On the day of the terrorist attack in Brussels, the first thing I did when I got home from school was tell my dad about it. Later on my little sister said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another terrorist attack.” These words made me sick to my stomach.
A fear has been growing in the hearts of Americans following the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks these past few months, this fear has only tightened its grip on society. Social media has been dominated by pictures and videos of the violence in Paris, and now Brussels.
The Islamic State has even posted horrific, grisly pictures and videos online. Seeing these images has contributed to our fear of Muslims. No one can watch the news without hearing the words “Muslim” and “terrorist” side by side.
The fear of the Islamic State and recent terrorist attacks have impacted the current presidential candidates in different ways. Donald Trump has called for spying on Muslims, halting their immigration, and even shutting down mosques.
Ted Cruz is prepared to “carpet bomb [ISIS] into oblivion” and apply a religious test to incoming Syrians, claiming Christian refugees pose no risk to American security. In contrast, candidate Bernie Sanders is encouraging compassion, and extending empathy toward the Syrian refugees who have been harmed by terrorism. Hillary Clinton says closing the doors on these refugees would undermine “who we are as Americans.”
Less than 2 percent of all terrorist attacks in the past 5 years were committed by Muslims. Thus, all Muslim Americans shouldn’t be treated as terrorists, and Syrian refugees shouldn’t be blamed for the attacks on Paris and Brussels.
The American people can fight ISIS as well as any army or government if they choose not to succumb to fear, but instead embrace diversity and show kindness to all humanity.
I don’t want future generations, especially my younger sister, to grow up expecting another terrorist attack. No one should live a life where the worst is expected.
Today we are so focused on our own self-interests and self-preservation that people perceive others who are different as a threat.
Fear is natural part of life, and can even be healthy for humanity at times. But if we let our natural human-response of fear take over, people will be driven apart who should be working together to stop terrorism. If America gives in to fear, then ISIS wins.
Last time I checked, America was the land of the free and the home of the brave. A land of people free to practice any religion, and be who they are without living in fear.
A home of brave souls who choose to help others, showing them kindness, even if it means putting their own lives at risk. “We the people” should start living up to this standard.
Americans can combat ISIS, and even fear itself, with kindness and compassion. And we can win.
Sarah McGonagle, 17, of Jaffrey, attends Conant High School.