NationStates Jolt Archive

Seriously it is. Despite this, most of you are losing it (at least in this forum). I stumbled upon an interesting website here (http://qntm.org/terrorism)

As an ordinary human being, you may feel that there is nothing you can do in the fight against terrorism. You couldn't be more wrong.

You see, terrorism directly targets ordinary people. You, an ordinary person, can deny terrorists their victory simply by refusing to be a victim. Believe it or not, you have a choice in the matter. This is because the victims of terrorism are not simply those who get blown up during the initial attack. It's the people who are scared to fly in airplanes or visit big cities afterwards. It's the people who get dragged into a war against an abstract concept. It's the people who get attacked in the street because they look like they might come from a hot country.

Here is how you, an ordinary human being, can fight terrorism:
Ignore it.

The more you think about a threat, the larger it grows in your mind. The more you talk about it, the more worried you and people around you become. So quit talking about terrorism. Quit seeking out horror stories in news shows and on the internet. The media's job is to sensationalise things to get you to watch them. That's how they get ratings and they are very, very good at it. Don't get dragged in by these ploys. Turn off the sensationalist television. Be informed, yes, but don't stand for any of that alarmism, speculation, bias, uncertainty and denial.

Instead:
Know the facts. There is no risk.

The odds against you being killed in a terrorist attack are millions to one. Ditto plane crashes. Only somebody who regularly enters lottery draws would be put off by odds like these. You have more chance of dying in a car crash tomorrow, and do you fret about that? Hell no.

Understanding this will enable you to:

Show no fear.

Terrorism, by its very definition, sets out to provoke terror. If you are scared afterwards, the act of terrorism was successful. If you refuse to be intimidated, the terrorists have lost. It really is as simple as that. You are not a mindless animal. You can choose not to give in to your basic impulses. Show some backbone.
Don't be provoked.

Don't get irrationally angry against the entire country that the terrorists originate from. Don't start to take out that anger on nearby people who look like they might be from that country. And don't accept a similar reaction from your leaders. The reason? Hate breeds terrorism. If you attack people, you give them motivation to retaliate. And if you hit back harder then they'll hit back harder still. It's a cycle of aggression which only you can break.

As the attacked party, you're supposed to be the good guy here: act like it. Back down. Walk away. Be the bigger man.

Stay free.

Refuse to let your civil liberties be restricted. Benjamin Franklin said that "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." But you won't even get safety, just the illusion of safety. Security cameras on subways won't stop terrorism. Compulsory ID cards won't stop terrorism. Suicide bombers don't care if they get identified. There are better ways to fight terrorism and, as I said above, there are more people to protect from its effects than just those caught in the blast radius. Don't stand for it.
Refuse to alter your lifestyle in any way.

That sums the whole thing up. Bury your dead. Heal your wounded. Rebuild stronger. Go the hell back to work the next morning.
Seriously people. Get over it, and they will too. Killing a busload of people isn't worth it if nobody gives a damn. When you stop caring, the terror will stop (because it will stop performing the function it was intended to perform, i.e. make you scared).

Welcome to the real world, where people are horrified by the murder of innocent people. We don't have a "care" switch that we can flick to "Don't".

My teacher in Modern Studies said a similar thing, basically just don't be scared by it.

He's has been in a couple of bomb scares too, his mum caused one by leaving a black bag on the floor somewhere.

Well, your half right in that terrorism wants you to live in fear, so refusing to give up is part of the solution. But they're not going to just go away, they'll up the ante until you are scared. I mean, really that's what happened. We where ignoring them as a people for the most part. Far too caught up in who gave a blow job to whom.

So you can't do nothing. But somethings are worse than nothing, and dispite what the administration and its cheerleaders constantly spout, there are more than two options, meaning 'theirs' and 'nothing.'

It's not going to be easy. We're not going to be able to bomb it away or wish it away.

Unfortunately, it's a lot easier said than done, and frankly, it isn't that easily said.

