the current downfall and budget loss of the education system in the United States, it is important that we also focus on the characteristics that fuel terrorism, so that we can avoid them. Funding schools is something that President Trump should be in full support of.
ReplyDeleteTerrorist group influence is very powerful. There isn’t necessarily an easy fix to reducing global terrorism, there is however, steps that we can take to begin the process. An effective anti-terrorist strategy would be to prevent people from joining terrorist organizations (Post, 2005). This could be done in many ways. –One of which is through positive peace-building programs. Amnesty programs should also be established to help people leave terrorist groups. –As it is often very difficult and life threatening to do so (Post, 2005). People need to feel that it is safe for them to leave the groups. Public education is also futile. It is important that the public is educated on terrorist groups, how they work, and the dangers of joining them.
We have learned in class about the effects of violence on Palestinian children. Living in a war zone has great developmental risk factors on children, they often in addition exhibit behavioral problems (Garbarino, Kostelny, 1996). Youth that is exposed to such trauma deal with the consequences for the rest of their lives. Children are the future of the nation, and it is important that we keep them safe, and well educated.
Maja, I really like your anti-terrorist strategy. Specially about Amnesty programs. I myself never thought how to help the terrorists, because in most cases we try to help the victims of terrorism. But in fact, help a person get out of the terrorist groups should be a very effective intervention.
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ReplyDeleteAfter I red articles about terrorism I noticed one thing that terrorism is not only as an act of violence and destruction, but recruitment of young innocent children. They are taken from their families and raised by the belief that they are chosen to do special things for a greater good. As an exemple in TED talk by Mallece was talking that 3years old kids were left in the street without nothing, because their parent or relatives was killed. And there was no who could help them or to react to this kind of problem. And then people from “gangs” took them and raise them as a solders and brainwashed them that what they do is good and that will help people or country.
ReplyDeleteThere is a few ways which can prevent young people to join or to be taken by terrorist groups. One of them is extracurricular activities after school. We all know that children who grow up in poor families are more easy to involve in some “gangs” or certain violence groups because the morals of those kinds can easy be changed or they can be manipulated by showing attention or make them believe that they are special. So if kids after school go for example to day centre, or let it say they decided to join football team, they would have proper time to spend and less time to be seduced by terrorist groups or gangs.
Another thing is if during the school there could be lectures about terrorism consciences for humanity, what terrorism is really about. This would help kids to get a wider view about terrorism.
Having read the articles, they only confirmed my previous thoughts about terrorism being a huge problem in the world, that has to be addressed, first of all, by shaping the attitudes of children. Here a big role is played by education. Children and youth alike have to be constantly educated, the damage caused by terrorism has to be demonstrated, any questions that arise should be answered in a way that is acceptable and understandable, regular help and support should be provided, advices on anger management should be given in order to prevent such problems from evolving into aggression and outbreaks of violence, which is exactly what later becomes terrorism.
ReplyDeleteIn order for these measures to be effective, it is necessary to start working with families – only this way can we raise a culture without violence. In Lithuania, we do not face instances of terrorism, but we have many, many instances of violence in families, as well as among youths, which can be compared to terrorism to some extent, hence I think it is vital to put a stop to these processes as quickly as possible.
Let’s be honest the task to reduce terrorism is a complemented task. Because there so many things that could lead to terrorism. Revenge, political, people that feel invincible to the public, in the name of religion (ISLAM/MUSLIMS).
ReplyDeleteIll kick start with a brief definition of terrorism; According to Oxford dictionary terrorism is unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. Which leads to different kinds of traumas, physical, psychological and emotional? Some examples are violent killings of innocent civilians, bomb blasts.
Due to the fact reducing terrorism is a huge topic; my advice to Mr. President would be to implement these 3 main goals.
o Prevent people from turning to terrorism and stop future generations of terrorists from emerging
o Difficult in access to explosives-
o Cutting terrorism funding’s.
Prevent- a compulsory anti-terrorism course in all schools levels, and university levels because children are now the targets of most of these terrorist groups. Their prime targets for recruitment are not children because their brains quickly learn things.
A teaching course for teachers so they would be educated on the ways to teach students all about terrorism, and teachers would educate students on terrorism and a helpline should be developed in case of anybody been a suspect.
Finally, parents have an important role to play in the life of their kids. They should be able to monitor and tell when they kids are acting differently, and easily recommend their kids to seek for help to talk to someone.
Difficulties in access to explosives. Because most of these explosives used by terrorists are homemade. By limiting access to these chemicals to the public a little bit of control would be established. Furthermore, 24 hours surveillances with hidden camera on all forms of transportation, malls.
Find a way to cut their fundings-terrosim is being funded by different groups of wealthy people.to cut their findings different sorts of investigation need to be carried out by the authorities. This is not going to be an easy task, because there are different means in which these organizations are being funded, and they know how to stay hidden.
Finally, ill suggest partnering up with Muslims instead of making them the enemy. Because I believe ¾ of the Muslim community don’t support these act of terrors they would be an asset to the authorities to help prevent any forms of terror attacks.
This is such a good efforts to helping people and fulfill their basic need for living life. Manisha Bapna is also doing these types of events for helping people.
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