This assignment has 2 parts. Address the following topic and answer the following questions in a 2 page paper (approximately one page for each part). See grading rubric below for assignment requirements.
Topic: In the Motivations of Terrorism video, Charlotte Heath-Kelly spoke about both domestic and foreign examples of terrorism and what motivates a person or group to commit an act of terror. This is, undoubtedly, a social problem we are trying to solve.
Part A – Much of the motivation for foreign wars and terrorism is due to differing values, beliefs, and ideals about societal factors (religious, moral, economic, etc.). Do you think members of one culture have the right to judge the customs of another culture as inferior or right/wrong? If so, under what circumstances? Think about the reasons behind World War II (the holocaust murder of Jews, homosexuals, and other “inferior” humans) or the attack on the World Trade Center (attach on American ideals and beliefs) and subsequent War on Terror as examples. At what point does a society’s beliefs and values become something we feel we have the right or responsibility to intervene in?
Part B – As a result of terrorism, US society has made some adjustments in order to prevent terrorism. For foreign terrorism, we implemented prevention strategies such as taking shoes off and having bags searched at airport, screening machines, adjusting immigration laws, and other security measures. Regarding domestic terrorism, we’ve adjusted security at events and stadiums, implemented school safety practices, and some states have enacted stricter gun laws. However, much of the reluctance to change from the U.S. public is conflict over the values of rights and freedoms, such as with gun control, or humanitarian concerns, such as with issues surrounding screening immigrants entering the country. Can we solve difficult social problems without giving up some freedoms? Compare and contrast some of the solutions your textbook gives for stopping terrorism with the values of American society.
