...The media coverage of the September 11 attacks and of the events following have played an important role in the affecting of the publics view about Islam, the war on terror and the Middle East. The media distorts or manipulates information that is being presented to the public. Creating a distorted view of social reality for the individual viewing. Theobald in his article ‘Mystification in the Media: from ‘Ritual Murder’ to the ‘War on Terrorism’ he offers a powerful discussion about the medias portrayal of Islam, the War on Terrorism and the illusion created by modern journalism. Theobald’s in-depth analysis of the medias treatment of Islam, the war on terror and the representation of Muslims exposes the impact of the media on the comities view. Martin and Phelan’s article ‘Representing Islam in the Wake of September 11: A Comparison of US Television and CNN Online Messageboard Discourses’ uses different techniques in their article to show the reader how two different media examples, television and a CNN messageboard present information headed by the word Islam in the immediate aftermath of September 11. Where Martin and Phelan back their arguments with statistics and hard evidence, Theobald develops his argument through in-depth and detailed analysis of important news coverage. Both articles offer an in-depth insight into the medias representation surrounding the September 11 attacks and the war on terrorism. John Theobald’s discusses the issues of mass communication and...
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...Are the media the “terrorists’ best friends”? (Laqueur, 1976) This essay will propose that the media coverage of acts of terror occurs for the main purpose of reporting on the news, it heightens the public’s awareness of such incidents and aids in counterterrorism, thus having a detrimental effect on the terrorists and their cause. Laqueur’s statement that the media are the terrorists’ best friends implies that their coverage of terrorism aids the terrorists. We will examine and disprove the hypotheses that coverage of terrorism in the media, and the publicity and attention terrorists gain through media reporting of their acts of terror are beneficial to their cause. For the purposes of this essay media will be used as a “…generic term meaning all the methods or channels of information and entertainment” (P.Wilkinson, 1997:51) and as found within majority of the theories and concepts discussed, the term terrorism, and therefore terrorist, is used to describe violence carried out in the name of a political, ideological or racial cause by a person who wishes to influence the government and, or, intimidate the public. (www.mi5.gov.uk) Terrorism is a psychological weapon (P.Wilkinson, 1997:54), which is dependent upon communication of its threat. The easiest way terrorists can disseminate their messages of threat is through the manipulation of the media. When using the media, the terrorists’ have four core objectives; communicate propaganda; mobilise support from the public...
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...OTPR293 TERRORISM IN A GLOBALISED WORLD ESSAY 1. 2. How is the relationship between terrorism and the news media best understood? Terrorism and the Media co exist in a symbiotic relationship, meaning they both need each other. The media need terrorism to attract viewers and terrorists need media coverage for exposure. Media’s primary purpose is communication. Terrorism is a form of communication that is amplified by the media. Terrorism is outrageous violence that seizes the public’s imagination and awakens its audience to political issues and propaganda that are of importance to the perpetrators. The terrorists have a need to reach a target audience and seek publicity to display their actions and achieve exposure. Without such exposure of the acts, the goals of the terrorist have not been achieved (Lutz & Lutz, 2013 pg. 10). A terrorist act by itself achieves nothing without coverage from the media. In essence media is a terrorist’s best friend, for without the exposure given it is plausible to conceive that terrorism would cease to exist. The progression of technology such as mobile recording devices and hand held cameras has heightened the ability for terrorism to be displayed in a cinematic experience. These functions allow front seat access to world viewers of horrific terrorist acts, training camps, messages of hate or encouragement which are in turn beamed throughout the globe via specific terror home pages or through the various media outlets (Hoskins...
