Terrorism is framed as irrational fanaticism rather than political response

Evidence

Fundamentalism as the cause of terrorism has dominated discussion in the United States since 9/11. This rationale has set the terms of the debate and marginalizes the possibility of serious public discourse. The way in which Muslim fundamentalism is used to explain terrorism erases the complex political history that has led to authoritarian regimes and severe economic disparities. It also erases the ways in which Islamic militancy emerges from politics, not religion, even though it certainly converges with religion. Furthermore, it ignores the strong currents of secularism within Islam and suggests that the only path to democracy in Arab and Muslim countries is via secularism, as if democracy and Islam are incompatible. — Evelyn Alsultany, Arabs and Muslims in the Media, 896 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

When Landon is found and brought to court, the audience is told a tale of a Muslim convert who is led to murder: he is misogynistic, anti-Semitic, critical of American foreign policy, and convinced that America is part of a conspiracy against Islam. During court proceedings to determine his bail, he chants in Arabic, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, I am a slave to Allah” (God is great, God is great, I am a slave to God), and demands a Muslim lawyer. “This prosecution is part of America’s crusade against Islam. I want a lawyer who sees that,” he declares. His hostile and inappropriate courtroom behavior positions him as a fanatic who is not in touch with reason. — Evelyn Alsultany, Arabs and Muslims in the Media, 971 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Terrorists are rarely psychopathological, and labeling them so evades political questions — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology: Key Readings, 4088; Ironically distanced postmodern attitude is sold as protection from fanaticism and terror — Mark Fisher, Capitalist Realism: Is There No…, 16; Terrorism aims at political influence through emotional arousal rather than destruction — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4067 (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Terrorism explanations via Muslim fundamentalism erase the political roots of militancy #corroborates (0.95) — Evelyn Alsultany, Arabs and Muslims in the Media, 896
• Terrorism studies situate the cause of violence in the terrorist psyche, not politics #corroborates (0.90)
• Media portrayals frame Muslim religious expression itself as irrational fanaticism #exemplifies (0.85) — Evelyn Alsultany, Arabs and Muslims in the Media, 971
• Terrorism experts constructed the category linking Islam to irrational terror #exemplifies (0.82) — Saher Selod, Forever Suspect_ Racialized…, 32
• Terrorism aims at political influence through emotional arousal rather than destruction #qualifies (0.72) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 4067