Nate Zop

We Are All Terrorists Nate Zop

Should the mass shootings be called terrorism?Is ignorance and religion sources of terrorism? What is the difference between a gun owner and a terrorist?What happens to young people with limited options? Their communities are mired in poverty. They have no education that will help them improve their circumstances. Rage grows in their hearts, seeking a means of expression that will turn the tables and give meaning to their suffering.

We Are All Terrorists also shows how postcolonial environments breed terrorism because of the desperation of youth who grow up in systems of oppression. Without the opportunities that many in the West take for granted, such young people come to see terrorism as an appropriate outlet for the hate and anger they feel as a result of their disenfranchisement.

Terrorism is not committed only by those who identify as Muslims. Defined as violence intended to frighten others in service of a political goal, terrorism may be spotted in the racist, in the physically abusive family man, and in the gun owner who doesn't care what psychological effect his firearm has on others. Ultimately, We Are All Terrorists calls for higher standards-and greater awareness-for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation or appearance of innocence.