Terrorism Control over Media by Joshua Gomez

Does the government pressure foreign countries/it's own country into terrorism? By what use? The Media?


I believe that the government pressures it’s countries into terrorism by using several different methods. This blog will describe how the media plays such an important role. The government and the media seem to be co-effective in their goals, because the government wants you to know the truth and the media wants to enforce fear along with some truths. However, neither the media or government want to see terrorism, it appears. I see this as a constant problem, one with which United States society will continually have to struggle. I think the government and the media work together, which is the most effective way to establish a method to "censorize" terrorism. In a situation in which the media were to publicize foreign democracies, terrorists would have an advantage due to the weak political systems. If terrorism flourishes, freedoms dissipate, and in a society with ideological politicians, corrupt governments, and un-unified communities, then free press is the first to fade.



Terrorists commonly use publicity as a method to cause fear. Any publicity surrounding a terrorist act alerts the world that a problem exists, which cannot be ignored and must be addressed. For example, today we see countless acts of anonymous terrorism where no one claims responsibility and no demands are made. For example, The World Trade Center bombings were a major sign that through media, a terrorist can and will get his point across. Reportage is inevitable; especially if it includes false threats or hoaxes/speculation, coverage can advance terrorists' agendas, such as spreading panic, hurting tourism, and provoking strong government reactions leading to drastic measures, including restrictions on individual rights, which connects through economics through the pressure of intensive terrorism.


In conclusion, the media is known to be a powerful force between terrorists and governments. Media influence on the public may impact not only the actions of governments but also on those of groups engaged in terrorist acts. In the mind of a terrorist however, the media is a main channel to influence the young and put fear into the eyes of millions. With that in mind, governments can use the media in an effort to build a world opinion against the country or group using terrorist tactics. Public diplomacy and the media can also be used to motivate public opinion in other countries, in order to pressure governments to take, or reject, action against terrorism.

How should we overcome Terrorism? How do we eventually put a a stop to the Influence?

References:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/

2006/06/14/AR2006061402025.html

http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/354/united_states_and_terroism_in_southwest_asia.html

http://ace.mu.nu/archives/192561.php