Definition of Terrorism
When trying to understand the accurate definition of terrorism, various concepts need to be analyzed.
With reference to this week’s problem statement, utilize the resources provided to you and your own research, and post your responses to the following questions:
Are hate crimes acts of terrorism? Why or why not? Provide examples to support your response.
How important is extremism in defining terrorism? Why? What are the characteristics of extremists that make them resemble terrorists?
How is the definition of terrorism in the United States different from the definition of terrorism in other parts of the world? Why is this so?
Can terrorism ever be justified? Why or why not? What do you perceive as the problems in arriving at a universal definition of terrorism?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Definition of Terrorism
Terrorism is a complex and multifaceted concept that has evolved over time. While there is no universally accepted definition, it is crucial to analyze various aspects when trying to understand its accurate meaning. This essay will explore the different dimensions of terrorism, including the relationship between hate crimes and terrorism, the importance of extremism in defining terrorism, the variations in the definition of terrorism across different countries, and the challenges in arriving at a universal definition of terrorism.
Are hate crimes acts of terrorism?
Hate crimes can be considered acts of terrorism under certain circumstances. Terrorism is characterized by the use of violence or intimidation with political, ideological, or religious motives to instill fear and coerce governments or societies. Hate crimes, particularly those motivated by racial, religious, or ethnic hatred, often aim to intimidate and spread fear among specific communities or to provoke a response from governments.
For example, the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand in 2019, which targeted Muslims during prayer time, can be seen as an act of terrorism. The attacker’s ideological beliefs and intentions aligned with the core characteristics of terrorism: violence, intimidation, and the intent to create widespread fear.
However, not all hate crimes necessarily fall under the definition of terrorism. Some hate crimes may lack political or ideological motives and instead stem from personal prejudices or conflicts. It is essential to critically evaluate the context and motivations behind each incident to determine whether it meets the criteria of terrorism.
The importance of extremism in defining terrorism
Extremism plays a significant role in defining terrorism. Extremist ideologies often provide the ideological framework that justifies and motivates acts of terrorism. Extremists are individuals who hold radical beliefs that are far from mainstream norms and are willing to resort to violence to achieve their objectives.
The characteristics of extremists often resemble those of terrorists. Both extremists and terrorists tend to exhibit a strong commitment to their cause, a willingness to use violence to achieve their goals, and a disregard for the rights and lives of others. They may also share a common objective, such as overthrowing a government or imposing their ideology on a society.
However, it is important to note that not all extremists are terrorists. Extremist beliefs alone do not make someone a terrorist unless they actively engage in or support violent actions. The distinction lies in the willingness and intent to use violence as a means to achieve their objectives.
Differences in the definition of terrorism across countries
The definition of terrorism varies across different countries due to cultural, historical, and political factors. Each country faces unique security challenges and has its own legal frameworks and priorities. These factors influence how terrorism is defined and addressed within their respective jurisdictions.
For instance, the United States defines terrorism in Title 22, Section 2656f(d) of the U.S. Code as “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents.” This definition highlights the political nature of terrorist acts and focuses on non-combatant victims.
In contrast, other countries may have broader or narrower definitions of terrorism. Some countries may include state-sponsored terrorism or acts committed by government entities within their definition. Others may focus more on separatist movements or domestic extremism.
These variations in definitions can impact international cooperation in combating terrorism, as different countries may prioritize different threats or view certain groups as terrorists while others do not. It highlights the need for increased dialogue and collaboration to develop a more universally accepted definition of terrorism.
Can terrorism ever be justified?
Terrorism can never be justified. While some individuals may argue that terrorism is a means for marginalized groups to assert their grievances or fight against perceived injustices, resorting to violence and targeting civilians is inherently unethical and counterproductive.
Terrorist acts deliberately inflict harm on innocent individuals who have no direct involvement in the conflict or dispute being addressed. Such actions undermine any legitimate concerns that terrorists claim to represent and only serve to further polarize societies.
Furthermore, justifying terrorism would create a dangerous precedent where violence becomes an acceptable means of achieving political or ideological objectives. It would erode the rule of law, endanger innocent lives, and hinder peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Problems in arriving at a universal definition of terrorism
Arriving at a universal definition of terrorism is challenging due to several factors:
Subjectivity: Terrorism is a highly subjective concept, as it involves judgments about intent, motives, and the political context surrounding an act of violence. Different perspectives and interpretations can lead to disagreements over what constitutes terrorism.
Political considerations: Political interests often shape how countries define terrorism. Governments may label certain groups as terrorists while others see them as freedom fighters or resistance movements. These differing perspectives hinder consensus on a universal definition.
Legal implications: A universal definition would have legal implications worldwide. Countries may have different legal frameworks and varying degrees of criminalization for acts associated with terrorism. Harmonizing these legal systems would require extensive international cooperation.
Cultural and historical context: Cultural and historical factors influence perceptions of violence and resistance. What may be seen as terrorism in one culture might be viewed differently in another. These variations make it challenging to develop a universally applicable definition.
In conclusion, the definition of terrorism encompasses acts of violence motivated by political, ideological, or religious objectives aimed at instilling fear and coercion. Hate crimes can be considered acts of terrorism under certain circumstances if they meet these criteria. Extremism plays a vital role in defining terrorism due to its ideological underpinnings and propensity for violence. Differences in the definition of terrorism across countries stem from cultural, historical, and political factors. Terrorism can never be justified due to its disregard for human life and ethical implications. The challenges in arriving at a universal definition include subjectivity, political considerations, legal implications, and cultural context.
