Soc 208: Violence, Media, Law, and Terrorism in Society

What is the definition of violence in the context of Soc. 208?

The experience of the infliction of pain and suffering upon another person.

What factors influence the interpretation of violence?

The occurrence of violence, our ability to know about it, and the laws that prohibit or permit it.

What role does modernity play in the negotiation of violence?

Modernity affects violence through science, technology, social media, economy, and democracy.

What is the significance of media representation in understanding violence?

Media representation shapes how violence is perceived and understood in society.

How has mass communication evolved in relation to violence?

It has shifted from newspapers and television to the internet and smartphones, changing the accessibility and dissemination of information.

What is the impact of social media on perceptions of violence?

Social media transforms observers into witnesses and can lead to increased anxiety and radicalization.

What does the term 'triangulation of violence' refer to?

It refers to the interplay between the occurrence of violence, knowledge about it, and the laws governing it.

What is the role of the state in defining violence?

The state regulates the law, which determines the boundaries of what is considered violence.

How does media coverage differ for societal majorities and minorities?

There is often over-reporting of violence against the majority and under-reporting of violence against minorities.

What is the consequence of media saturation with violent images?

It can lead to a heightened sense of fear and anxiety, influencing public perception and behavior.

What are the implications of the law in relation to violence?

The law is influenced by societal norms and values, determining what is considered violence and how it should be punished.

What is the effect of globalization on the perception of violence?

Globalization collapses time and space, altering how violence is mediated and experienced.

What does McDonald suggest about the changes in mass communication?

Changes in mass communication alter how violence is represented and understood in society.

What does the term 'personalization' refer to in the context of media?

It refers to the experience of virtual events as personal experiences through media.

What is the significance of the Holocaust in the study of violence?

It highlights the importance of considering mass and collective violence in historical contexts.

What do Milgram's experiments demonstrate about violence?

They show how ordinary people can commit acts of violence under authority pressure.

What does Zimbardo's research indicate about context and violence?

It emphasizes the importance of situational factors and role-playing in understanding violent behavior.

What is the relationship between violence and democracy?

Democracy allows for public participation in defining and enacting violence.

How does the concept of 'cyber warfare' relate to modern violence?

Cyber warfare represents a new domain of conflict that challenges traditional notions of war and peace.

What is the importance of critical thinking when consuming media about violence?

It helps to identify the power structures behind media messages and their implications.

What does the term 'decontextualization' mean in media representation?

It refers to information being separated from its original context, affecting its interpretation.

What is the impact of security cameras on the perception of violence?

They contribute to the relationship between modernity and violence by increasing surveillance.

What does Arendt suggest about who can commit violence?

She argues that ordinary people are capable of committing acts of violence.

What is the significance of animal rights laws in the context of violence?

They represent a shift in societal values regarding the acceptability of violence against non-human entities.

What is the main takeaway regarding media's role in violence?

Media not only represents violence but also constitutes it through representation.

What is the primary role of law in society?

To regulate behavior and determine the boundaries of violence.

What influences the source of law?

Societal norms, values, and social practices.

How does systemic discrimination manifest in the legal system?

Through jury service, incarceration, and policing, affecting marginalized groups disproportionately.

What is intersectionality in the context of oppression?

The concept that individuals may face oppression on multiple axes of their identities, leading to greater inequality.

What is the definition of terrorism?

The unlawful use of violence, fear, or intimidation against civilians for political aims.

Why is the attack on civilians considered a key aspect of terrorism?

Because it violates international norms of warfare and demonstrates the state's inability to protect its citizens.

What is a significant outcome of terrorist attacks on civilians?

They provoke general fear and anxiety across society.

What historical events contributed to the rise of terrorism in the modern context?

The dissolution of empires post-World War I and the formation of nation-states post-World War II.

How did the Cold War influence U.S. foreign policy regarding terrorism?

The U.S. supported religious groups to resist the USSR, leading to the mobilization of fighters in Afghanistan.

