Addressing the Myths of Terrorism in America

• In Event: Fear, Myths, Perceptions, and Exposure to Terrorism and Political Violence

Abstract

The intersection of sensational media coverage, public fears, and political motivations has contributed to misconceptions about the nature of terrorism and the perpetrators of extremist violence. The current study combines data from leading open-source databases to address the myths of terrorism in the United States. The inclusion of jihadist-inspired, far-right, and far-left incidents is used to provide an empirical critique of turn of the century popular discourse that suggests: (1) terrorism is reaching epidemic proportions; (2) involves record setting fatalities and injuries; and is motivated by (3) internationally based; (4) jihadist-inspired extremists; (5) of Arab-decent; (6) working in organized groups. Findings highlight the reality of the terrorism problem in the United States. A discussion of findings identifies important implications for public knowledge and policy responses to terrorism and extremist violence.

Authors

• Celinet Duran, CUNY, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Jason R. Silva, John Jay College / Graduate Center, CUNY

• Joshua Freilich, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Steven Chermak, Michigan State University