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TERRORISM - A RAGE WITHIN
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
A lot of people believe that terrorism is a rage within a person that cannot just wait to burst out in the open.
That rage can also be described as one of the deep unforgivable circumstances that foster terrorism. It is that
something inside the people’s heart and minds which resort them to go directly to terrorism. There are several
conditions and reasons why people give in to this kind of violence. But of course, it has been a fact that people
can have a choice on whether they should resort to violence or not.
Some people believe that religious fanaticism causes terrorism although we know very well that it is not true.
There might be some truth to this considering that it creates conditions that are favorable for terrorism.
Apparently, religious fanatics do not really choose terrorism or any form of violence. Therefore, there should be
more conditions that adhere to it making people see the great changes that terrorism can bring about. Do we
really then see that terrorism is an effective way of changing the world?
Terrorism can be called a complex phenomenon. We can speak more of it as a particular kind of political
violence committed by people who doesn’t really have a legitimate army (in the truest sense of it) which is
ready for their disposal. Most of the time, the underlying circumstances surrounding the people are what
makes violence against civilians inevitable. And this is what even makes it a necessary option for people. But I
must say that the death of the innocents and the destruction of property are not the goals of terrorism.
In reality, the demise of different kinds of people can be attributed to terrorism. We also begin to think what
really motivates these terrorist acts. People choose terrorism because of social and political injustice. When
they want to iron out or straighten out some things which they believe are wrong and depriving them of their
rights, they resort to terrorism. They strongly believe that somewhere along the line, there is something wrong
going on somewhere.
Terrorism might sound easy but it’s the other way around. Launching the attack may seem easy but pulling out
the resources or pulling the people together is the hardest part. When we talk of terrorism, it is tantamount to
saying; it is a conspiracy, for it is just like putting up a plot and gathering materials too for it to work out. What
actually slips into our mind is what this act of terrorism does to people. This is intended for the victims who are
supposed to be terrorized as an end result and it is for their allies and potential allies who are supposed to fund
them and be their supporters in their efforts.
The fact still remains that terrorism does not only bring about great material cost, but at the same time it also
brings great material loss. Even if to some people, terrorism may seem to be so easy or it is just maybe putting
out that rage within you, it still poses a great threat to every nation.
Questions for discussion:
1. When does terrorism occur?
2. Can you try to avoid a terrorist act? Why or why not?
3. Can you say that terrorism is an effective way of changing the world? How?
4. What do you think is the goal of terrorism? Justify your answer.
5. Give a very good reason on why terrorist acts are present in some nations.