TERRORISM and MEDIA

I start by saying that “media and terrorists have a “mutualist relationship;” while it may not be an ideal and comfortable relationship, it is a way of surviving. The relationship between media and terrorists is somehow similar to the relationship between pilot fish and sharks. Pilot fish may not be necessarily happy and comfortable, but this is the way they survive. Sharks — who have no mercy on any being — won’t eat pilot fish merely because they are facilitating their existence. Although, it rare occasions, they become victims when sharks aim for a bigger fish and don’t care about those (pilot fish) who are their facilitators. That reminds me of the recent beading of the two journalist by ISIS.

What could be juicier than “An Oklahoma man beheaded his coworker”? Although it is not confirmed to be related to ISIS or any act of terrorism, yet, media throw “terrorist” or “terrorism” in every sentence just to make it as thrilling as possible. The story goes on, not once, not twice, but for days and days and weeks. Next day, a woman is paranoid thinking that ISIS will knock at her door any minute and she will be beheaded, according to an anonymous eyewitness. While repeating the even over and over again, it may be a good idea to also educate public about awareness, reporting suspicious activities, etc. and drop the word “terrorist” when it is a non-terrorism event.

We all know that the U.S. is terrorists’ number one target; this fact has already been established. The question is how media is psychologically affecting the society by broadcasting some horrifying crime day after day and giving the impression that it is an act of terrorism (while it hasn’t even confirmed to be terrorism related).

Terrorists’ major goals are to ruin a nation both psychologically and financially. Think about 9/11, the psychological effect on public, and financial impact on the country; truly massive.

While dealing with terrorism for good number of decades, Americans however, have not yet developed a culture of resiliency. Unlike Israel, we are psychologically a weak nation.

While terrorism –by itself- creates enough fear and anxiety, it may not be the best idea to portray every other crime as an act of terrorism. Using terrorism terminology by media only exacerbates fear and anxiety in public.

Survivors of a tragic event are already suffering, physically and psychologically; there is no need for media to make them live the tragedy day in and day out for weeks later. “The effects of 9/11 are still being felt today by all New Yorkers, and all Americans,” says Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, New York City Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner, in a news release.

Another negative effect of media is making homegrown terrorists out of our children. American children don’t receive enough education, even at high schools. Based on my personal experience, children don’t learn much at elementary and secondary levels, except for: who is popular, what to wear every day, I should be popular (and the recent trend that the more ditzy, the better and more popular ). Not knowing much about the world, a teenager may believe what he/she sees on the internet.

So, let’s turn off the TV; instead, let’s learn, research, and study how to develop the culture of resiliency in our society. Let’s get the teenagers off the TV, video games, and electronic devices (occasionally, at least for a short period of time), teach them about the world, and open up their horizons.

While media is doing their job: broadcast, we should do ours: learn and educate our children.