Terrorism has always existed in society, right across the years and generations. It has worn many different faces and come in many different forms. From homegrown terrorism to threats from abroad, it is a sad but accurate fact that the issues of terrorism are still very much a part of our lives today.
Keeping yourself, your loved ones, your home, and your business safe will be a priority for you. One of the key factors of terrorism that makes it so frightening is the element of surprise; of not knowing where the next attack will take place. However, alongside keeping safe, there should be something else that is important to you. That is remaining knowledgeable and educated on the issue of terror, and its adjoining issues.
The old saying ‘knowledge is power’ is a pertinent one in these times. While terrorists try and gain power over others, we should in turn harness the power of information. So, what are the most effective ways to educate yourself about the issues of terrorism?
First of all, it is important to be aware of the organizations, charities, and individuals working to protect both you and society as a whole. They do exist. Take the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. They are an activist think tank formed by a group of policymakers and philanthropists in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They use a variety of tools at the disposal to protect democratic societies from acts of terror, both today and in the future. You can learn about their work through their journalism, research reports and educational seminars. They also act as a form of reassurance. Know that you are being protected- even if you can’t see it with your own eyes.
It is also incredibly important to not shut yourself off from opposing viewpoints to your own. We all have a tendency to attempt to surround ourselves with people who share similar outlooks on life. However, this can, in turn, give us a warped view of the world. It can close us off to the realities of what others things. The next time somebody says something that contradicts your own opinions or stance on an issue relating to terror, don’t turn away. Instead, engage with them in a measured and open manner. Often, hearing what the opposing side have to say on an issue can be very educational. The point isn’t to make yourself agree with them- it is to hear what they have to say and to take it into consideration.
Last but not least, you cannot remain educated if you don’t keep up to date on current affairs. The world is changing every day. New attacks are accompanied with new laws, new sanctions, new movements. Knowing about these things is just as important as knowing about the acts of terrors. Also, read widely- columns, opinion pieces and the like- and watch videos online. Be present on social media also. It is here where a lot of pieces of this nature are shared. You can also engaged in discussion and debated via the comment section, or share the feature on your own social media.