Too bad people can't listen to reality. Much easier to say that we are in constant danger and to be afraid. Let the government take care of all your problems and just give up your rights and ability to think for yourself. Things become easier then don't they?

I can agree with this though people will always look for something to fear before terrorism it was things like Y2K and Yugoslavians

Just a way for the government to keep control and to have a scapegoat for all the world problems

*waits for RealAmerica to read this*

. We don't have a "care" switch that we can flick to "Don't".

Speak for yourself pal. I will do my part to win the war on terror.

Well, your half right in that terrorism wants you to live in fear, so refusing to give up is part of the solution. But they're not going to just go away, they'll up the ante until you are scared. I mean, really that's what happened. We where ignoring them as a people for the most part. Far too caught up in who gave a blow job to whom.

So you can't do nothing. But somethings are worse than nothing, and dispite what the administration and its cheerleaders constantly spout, there are more than two options, meaning 'theirs' and 'nothing.'

It's not going to be easy. We're not going to be able to bomb it away or wish it away.
No they won't. Well they will for a while, but when someone makes a decision, they balance the marginal benefits and the marginal costs of such a decision. The only real benefit of blowing up a busload of people is the fear generated by it. Tactically speaking it is unreasonably difficult, and offers little for your cause. The resources would be much better spent on government officials or military installatons. Luckily we set the level of the marginal benefit of such an action. We are setting it, right now.

Welcome to the real world, where people are horrified by the murder of innocent people. We don't have a "care" switch that we can flick to "Don't".
*shrugs* I do.

Unfortunately, it's a lot easier said than done, and frankly, it isn't that easily said. No actually it's damn easy. Here "One should believe terrorism is overrated" easily said. Now....there, easily done.

Speak for yourself pal. I will do my part to win the war on terror.
Hey I like that Idea. Government propaganda which doesn't fearmonger.

*Flapping Flag against glorious clouds*
<patriotic music>
VOICE OVER: Freedom, peace, justice. Great ideals of a great nation. Ideals which have under fire by those who would have you live in fear or their power. Terrorists threaten to destroy everything you hold dear. The time has come for you to do your part in the War on Terror. Ignore them. Be a true patriot.

There's no way to win this random and pointless "war on terror®". Americans seem to be in a constant state of panic and will attack anything and anyone for absolutely no reason.

Why don't you declare war on obesity or stupidity? Both of which are a much bigger threat to you guys than terrorism. Just try to do it without invading a random muslim country, please.

Welcome to the real world, where people are horrified by the murder of innocent people. We don't have a "care" switch that we can flick to "Don't".

Hmm... We have. All it takes is to find it. And, believe me, this switch is useful for far more than terrorism, and by uninstalling stress and depression you save your health and prolong your life.

Some people can fix their craze with religions or eastern practices, I personally don't need that and just enjoy black humor - look, they were just playing air slalom.

- Is there nothing sacred for you!?
- Of course there is! What would I laugh at otherwise?

Seriously it is. Despite this, most of you are losing it (at least in this forum). I stumbled upon an interesting website here (http://qntm.org/terrorism)

Seriously people. Get over it, and they will too. Killing a busload of people isn't worth it if nobody gives a damn. When you stop caring, the terror will stop (because it will stop performing the function it was intended to perform, i.e. make you scared).
agreed-there is busy road in my city that frightens me every time I travel on it, my wife avoids it whenever possible, no amount of terrorism scares me more than this road. The thought of terrorist killing me has never entered my mind, ever.

the Bush government scares me more than terrorism.

There's no way to win this random and pointless "war on terror®". Americans seem to be in a constant state of panic and will attack anything and anyone for absolutely no reason.

Why don't you declare war on obesity or stupidity? Both of which are a much bigger threat to you guys than terrorism. Just try to do it without invading a random muslim country, please.
Thats it Wang Wee! You've got it! Why don't we assemble a 'coalition of the willing' to start a War on Terror blame the worlds stupidity on Jim Carey and invade USA. We can spend a few years setting up an incompetent 'smart' government then justify the whole thing by suggesting that the new incompetent government is better than the old 'stupid' one. meanwhile all of the stupid insurgents can blow their idiotic selves sky high against the walls of the now-redhouse.

