Defining Terrorism - Essay Example

Introduction and definition: Terrorism is both an individual and a group phenomenon. Terrorism is defined as the unconventional use of violence for political gain1. These are well-planned attacks on civilians who are not capable of retaliating and usually there is a disregard for human life. Terrorism is never supported by any civilized society and they have no codes of conduct or follow any set of rules. Relation between domestic and group violence There is similarity between violence inflicted on a larger community and violence inflicted by a tyrant within a family2.

Groups tend to adopt the personality of the leader, and are held together by the dedication of the group leader. Hence, a group can be treated as an individual who batters the society. Society again can be of varying types. A patriarchal society implies that men have the right to dominate over others. The cultural belief that husbands have the right to batter wife leads to terrorism. Hence for domestic violence to flourish three factors become necessary – the desire to dominate, culture that tolerates violence and stressful conditions which limit the sufferers capabilities to respond.

Mental state of the terrorist The terrorist activity results from financial, emotional, and psychological instability. They are paranoids and split personalities. They undergo depression, anxiety, and anger. They use violence to control and get what they want. Terrorist violence is anger-driven and children to display tantrums. Men who batter their wives also inflict mental injury on their children. Causes: Jealousy could also be a reason to instigate the terrorist. Sexual jealousy and infidelity is a common ground for domestic violence.

Anger and hatred instigate a person to inflict torture. Ways in which violence is hurled Verbal abuse, physical violence, threats, blame, oppression, justification The various ways in which domestic violence takes place starts from verbal use and moves on to physical violence. It shows the hatred the terrorist has for the victim at the same time gives rise to a reciprocal feeling of hatred in the victim also. This immediately gives a feeling of fear and powerlessness in the victim. They even threaten the victim of dire consequences if they reveal the torture to other members in the family.

This is oppression added to terror. They always find justification for their acts of terror, blaming the victim for exciting them, little realizing the impending damage it causes to the victim emotionally and psychologically. Effects on the victim and others at home: The more the mind becomes involved with acts of terror the more they move away from a normal healthy life. This holds true for both the victim and the terrorist. It has a long lasting negative effect on the children. They carry these impressions into their adult life.

Remedies: A terrorist feels terror is the only way that he can restore peace at home. He may be a psychopath requiring attention. Communication is lost and a third party intervention helps in combating terrorism. The victim should not give an impression of being weak as this only aggravates the terrorist. Self-respect has to be maintained.