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...Terrorism and the Media, Core Assessment Terrorism is defined as; "The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons". (Barnett and Reynolds, 2009, p. 13). There is no official definition of terrorism agreed on throughout the world. Even when the common elements of terrorism are spelled-out for us; "Small units, small weapons, usually don't wear uniforms, targets are state symbols, political opponents and public at large and the action is not recognized as a legal act”. (Barnett and Reynolds, slide-8). It seems that when a bombing, a mass shooting, or a suspected terrorist event happens and American leadership have agreed on the common elements of the terrorist event, a good number of American citizens are more concerned with the ethnic background of the alleged perpetrator and more specifically if they have a Muslim sounding name. So even though we know the general definition of "Terrorism", sometimes those elements are not the immediate focus and the actual definition varies even at the highest levels. Was the Boston marathon a terrorist action? According to the President of the United States it was. However, according to the agreed on definition as outlined by (Barnett and Reynolds, slide-8), the jury is still out. Another publically recognized domestic terrorism event was the 1995...
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...TYPOLOGIES OF TERRORISM Just as there is no one good definition of terrorism, typologies do not account for all forms of terrorism. Typology development in criminology and criminal justice scholarship seems to exist for the ease of teaching. Prof. Eskridge's Terrorism Page, from his course on terrorism out in Nebraska has some graphic examples of typologies, but it should be noted that typologies of terrorism are usually NEITHER motive-based NOR behavior-based, like they are in other areas of criminological study, such as the areas of profiling and street crime (the exception being Hacker's typology of terrorists by traits, included below). This is evident from the following examples commonly found in textbooks and/or in the strangely confused way the media reports what is going on in times of terrorist-related crisis or war (Hess & Kalb 2003). In the following typologies, notice in the headings how the types are classified in different ways. |Terrorism Classified by Place | |1. Domestic -- by residents of a country within that country | |2. International -- by representatives of a country against another country | |3. Non-state -- extremism and revolution for its own sake | |4. State-sponsored -- by a government against its own people or in support of international | |terrorism against...
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...Mass Media Messages and Effects Mass Media Messages and Effects When it comes to mass media, it is important to not only understand the different roles the media has in society but to also recognize with every message, there is an effect. The message that the media source is giving may have a negative or positive effect on an individual, a group of people or on society as a whole. Messages from mass media can and will have an effect also on their own organization and at times have had to certain repercussions when not following certain rules set that they must adhere to. In many situations, mass media uses what people consider an unethical approach to influence society. Due to the many laws that exist to protect society, the government has made sure to have an involvement on mass media to regulate what type of content can be released as well as protecting the rights of the people. The audience has an expectation with the messages that the media is providing to society. Society expects mass media to be honest and ethical which is how a media source can earn the respect of its audience, which will lead to a regular return by viewers. Because there is no set of rules that apply to the requirement of ethics in media, it is in the Medias best interest to consider the golden rule and the “do unto others” as this is something that people tend to expect from others. At many times, it may appear that mass media try to brain wash, persuade, or decide for society what...
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...Butts SOS-440 Terrorism and Media Recent history, specifically the past decade, has provided plenty of examples of the mutually beneficial relationship between terrorist organizations and the media. As some remarkable terrorist attacks in history indicate, whether it is in the United States (US), Europe, or the Middle East, it is by and large the case that the architects of terrorism exploit the media for the benefit of their operational efficiency, information gathering, recruitment, fund raising, and propaganda schemes (Nacos 2006). In the words of Nacos (2002), whether it is the relatively inconsequential arson by an amateurish environmental group or mass destruction by a network of terrorists, the perpetrators’ media-related goals are the same: attention, recognition, and perhaps even a degree of respectability and legitimacy in their various publics (Nacos 2002). Media, in return, receives the attention of the public that is vital for its existence and benefits from record sales and huge audiences. To put it briefly, just as terrorism has to be communicated to have effect, the media has to cover the incidents in such a way to benefit from the public’s eagerness to obtain information about terrorist attacks. It is, therefore, fair to argue that there is a mutually beneficial relationship between terrorism and today’s media. Indeed, the goals of terrorists are not solely confined to winning the attention of the masses. In addition to that, through the media, they aim to...
