The Illustrated Guide to Terrorism

Chapter 1: What Is Terrorism?

Page 3: Violence

NARRATOR

Let’s start our definition with one attribute that most people will agree is a necessary element of terrorism:

There must be an act of physical VIOLENCE.

Demagogue shouting at podium labeled “HATE” => NOT TERRORISM

Bus exploded by bomb with bodies => TERRORISM

Marching yahoos with signs “Fear Me!” “No” and “Not you” => NOT TERRORISM

Masked gunmen shooting up a workplace => TERRORISM

Man in suit denying money, college, job, immigration, saying “Denied. Get out.” => NOT TERRORISM

Man with axe about to lop off children’s hands while parents watch => TERRORISM

NARRATOR

Terrorism always involves the use or threat of PHYSICAL FORCE intended to cause PHYSICAL HARM.

People have discovered countless ways to be evil to fellow human beings. Terrorism is only one of them.

Non-violent evils include all kinds of injustice, oppression, indignity, marginalization, theft, bigotry, and exclusion. But because they are not violent, they cannot be terrorism.

Obviously, not EVERY assault or murder is an act of terrorism. The difference isn’t so much HOW it’s committed…