What was the Iran-Contra Scandal?

A political scandal during the Reagan era where the U.S. supplied arms to both Iran and Iraq to weaken both militaries.

What was the significance of Operation Desert Storm?

It was a U.S. military operation to protect Saudi Arabia from Iraqi aggression.

What is the role of the state in controlling violence?

The state uses violence selectively, influencing how different groups are treated by law enforcement and the legal system.

What does the phrase 'Lady Liberty is blindfolded' symbolize?

The ideal that personal beliefs should not affect the rule of law, despite systemic inequalities.

What are the implications of systemic discrimination in law?

It can lead to unequal treatment and reinforce existing power hierarchies.

What is the relationship between law and media in shaping societal norms?

Law is formal and objective, while media is informal and subjective, both influencing civil society.

How did the U.S. respond to the rise of the Taliban?

The U.S. initially supported the Mujahedin fighters against the USSR but later faced backlash as these groups evolved into terrorist organizations.

What is the significance of the 9/11 attacks in relation to U.S. foreign policy?

It marked a turning point, leading to increased military intervention in the Middle East.

What does the term 'disaffected groups' refer to in the context of terrorism?

Groups that feel marginalized or oppressed and may resort to terrorism as a form of resistance.

Why is it challenging to identify terrorists?

Because they often appear as ordinary civilians and do not fit a specific profile.

What role does fear play in the context of terrorism?

Fear can lead to obedience to terrorist demands and increased support for state security measures.

What is the impact of social institutions on violence?

Social institutions like law and media construct and control perceptions of violence, influencing public response.

How can changing the application of law address discrimination?

It is insufficient; laws themselves must also be changed to eradicate systemic discrimination.

What are the components of legal interpretation regarding power relations?

It includes the majority voice, sexual deviance, and vulnerable femininity.

What does the term 'virile European legal authority' imply?

It suggests a dominant perspective in legal discourse that marginalizes other voices.

What international terrorist network did Bin Laden create?

Al Qaeda

What countries did Bin Laden primarily organize potential terrorists in?

Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia

What was a significant factor contributing to anti-US sentiment among terrorist groups?

Destructive and self-interested US involvement in their countries over decades.

What is a common profile of a 'successful' terrorist?

High mobility, global networks, disaffected, expresses disaffection through religion, male, college educated, financially knowledgeable, and trained in camps.

What are the three waves of terrorism identified in the notes?

Wave I: Highly trained professionals (9/11), Wave II: Amateurish post-9/11, Wave III: Local terrorism enabled by the Internet.

How did sectarian violence in Iraq manifest according to Hafez?

Al Qaeda (Sunnis) attacked Shiis, and Shiis retaliated, with the US intervention radicalizing Sunnis.

What was the impact of the US intervention on Sunni officials in Iraq?

They were marginalized and formed the origins of ISIS due to being fired or imprisoned without compensation.

What was the significance of the 9/11 attacks in the context of terrorism?

It symbolized a shift in terrorism from violence as resistance to violence as a performance to communicate messages.

What distinguishes Al-Qaeda's focus from that of ISIS?

Al-Qaeda targets the Christian West, while ISIS focuses on local oppressions among Muslims.

What are the challenges in defining domestic terrorism?

It implies instability and usurpation of the state's monopoly of violence, making it difficult to distinguish from international terrorism.

What is the main finding of Akhlaq's research on terrorist recruitment?

Social networks are the most important factor in recruitment, with most joining due to acquaintances rather than ideology.

What is the profile of individuals who typically become involved in terrorist organizations?

Alienated, male, often from rural to non-rural contexts.

What characterizes lone wolf terrorism according to Becker?

Ideologically driven violence perpetrated by individuals without collaboration, though influenced by organizations.

What is the significance of the targets chosen during the 9/11 attacks?

They were places of symbolic significance, such as the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

What is the distinction between actual and potential threats in terrorism?

Actual threats involve confirmed actions, while potential threats refer to suspected actions that may occur.

