Could a Single Dropped Bomb be Influential upon Group Think?

Listening to Kristen Anderson discuss the youth and foreign policy, she noted that public opinion, especially among youth, is very subject to change, “at the drop of a bomb”. Since the youth, since the 2008 election, has gone primarily left in most of its views, it is interesting to note that when we as a people view such acts of terrorism on television, youtube, or other streaming services, it causes us to be more inclined to become a “world police” of sorts, acting to prevent future violence in foreign nations. When ISIS sends videos of gruesome attacks, according to Anderson, it tugs the heartstrings of the American people. InformOverload does a very informative bit on the power of these videos and how it sways our thinking into more of an offensive mindset.

As we have slightly moved to the left as millennials, it is interesting that foreign policy and terrorism is the easiest to sway towards a more conservative way of thing, with the single action of a terrorist attack. Were it to happen on American soil, this concern and groupthink would most likely double in its urgency. Often, controversial issues such as the death penalty or abortion are not directly affecting our lives, and we do not place it quite as high. With safety at home and abroad, terrorist attacks, especially domestic, bring the terror to one’s front door. The fear invoked, or even the simple potential, is enough to hold a strong grip over the constituency, and will probably continue to be a pressing issue on the minds of most voters during these tumultuous times of ISIS and school/theater shootings

One thought on “Could a Single Dropped Bomb be Influential upon Group Think?

  1. This is an interesting argument that you pose. Am I correct in understanding that you suggest that as acts of terror continue, that millennials as a group will begin to think and act in a politically more conservative manner? I think that you have some valid points that terrorism certainly strikes fear in the hearts of all who witness it. However, I would dare to say that this fear would cause an even greater swing to the left. The reason for this, I believe is simple: As our overall freedom is threatened, Americans will be more willing to give up certain freedoms in effort to maintain others. This in essence is a very liberal concept. For instance, the right to privacy on our cell phone and email usage might willingly be given up all in the name of safety and terrorism prevention. This ideology promotes less freedom for the “greater good” of all people.

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