Today the fear of terrorism is higher than ever, whether it be domestic or overseas, the fear of terrorism reaches far. The text, “How Terror Hardens Us” by Jessica Stern discusses this heightened sense of fear, the motives and different types of terrorism, as well as a theory regarding our reactions to terrorism, through the use of data and personal accounts, in an effort to distinguish different types of terrorism and help Americans better respond in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. Jessica Stern is a professor at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies. Her article, featured in the New York Times, discusses a theory that goes, “when people are reminded of their morality- especially if the reminder doesn’t register consciously, as happens after a brutal attack of terror - they will more readily enforce their cultural worldviews. If our cultural worldview is xenophobic, nationalistic, or moralistic, we are prone to become more so, “ (Stern). She backs up this theory through the use of historical examples. She discusses an interview with a perpatrator of a mass shooting, in which the motives of said shooting were discussed. From this Americans can gather the difference between static domestic terrorism and terrorism from a group, such as ISIS or Al Qaeda. Using this information, Americans can be better prepared in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, and give the proper reaction in order to properly fight terrorism.
Applying her theory, she states that with the rise in frequency of terror and domestic attacks, “the question has morphed: It’s not how did this happen, but how often will it,” (Stern). And the answer to the ever important question in dealing with terrorism she states is to “remember that the freedoms we aspire to come with great responsibilities. And these responsibilities involve not just fighting terrorists, but also managing our own terror.” (Stern).
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