There's no way to win this random and pointless "war on terror®". Americans seem to be in a constant state of panic and will attack anything and anyone for absolutely no reason.

Why don't you declare war on obesity or stupidity? Both of which are a much bigger threat to you guys than terrorism. Just try to do it without invading a random muslim country, please.IMO par to of the problem is the Media-the media loves violence and sex. Violence and sex=better ratings and sales=$$$$. It's in their interest to encourage fear. They tell us there is violence everywhere we are all in immintent danger and we believe them.

If all news were good news minus sex and violence who would watch TV news programs?

Thats it Wang Wee! You've got it! Why don't we assemble a 'coalition of the willing' to start a War on Terror blame the worlds stupidity on Jim Carey and invade USA. We can spend a few years setting up an incompetent 'smart' government then justify the whole thing by suggesting that the new incompetent government is better than the old 'stupid' one. meanwhile all of the stupid insurgents can blow their idiotic selves sky high against the walls of the now-redhouse.

Will Jim Carrey get away and keep on making bad movies in a cave somewhere which will be aired on the "stupid-fatass-network"?

Will Jim Carrey get away and keep on making bad movies in a cave somewhere which will be aired on the "stupid-fatass-network"?
Yes, meanwhile smartarse liberal will point out that he is in fact Canadian, and not at all tied to George Bush. Later we will Invade Australia to find him, after much of nothing we will start talking about ousting some evil junta of sting rays which was killing national icons and such.

Seriously it is. Despite this, most of you are losing it (at least in this forum). I stumbled upon an interesting website here (http://qntm.org/terrorism)

Seriously people. Get over it, and they will too. Killing a busload of people isn't worth it if nobody gives a damn. When you stop caring, the terror will stop (because it will stop performing the function it was intended to perform, i.e. make you scared).
What is this "terror" you are talking about? :p

You guys keep missing the point. The author is not advocating that governments ignore terrorism. The author is simply stating that the average Joe on the street should. That we should let the government take care of it, and worry about our own issues. That's what I've been doing this whole time, and have you ever seen me even ONCE act like "THE EVIL MUSLIMS ARE COMING TO GET ME!"?

You guys keep missing the point. The author is not advocating that governments ignore terrorism. The author is simply stating that the average Joe on the street should. That we should let the government take care of it, and worry about our own issues. That's what I've been doing this whole time, and have you ever seen me even ONCE act like "THE EVIL MUSLIMS ARE COMING TO GET ME!"?
That is what everyone has been posting thus far, isn't it? Who was talking about governments? By the way its "T3H EB1L MUSL1M5"

There's also an authoritarian anti-terrorist solution certain countries have implemented and still use. It is not to report about anything like terrorism. In the worst case they would report "there was some accident" in local media. No one surely screams about "prevented terrorism". And they really had and have no terrorism in the modern sense, since it has no chances to be effective.

It would not help for 9/11, but if such a solution was already in place there would just likely be no such attack. It's wide reporting, long public discussion, solemn mourning and constant reminding what made terrorism popular. If you can do the enemy more damage by exploding one bomb than by killing a thousand of his soldiers, the choice becomes obvious.

There's also an authoritarian anti-terrorist solution certain countries have implemented and still use. It is not to report about anything like terrorism. In the worst case they would report "there was some accident" in local media. No one surely screams about "prevented terrorism". And they really had and have no terrorism in the modern sense, since it has no chances to be effective.

It would not help for 9/11, but if such a solution was already in place there would just likely be no such attack. It's wide reporting, long public discussion, solemn mourning and constant reminding what made terrorism popular. If you can do the enemy more damage by exploding one bomb than by killing a thousand of his soldiers, the choice becomes obvious.

