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DIFFERENT PERCEPTIONS OF CATHOLIC AND MUSLIM ON

TERRORISM

Submitted by:
Aguilera, Sean Carlo
Santiago, Jonel
Seng, Cid Joseph
Garcia, Krizzi

Abstract
Terrorism has grown into a pertinent global factor that has an effect on many countries
and states in the world. This research investigated the different perceptions of Catholic and
Muslims on terrorism. It made use of qualitative cross-sectional design, utilized unstructured
interviews, and engaged in a convenience sample of Catholics and Muslims. The objectives of
this study was to raise awareness about the effects of terrorism on a person and secondly, know
the difference in the perceptions of a male or female Catholic/Muslim adult. Thirdly, explore the
differences in the perceptions of an active Catholic/Muslim believer. Past researches have
discussed the impacts of terrorism, perceptions of an individual on terrorism and also the
connection of religion with terrorism. Findings demonstrated that there isnt much difference with
the perceptions of Muslims and Catholics on terrorism. Gender and religious activity both have
exhibited no influence on ones perception on terrorism. The implication of this small-scale study
is that perceptions may improve policies on combating terrorism and raise awareness on the
effects brought by such violence; and thus help minimize adverse effects of terrorism.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract.i
Acknowledgments....ii
Table of Contents.....iii
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.

Background of the Study..


Statement of the Problem and Research Questions
Research Objective
Significance of the Study..
Target Audience.
Scope and Delimitation.

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE


CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY.

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY


A lot of countries today experience the dangers of terrorism. Terrorism has been an
unresolvable global issue for the recent years and it continues to rise as more people choose to
take the path of violence in order to achieve social, political or religious goals. This unending
violence has taken its toll not only to the infrastructures in a community with all the debris from
different terrorist attacks but also to the innocent people nearby. Thousands of innocent lives
have been sacrificed in the fulfillment of these actions. Alongside these physical effects are the
psychological effects of terrorism which are equally harmful to the people.
Terrorism is an old tactic used in the old times. It began 884 BCE where Assurnasirpal,
the conqueror and king of Assyria enforced his rule on conquered territories and was followed
by the assassination of Julius Caesar. During the 1st-century AD Sicarii Zealots, though some
dispute whether the group, which assassinated collaborators with Roman rule in the province
of Judea, was a terrorist attack. The first use in English of the term 'terrorism' occurred during
the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, when the Jacobins, who ruled the revolutionary state,
employed violence, including mass executions by guillotine, to compel obedience to the state
and intimidate regime enemies. The association of the term only with state violence and
intimidation lasted until the mid-19th century, when it began to be associated with nongovernmental groups. Anarchism, often in league with rising nationalism and anti-monarchism,
was the most prominent ideology linked with terrorism. Near the end of the 19th century,
anarchist groups or individuals committed assassinations of a Russian Tsar and a U.S.
President. In the late 20th century, Islamic militancy in pursuit of religious and political goals
increased. One well-known terrorist attack during this time is the World Trade Center bombing.
So what may be the causes of this violence? To begin with, the definition of terrorism
according to the FBI is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to
intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in
furtherance of political or social objectives. Terrorists have different objectives such as fulfilling
political purposes, broadcasting grievances, and threatening adversaries. But the main driver of
terrorism according to a study of Global Terrorism Index is religion. Religion has become the
new justification for terrorist attacks. Terrorists justifying their acts through religious beliefs is a
way of them to explain to the public that what they did is right and acceptable. The linkage of
religion and terrorism is very significant in seeking solutions to terrorism. The different