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...topic of today’s debate is ‘News is not news but what Media makes it’ and am speaking against the motion. Everything in this modern age is powered by media from the moment we wake up until we sleep at night. Have we ever asked ourselves how all of this affects our reasoning, our power to choose and our lifestyle? Since mass media is used to communicate and interact with people from various walks of life, it can often result in a conflict of opinions. The media, specifically in India, represents a convergence of paradoxes: tradition and modernity; anarchy and order; diversity and unity; conflict and cooperation; news and views; feudalism and democracy; the free market and monopoly. Mass media enjoys a very prominent role in our lives. Therefore, there are various effects of mass media on society at large. The wide reach offered by mass media is phenomenal. It can target both local and global audience. Over the years, mass media has played an important role in making people understand the meaning of democracy. We also come to know about the strengths and weaknesses of the economy of our country, the various problems faced by the nation, achievements of the nation in different sectors, through the prompt and precise reporting of different forms of media. In a country like ours, where there are many castes, religions and languages spoken, media has even more tough responsibility of conveying the true news to the citizens. Media plays a very important role in shaping the personality...
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...influence of mass media has grown exponentially with the advance of technology. First there were books, then newspapers, magazines, photography, sound recordings, films, radio, television, the so-called New Media of the Internet, and now social media. Today, just about everyone depends on information and communication to keep their lives moving through daily activities like work, education, health care, leisure activities, entertainment, travelling, personal relationships, and the other stuff with which we are involved. It's not unusual to wake up, check the cell phone for messages and notifications, look at the TV or newspaper for news, commute to work, read emails, take meetings and makes phone calls, eat meals with friends and family, and make decisions based on the information that we gather from those mass media and interpersonal media sources. So what? We need to be aware that the values we hold, the beliefs we harbour and the decisions we make are based on our assumptions, our experiences, our education and what we know for a fact. We rely on mass media for the current news and facts about what is important and what we should be aware of. We trust the media as an authority for news, information, education and entertainment. Considering that powerful influence, then, we should know how it really works. How media Influence us The degree of influence depends on the availability and pervasiveness of media. All of the traditional mass media still...
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...act and mitigate the threats of ongoing terrorism. Department of Homeland security is formed as a separate agency of the government to secure our nation from the acts of terrorism. The agencies sole purpose is to keep us safe and to prevent the attacks of the terrorism. In the development of the policies and counter terrorism tactics the government face different issues? In this essay we are going to look at how these issues affected...
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...Chapter 1 – Media’s Perception of Terrorism and Influence over the Audience By principle, the media should be impartial, unbiased and independent while illustrating their duties. The main aim and task of the media is to give accurate information to the public which should be based on the truth. During times of war the western media has become a place where the opinion of the audience at home is of vital importance to the success and failure of the war being fought against terrorism. In today’s time, the media is the main means of expression through which people receive information on terrorism or any other conflict, which then enlighten us about the unfolding events. Since the western media undisputedly is the most powerful, it has the means to present government actions in a supportive way, expose atrocities on either side and raise issues to the public which assist their governmental agenda. Here the question that comes to mind is whether the western media portrays terrorism, Muslims and Arabs in an accurate aspect. The western media uses certain techniques to depict terrorists in their own view which have had disastrous effects on Arabs as well as Americans all over the world. It is very unfortunate that despite all the recent terrorist attacks, weather they were significant or minor, the media still has not come up with a definitive definition of “terrorism” and “who is a terrorist”. The main issue with western media reporting on terrorism is their flaw of having discrepancies...
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...New Terrorism? Predicting the Future of Terrorism Introduction/ Purpose Terrorism is an often controversial subject. “One man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist.” This is a well known quote that is often used to allude to the complexity of terrorism. Terrorism, the word itself is a word that has possessed over a hundred definitions and a concept that has changed as the societies of the world have progressed. The use of the terms terrorism and terrorist are politically weighted, and are often used for a polarizing effect, where 'terrorism' becomes simply a relativist term for the violence committed by an enemy, from the point of view of the attacked. Because of the political nature of some struggles, 'terrorism' can become identified as simply any violence committed against established institutions. A terrorist is, strictly speaking, one who is personally involved in an act of terrorism. The term "terrorism" comes from the French 18th century word terrorisme (under their government's Reign of Terror), based on the Latin language verbs terrere (to tremble) and deterrere (to frighten from). The use of the term "terrorist" has had broader applications however, ranging in application from disgruntled citizens to common political dissidents. It is important to understand terrorism in our modern arena and under stand its effects on society. ‘Terrorism’, as a unified political and ideological motif did not arise spontaneously in response to particular instances...
