Terrorism In Perspective Critical Thinking Sample

Terrorism: Definition and Origin

Terrorism’s definition lies on society’s perspective of it. From an Islamic perspective, terrorism could be a religious duty; for an American, it could be a crime and an act of violence. Basically, terrorism is an act of violence that aims to instigate fear into the hearts of people. Usually, there is a purpose to these acts of terrorism – the terrorists embed their message in violence (International Terrorism and Security Research). It has been established that the French Revolution is the origin of the term terrorism. However, acts of terrorism actually existed even before the French Revolution. According to the International Terrorism and Security Research, the zealots or dagger-men of Judea and The Assassins from Persia and Syria were the precursors to the violence that we now call terrorism. They existed even earlier than the 14th century AD, but personally, I do not think that they were terrorists. The Zealots and the Assassins have a specific target, usually a ruler or a leader. They did not publicize their violence as much as Maximilien Robespierre did during the French Revolution (“Origins of”, n.d.). He deliberately beheaded criminals or even non-criminals for everyone to see. The public could not do as they please as they may be executed. To terrorize is to instill fear in the hearts of the public.

Past Terrorism vs Modern Terrorism

There is significant difference in terrorism from the past and terrorism occurring in the present. (1) The past society and the present society have different socio-political demographics. Before, terrorists are the ruling sect; today, they are the minority. (2) Technology is different. They used primeval torture and killing methods such as swords and guillotines, while, now they crash airplanes, spray toxic chemicals in the air, and the like. But both terrorist groups aim for power.
. References:
International Terrorism and Security Research. (n.d.). Terrorism Research. Retrieved from http://www.terrorism-research.com/.
Origins of the Term Terrorism. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/origins-of-the-term-terrorism.