You win the thread. [/thread]

this sounds like a "if you close your eyes it will all go away" type of solution.

was this solution published by the same fundie "christians" that said "if you dont teach sex to kids then they wont think about it/do it"

people in the middle east ahte us (westerners, specificly the people of the UNited States). they always will now untill the end of time. if we dont publish it on our news isnt going to do anything. they will still hate us.

I agree with this idea, more or less. If al-Qaida (I probably spelled that wrong, sorry) did not think crashing planes into buildings caused fear, they probably wouldn't do it. The problem is, when do terrorists realize it won't scare people? Let's say the entire world "turned off" it's fear of such events. Before terrorists realize that, how many acts of terror will they perform? Just because one is not afraid of terrorism does not mean one is indifferent to the plight of those attacked by terrorists. That's the problem with the suggestion. It's not only the terror inspired by the deaths, its the deaths themselves that are horrible.
Other than that, it makes good sense.

This all sounds like a good idea in principle. Personally, although obviously I do react to terrorist attacks in the sense that I notice them, and feel some sympathy for ther families of those killed, I otherwise ignore them. The 7th July bombings in London last year didn't make me think 'aaagh, can't go to London now!' I still use the Tube, I don't assume another attack is going to happen.

Also, I disagree with the idea that we "should let the government take care of it, and worry about our own issues." - Kyronea (I know, K., you were saying that was what the author of the thread was saying, this may not be your own personal view). Look how that worked out just in the British example.
Police: "can we have the power to imprison someone for 90 days while we try to find some evidence against them? without charging them with any offence, its just that we think they're a terrorist?" Blair's govt. "hmm. well, you know what you're talking about - you are the police, after all. OK!" Everyone else: "What? Just... no! You can't!" [gets voted down] (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorism_Act_2006#90-day_detention).

I'd be happy to leave it to the government if their first response was not 'can't let the terrorists destroy liberal democracy! let's restrict individual liberties! remove the presumption of innocence! suspend habeas corpus! That'll show 'em...'

I know how we can stop Terror in the world...

Arrest every older brother in the world. I guaruntee you that there will be a whole lot less terrorizing going on.

Speak for yourself pal. I will do my part to win the war on terror.
Are you going to play in the sandbox in Iraq?

Why don't you declare war on obesity or stupidity? Both of which are a much bigger threat to you guys than terrorism. Just try to do it without invading a random muslim country, please.
Because then people will claim that their rights are being violated.

The author is simply stating that the average Joe on the street should. That we should let the government take care of it, and worry about our own issues.

Do you really want the US government taking care of it?? It's getting worse by the second.

No they won't. Well they will for a while, but when someone makes a decision, they balance the marginal benefits and the marginal costs of such a decision. The only real benefit of blowing up a busload of people is the fear generated by it. Tactically speaking it is unreasonably difficult, and offers little for your cause. The resources would be much better spent on government officials or military installatons. Luckily we set the level of the marginal benefit of such an action. We are setting it, right now.

Which is part of the problem, most Islamic extremists are incredibly irrational, and they will try to up the ante until we pay attention to them. They don't act as homo economicus like western nations try to do.

I know how we can stop Terror in the world...

Arrest every older brother in the world. I guaruntee you that there will be a whole lot less terrorizing going on.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/Wow.gif Hey! :mad: I am the older brother!!! And while I maybe gave my sister a hard time ever once in a while, I'm also the guy who would walk into the fire to save her.
Besides - with me gone, she'd take right over. You really wouldn't want that...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/Wow.gif Hey! :mad: I am the older brother!!! And while I maybe gave my sister a hard time ever once in a while, I'm also the guy who would walk into the fire to save her.
Besides - with me gone, she'd take right over. You really wouldn't want that...

Hey, easy pal! It's just a joke to point out the absurdity of the War on Terror.

Hey, easy pal! It's just a joke to point out the absurdity of the War on Terror.
I knew I forgot the ":D" at the end of the post ;)