TERROR ON THE BODY

As the fundamental tenet of terrorism, the concept of “terror” itself—a psychological state of intense fear—can produce very tangible corporeal effects, whether physical, social, emotional, or psychological. On a most basic level, the body acts as the target or receptacle of terror and terrorism. Human life becomes the highest “collateral damage” for an act of violence which aims to assert a political statement, instill fear in society, and/or gain (recognition/notoriety) for the responsible persons. In this instance, acts of terror—whatever the intention may be—obviously can have the ultimate consequence of death on the body. The victims’ corporeal damage and the violation of life become the signifier for the threat of the potential violence to come if the (perpetrator)’s demands are not heeded. Additionally, the (techniques??) of the victim’s body itself—gender, race, ethnicity, class, etc.—can mark the body as a particular target for specific terrors. Moreover, witnesses to the violence of terrorism can experience very real psychological after-effects as a result of (falling prey) to terrorist tactics—that is, they can experience terror. From clinically recognized psychopathological syndromes that can bring about emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, to quotidian fears and practices that prevent one from living one’s everyday life, the psychological effects of terrorism have very real consequences on how daily life is lived out.

BODY AS TERROR

Martyrdom resulting from acts of terror are also often closely interrelated with the body and the image of the body portrayed in media. In acts of terror, the perpetrator’s sacrifice of his or her body often becomes the ultimate signifier for dedication to one’s cause for the act of violence. The performance of self inflicted violence upon one’s body can actually concretize the link between that particular sacrificed body and that political cause. The physical appearance of that body, then, reproduced again and again in media images, becomes closely linked with the political statement behind the act of terror.
Thus the body can also become a sign of terror itself. Markers of the body, such as racial or religious indicators, can also cause one to be perceived as a terrorist threat, often resulting in a reciprocal terror or oppression upon that body. Practices meant to counter terrorism have immense effects on the movement of the body through space, often as a result of bodily profiling.

This Is Not a Joke What Homeland Security is doing to keep America safe

Repercussions of Fear Duct tape safety

Post-Traumatic Stress Syndome An example of psychological effects of terrorism on the body post-9/11

Sexual Terrorism Gender as a marker for the body as target

Ethnicity as Body Marker An example of race/ethnicity as target for terrorism

Racial Profiling Post 9/11 An example of perceived race as marker of terrorism

Palestinian Resistance Another example of body marked as terrorist

U.S.A. Patriot Act The U.S. Government's legislation to investigate suspected terrorists