perceptions and responses of Muslim and Non-Muslim people would greatly help in providing
information about the effects of terrorism.
As respects with the topic of terrorism, just recently last September 2nd of 2016 Davao
City once again experienced and suffered from these acts of violence. The Abu Sayyaf group,
an Islamist militant group claimed responsibility with the bombing in a night market in Davao but
the president asked to look for other possible suspects. The groups attack was a call for unity
to all mujahideen in the country". Mujahideen is the term used for one who is engaged in Jihad
which is the war against unbelievers. According to US Department of State, the goals of Abu
Sayyaf appear to have alternated over time between criminal objectives and a more ideological
intent". The terrorists goals is to promote independent Islamic state. The involvement of religion
in this case motivated the terrorists to conduct such violence. The attack led to the declaration
of state of lawless violence wherein well-coordinated military and police efforts will be carried
out across the country. The widespread effects of terrorism cannot be only isolated to the
particular place being terrorized but to the whole country as well. Citizens of the Philippines
whether living in Davao or not is affected directly and indirectly following the declaration of state
of lawlessness. With the utilization of fear, the attack left the people in shock and netizens
sympathizing with the families of the victims.
The study was conducted because of the uncontrollable overgrowing of cases of deaths
with different terrorist attacks and unpredictable acts of terrorists which deeply affects innocent
people. Seeing news, or TV reports with the number of deaths and Facebook posts of the
families of the victims are very heart-wrenching. Knowing they are all innocent and have nothing
to do with those terrorists, they shouldnt be in anyway die in the hands of other people. Imagine
a family member of yours just living his/her ordinary life, doing his/her job or in school studying
and suddenly will be gone just because he/she was there, where terrorists evilly decided to
bomb that place. We, as a part of a society where terrorists are present, felt the need to act, to
contribute something that may be used to improve policies so that there may be effective and
efficient prevention of, recovery from, and response to terrorism.
With the research the different perceptions of Muslim and Catholic adults on terrorism
will be explained and the awareness of people regarding terrorism will be explored.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY


The objectives of our study is to raise awareness about the effect of terrorism on a
person, in here we will be able to identify the different perceptions of a Catholic and a Muslim.
With the awareness of the effect of terrorism to people, it could create change one person at a
time. Another one is to know the difference in the perception of a male and a female
Catholic/Muslim adult on terrorism.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are the differences in the perceptions of Muslim and Catholic adults on terrorism?

Is gender a factor that affects the different perception of people?

Can an active Muslim and a Catholic believers perception differ from those who are
inactive?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY


The findings of the study will give the future researchers and readers of the different
concepts and ideas of the Muslim and the Catholic community on terrorism. The public will be
informed how terrorism affects people either physically or psychologically. By reading the
research itself, awareness on the issue of terrorism will be increased which will help in further
understanding of each Catholic and Muslims thoughts towards terrorism.
SCOPES AND DELIMITATION
The study will examine the different perceptions of the Catholics and the Muslims on
terrorism. The study is limited only to the Catholic and Muslims because we chose respondents
that are significant to our topic and the time given to us is restricted that is why we chose to limit
the participants.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience would be the Muslim and Catholic community so they would be
aware of their different perceptions. This paper is also for the terrorists so that they would know
the effects of their doings. This would also target the researchers who are interested in
continuing the study or in the topic of Terrorism.

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY


RESEARCH DESIGN
The research design was a face-to-face interview with the Islamic and Catholic
Community by visiting them to the places where their work and where most of them are staying,
But first we made a consent paper before asking them questions because our topic is too
confidential. The questions we asked during the interview can be avoided if the interviewee
does not want to answer it and when if he or she is feeling pressured by the interview we can
stop it at any time, we also gave them some credits by sharing stories, food and experiences so
they will feel more comfortable to us and get more accurate and valid answers to them. A lot of
reactions happened when the topic was asked and said, most of them agreed to our interviews
because they want to share their answers to us but there are people to ignoring and wanted not
to be disturb. When we are interviewing the Catholics there answers are more of being concern
and a merciful because even though some of them were not that affected to the situation you
can feel the sadness and cruelty of the Terrorist. the Islam People I noticed that the way they
answer our questions is aggressive and you can also feel the passion of them answering the
questions because they are victims too, but the way that other people sees it is all Muslims are
bad and we want to change that perspective of other people by doing this study.
SAMPLING PROCEDURES
The research utilized a convenient sample. The sample size involved 26 people wherein 13
of each are Muslim and Catholic. Due to the sampling method and size, the findings cannot be
generalized to larger populations. It was argued that the more sensitive or threatening the
phenomenon under study the more difficult sampling will be by Faugier and Sargeant
(1997:791). The subject matter of the research is sensitive, as terrorism is a controversial topic
to discuss (Mutz, 2002; 2006). Thus, we chose people who were open-minded with the topic on
hand. Some participants are our family and relatives. Participants were asked first if they were
comfortable to be interviewed with terrorism as the topic. Using our relatives as a sample gave
both the interviewer and the interviewee the ease at discussing the topic. However, when
employing interviews as a research instrument, there is possibility of the interviewer bias effect
(Appleton, 1995). To minimize this, it should be ensured that the interviewer is from a similar
background to the participants (Smithson, 2000) so therefore we chose people who have much