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...Mohammed POL 2001 Professor: Roseanne McManus 16th December 2014 Globalization and Terrorism Before the U.S was attacked by the terrorists on September 11th, the world was on one course addressing issues to do with climate and economic development. It was after this attack that humanitarian issues combined with terrorism started to hit on the headlines of the international communities. Today the international community has shifted its energy and concern on the security issues and geopolitics. Before this incidence, the world was moving steadily to realize the idea of globalization. Where in the world would turn out to be a village. Globalization has been celebrated by everyone across the continent thanks to the technological process available. Globalization was celebrated by all including the population at large for bringing social and economic homogenization including other benefits (Chenoweth 355-378). Terrorism has now become the global issue dominating all squares of life of each individual while globalization has been labeled a global process. Globalization of terrorism does not only mean the way terrorists work across the borders but also how globalization process has facilitated this process of terrorism (Kudryavtsev, et al 84-94). Like industrialization, people across the borders have to live according to globalization to save their future as most of people call it undeniable truth in life. As the process of globalization gains speed, the more...
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...Courtney Friedman Term Paper: International Terrorism (Due Week 10) Professor Smith 5/23/14 CRJ 440 Terrorism, it is a well-known term, every person has all heard of it, but yet do we really know what it is. Terrorism is in the eyes of most, a meaningless hate crime, which has no true reason behind it. The terrorism mindset is people who want to create terror among civilization. They are trained to disturb peace, and to break social harmony. Terrorism is also a horrible threat to the modern world and modern society. It has become a problem around the world, not just in the United States. Many innocent people are killed by terrorist and their acts of terrorism. An individual can see terrorism in multiple forms, but not limited to: Bombing, hijacking, cross border terrorist activities and massacres on a massive scale, in addition to many others not listed. Its consequences are very frightening. Though much effort is put into eliminating terrorism, it is impossible to get rid of it until some strict laws are devised. Whenever and wherever society is victim to brutality, injustice, wrongs and intolerance, terrorism cannot be eradicated. There are many terrorist groups out there, of many different origins and sects. The group that will be discussed is Al Qaeda, which is the most well-known out of the groups listed. The questions and statements that will be answered and debated are: 1.) A brief explanation of Al Qaeda and the summarization of its origins, 2.) Al Qaeda's major...
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...Uncovering The Truth: Wars, Media and Metaphors “If only you can get all the facts out there in the public eye, then every rational person will reach the right conclusion” (Lakoff, 138). In the world today there are many examples via news reports, newspaper articles, and documentaries etc. that support George Lakoff’s claim that “Metaphors Can Kill”. More specifically written works like War Media and Propaganda: A Global Perspective, “Metaphors That Kill”, and The Five Biggest Lies Bush Told Us About Iraq, and Michael Moore’s documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 and his article “What Is Terrorism?” provide perspectives on the impact of wars such as the ongoing American involvement in Iraq and the repercussions that ensue because of them. These exposés also vividly emphasize the important issue of media coverage furthering the interests of government. By using examples of war and tone, media and methods of development, and metaphors and lies, these articles vividly emphasize the importance of the issues involved with governments, as well as the media and clearly educate the audience towards a better understanding of the problems and lies surrounding them. ‘War’ can be defined as a state of open armed conflict between one or more nations over a disputed disagreement. Hidden within this word comes thousands upon thousands of deaths, excessive amounts of wasted money, and immeasurable quantities of losses. The average person would find it incomprehensible to imagine why all this destruction...
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