The harm caused by ISIS
The terrorist group ISIS have physically and emotionally hurt hundreds of thousands of people. It’s not just the act of killing people, but the fear caused by it, the insecurity felt as a result, the helplessness and frustration that we are left with.
There are so many different ways that we have been, and are being, affected, by terrorism, regardless of the label it wears.
What can we do in response to these acts of terrorism?
- We can send items to those who have been hurt
- We can fund-raise to support charities who are working in countries affected by the terrorism
- We can stop buying from companies who are known to be funding their activities
- We can write to the Government and express out views
- We can gather the masses and walk together in peace, and be a physical demonstration of the peace that we want to achieve
Laying the blame
There are some people who think that anyone wearing ‘Muslim clothing’ e.g. a hijab is a potential recruit for ISIS, if they haven’t been ‘turned’Â already.
Others seem to think that the huge Muslim population aren’t doing enough to express their disgust for the behaviour of ISIS and that they should unite and show that they don’t support these terrorists.
Then there are those who think all Muslims, whether they are men, women, children, young or old; should be hurt and made to pay for what’s going on!
Retaliation
Recently, I heard that the niece of a friend of mine was sitting on the tube. This guy sat next to her for 15 minutes, after which he turned towards her, shouted ‘ISIS bitch’ and then punched her in the face.
Luckily others intervened and she wasn’t hurt further, but how can this be right?
You could argue that other innocents didn’t ask for what they got and you’d be right! But should we adopt the same way of thinking as ISIS? Should we behave like them? Should we target anyone and everyone, just like they are? Is it ever OK to make someone pay for the sins of others?
What can we do with our feelings of frustration and resentment?
For a start, I don’t think we should ignore these feelings, but I don’t think we should use them to fuel violence towards others either.
Here are some suggestions about what we can do, can you come up with any others?
- go for a run, walk or do some sort of other workout to burn off that negative energy
- talk to someone about what you’re thinking and be completely open
- write your thoughts down, and be completely honest, knowing that the only reader will be you
- spend time with Muslims and see that the majority of them do not support terrorism
- turn these feelings into positive energy, and help those who are working on alleviating the pain felt by the innocents
- think of other examples throughout history, where large groups of people have hurt others, and remember that they, like ISIS, didn’t represent the views of everyone who share the same faith, nationality or race as them
- intervene when you witness or hear about harming other Muslims
Does this article go far enough to show that everyone is suffering as a result of terrorism?
Can you think of other things we can do to remain peaceful and positive?
Do you have a different point of view?
If so, use Twitter or Facebook and get in touch.
News that’s hot off the keyboard
I’ve added the following an hour or so after publishing this article.
Britain unites in rejection of Leytonstone Tube station attacker
The reaction of one Muslim responding to airstrikes in Syria
They way one Muslim reacted to the Leytonstone tube station attacker has resonated with thousands