How did the US's actions in Iraq affect Sunni populations?

The US marginalized Sunnis by firing or imprisoning them, leading to increased radicalization.

What was the role of media coverage in lone wolf terrorism?

It serves as a broad data set that can easily exclude non-terrorism cases but is challenging to add cases to.

What are the four historical periods of terrorism identified?

Period I (1880-1910): Political assassinations; Period II (1910-70): National liberation; Period III (1970-80): Student movements; Period IV (1990-today): Religious violence.

What does the FBI emphasize in its definition of terrorism?

Harm done to persons, properties, and goods.

What is the impact of toxic masculinity on domestic terrorism recruitment?

It limits emotional bonds among men, contributing to social isolation and recruitment into terrorist organizations.

What is the significance of the term 'waves of terrorism'?

It categorizes the evolution of terrorism based on methods, motivations, and societal responses over time.

What was the US's response to the 9/11 attacks?

A violent response that led to a shift in the nature of terrorism and its perception.

How does the Department of Defense define terrorism?

As actual and potential calculated actions, focusing on religious motivation.

What role does social isolation play in terrorist recruitment?

It increases the likelihood of individuals joining organizations due to a lack of existing social networks.

What type of targets do terrorists typically select?

Civilian/non-profit targets with lower levels of protection.

What is the primary ideology behind the selection of terrorist targets?

Targets are chosen to make an ideological statement.

Is it common for terrorists to have psychological disorders?

It is extremely rare; most terrorists do not have mental health issues.

What percentage of terrorist targets are located within 30 miles of the perpetrator's residence?

44%.

What is the most common method of attack used by terrorists?

Firearms are preferred over homemade bombs.

What is an example of a mass violence incident discussed in the notes?

The Las Vegas Mass Violence incident.

Why might the state be reluctant to label domestic terrorism as 'terrorism'?

It undermines the power of the state and emphasizes disorganization and chaos.

What is one of the biggest impacts of terrorism?

Counterterrorism efforts.

What are the four waves of terrorism since modernity?

Anarchist, anti-colonial, student (leftist), and religiously inspired terrorism.

What is a significant consequence of labeling an act as terrorism?

It affects public perception and the response of law enforcement.

What are the advantages of using official state and government data on terrorism?

They are official and accountable.

What is a disadvantage of victimization data in studying terrorism?

Victims may die, and traumatic memories can affect their recollections.

What is a common criticism of self-reported data collected from offenders?

It can be biased due to embellishment and exaggeration.

What is the significance of the Patriot Act in counterterrorism?

It increased monitoring of individuals and allowed for indefinite suspension of habeas corpus.

What is one way counterterrorism efforts can threaten civil liberties?

By allowing government intervention in personal beliefs and movements.

What does the term 'social construction of terrorism' imply?

Terrorism is defined by societal perceptions and has real consequences.

Why are white perpetrators of violence often not labeled as terrorists?

They are viewed as 'mentally ill' or 'psychotic' rather than part of systemic violence.

What is the role of the media in shaping the narrative around terrorism?

Media coverage can amplify fears and influence public perception of terrorism.

What is the relationship between terrorism and social control?

Terrorism is often a conflict over social control and the social order.

What are some examples of counterterrorism measures individuals might experience?

Airport security, law enforcement monitoring, and FBI informants infiltrating social groups.

What is the impact of the invasion of Iraq on international counterterrorism efforts?

It was conducted without UN legitimation, raising questions about legitimacy.

What is the significance of the triangulation framework in analyzing terrorism?

It helps to consider the intersection of law, media, and public perception.

What did the research by Deflem and McDonough find regarding media alarmism about counterterrorism?

Only 5-10% of media-covered cases were substantiated by the DOJ.

What is the cultural fear surrounding counterterrorism measures?

There is an irrational fear of an invasion of civil liberties that is not substantiated by evidence.

What is the importance of critical thinking when reading articles about terrorism?

It helps to identify misinformation and biases in the reporting.