The Terror effect on Stereotyping

This is the second biggest threat to mankind after the AIDS Virus. Both are fatal, because it destroys both the mind and the body of individuals. The AIDS Virus attacks from the inside, whereas Terrorists attack in the open and sometimes behind hidden doors. Both also have the dubious distinction of creating stereotypes. Terrorism is increasing the pace of Stereotyping in the west, thus destroying the liberal philosophy of the west, and plunging them into the depths of ignorance. The AIDS Virus ostracizes the individual from society, thus setting dangerous precedents.

This post is going to be about the terror effect on the factor of stereotyping. In countries of the EU, Britain and in the US, certain communities are victims. If a terrorist belongs to that particular community and has committed an act of terror, then the entire community in that particular country is looked upon as a threat. This has come into the spotlight following the failed suicide attack at Glasgow airport.

Indians who reside in the UK now have to face a tough time now. Already, the anniversary of the 7/7 Train Bombings is fresh on the British publics mind, and following Gordon Brown's first days in office, these terror attacks will only keep the social fabric of the nation on tenterhooks. Already, following the aftermath of the Glasgow attack, hate Graffiti was sprayed on the walls in Liverpool against the Pakistani community. The policy of immigration, which is already strict, will be monitored even more closely from now on.

One wonders as to why whole communities have to face the brunt by one man's senseless activity. We are seeing a kind of paranoia that has engulfed the West following the events of September 11th. Now, everybody, from the middle east to the sub-continent are viewed with suspicion and with hatred. Of course, media coverage of repeated terror attacks by Islamic militants has also not helped the image of people from the Middle East. They are caught in a double edged sword, because it is this absolute Paranoia that leads to stereotyping.

I guess looking at the socio-economic and cultural setup of the West, it wont be surprising of their tendency to stereotype. What it also shows is that Paranoia can lead to the highest literate individual succumbing to ignorance and suspicion. The very nature of Paranoia is such, and that is why terrorism is so dangerous, because it affects the mind to think in ways which can be detrimental. Just like the AIDS Virus, the specter of Terrorism is going to continue, because by its nature it is so complex. To destroy a particular thing, a weakness must be spotted. But, unfortunately, in this case, the weakness cannot be spotted. So, for the time being, immigrants living on foreign soil will have to endure more tough times, and prolong the hope that a solution can come about.