Sociologists in broad agreement claim that terrorism and fanaticism are ideologies whose postulates are manifested in the same way. To begin with, fanaticism and terrorism are commonly associated with violence. The signs of fanaticism under dictatorship of Fidel Castro in Cuba and Kim Dzong Il in North Korea led both countries to political withdrawal from the international life and caused the death of thousands of those who had opposed the communist governments. Fanatics are as a rule noted for their incorrigible political beliefs and cruelty on those who resist to submit to regime.
Correspondingly, terrorist organisations are one of the greatest threat for innocent civilians as we repeatedly hear about bombings, car-traps and suicide bombers decimating non-combatants. Al Qaeda and other criminal groups claim that they have no intension of killing private citizens; however, the numbers show that the civilian population constitutes the large portion of victims. It is obvious that fanaticism and terrorism are very dangerous for the whole population and should be dealt with with the dose of caution and deliberation.
Secondly, terrorism and fanaticism flood the public with well thought out propaganda which is especially addressed to the youngest generations. Fanaticism is rooted in strong belief that something is superior to something else and this in particular affects young people. Adolescents with melleable minds are vulnerable to new ideas they unconsciously start to follow. It has become increasingly dangerous as fanatics use media to spread the area of their influence. The internet is just overflown with information about so-called preachers and thinkers who invite youngsters to join in the discussions concerning ”very important subjects”.
The Essay on Terrorism: Islam and Chechen Liberation Movement
... said: “Whenever and wherever, there is injustice, Terrorism cannot be eradicated.” Narrow mindedness, fanaticism, fundamentalism, intolerance and religious extremism are considered the ... fact that some intelligence agencies cause terrorism in enemy countries to destabilize them. Edward Cribbon said: “Fanaticism obliterates the feeling of humanity. ...
Similarly, terrorism adversely impacts young generations. Raising children in the atmosphere of brutality and mutual hatred cannot have positive effects in the future. Television, radio and internet are these media excessively used by terrorists to draw people’s attention. Broadcasts, video clips and anti-government slogans are only some of those elements which terrorism uses to engender its publicity. It is proved that both terrorism and fanaticism are using more and more advanced technologies to make their way to a potential recipient.
Moreover, fanatiscism and terrorism revolves around religious issues. Fanaticism finds its outlet particularly in religion. It happens because more than half of the population inhabiting the globe declare the religious affiliation of one sort or another. Religious persecutions related to fanatical superiority of one religion over another have always been the subject of discussion and have provoked international repercussions. In comparison, religion no longer serves as a means of affinity with God but gives terrorists reason to justify atrocities they are commiting.
The leaders of criminal groups, especially those comprising ”warriors” of Islamic creed, claim that their fight is approved by God in whose name they are fighting. Nowadays being religious no longer means maintaining a relationship with God but using religion as a weapon against humanity. Taking everything into account, it appears that there is no difference between fanaticism and terrorism whatsoever. Both terms, although share number of similarities, unfortunately denote negative phenomena with which a modern man has to struggle.