as possible close relationship with us. The sample of Muslims in the markets of Angeles City
was chosen as the participants because of the close proximity with the researcher, taking into
consideration the strengths and weaknesses of the sampling method, and given the
methodology and the limited time and resources, a convenient sample was appropriate.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The current research incorporated ethical guidelines in conducting interviews. Since the subject
matter was sensitive in nature, participants were guarded against possible adverse effects. The
interview was conducted along with a consent form and a recording device. Consent forms were
granted in which the studys main objectives were addressed. The letter also informed the
participants that their participation is voluntary, the interview will be digitally recorded but they
have the right to refuse, if however they agree on recording the interview, they could review or
edit the information they have provided. It also explained if they become upset by the questions,
they could stop at any time and choose not to answer the question. Confidentiality of the
information was strictly implemented; names and other personal information will be kept private
to the extent permitted by the law. Participants were also informed they could use pseudonym if
they wish not to be identified. The research was conducted without deception; the results only
reflected the responses of the participants.

1. FORMULATION OF QUESTIONNAIRES
The research made use of an unstructured questionnaire. Unstructured interviews are
like a guided conversation. This type of questionnaire consists of open-ended questions. Openended questions requires more-than-one-word answers which are more in-depth.
According to revisesociology.com, these are some advantages of using unstructured
questionnaire:
a. Unstructured interviews are respondent led The researcher listens to what the
respondent says and asks further based on what the respondent have provided. This
should allow respondents to express themselves and explain their views more fully than
with structured interviews.
b. Unstructured interviews are flexible As the interview goes by, the researcher can
decide what could be the most important questions are.

c. Rapport and empathy unstructured interviews encourage a good rapport between


interviewee and interviewer
d. Checking understanding unstructured interviews also gives the interviewer the ability
to check understanding. The researcher could rephrase a question not understood by
the respondent or clarify anything seen as unclear.
e. Sensitive issues can be easily and freely discussed. Terrorism can be a sensitive topic
especially to the Muslim community who often experience discrimination for certain
stereotypes.
f.

More in-depth data can be gathered from the respondents because they can freely
discuss their sentiments and opinions.

2. COLLECTION OF DATA
Places where there are abundant Muslims and Catholics will be visited including the
markets and Churches nearby for the data collection where personal interviews would be held,
conducted by the researchers to the interviewees. Their answers would be written and recorded
for safekeeping of information, they would be answering the questionnaire made. Personal
interviewers would be Face-to-face to provide historical information and allows researcher to
control over the line of questioning.
RESPONDENTS
The respondents of the study would be the different Catholic and Muslim adults in areas
nearby Angeles City. Personal information would be kept confidential. Markets, Churches and
other public places would be visited to hold the interview.

3.

DATA ANALYSIS
After collecting the data from the interviews and writing and recording the answers, it

would be analyzed and the key points would be highlighted, these are the relevant and
important answers that would give significance to the research. These answers would answer
the questions of our study. It would be analyzed and summarized and a conclusion would be
formulated.

List of Questions for the Participants


1. How do you define terrorism?
2. Do you think the way they obey religious teachings is really a factor that pushes
terrorists to become such?
3. Do you think terrorists are misunderstood or just ignored?
4. Jihad, is the struggle or the battle against those who oppose Islam and what Islam
stands for which is the only assurance of a Muslim for salvation. Thats why many
terrorists are eager to die for their religion. Do you think this principle is acceptable to
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Gods laws?
Do you believe God really wants us to kill non-believers?
Should terrorists face cruel punishments? Why or why not?
Do you think any life is worth a goal?
Under what circumstances can terrorism be ever justified?
How do you understand a behavior of a terrorist?

CHAPTER IV: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this chapter, research findings and the analysis of the data will be presented.
The findings relate to the research questions that guided the study. Data were analyzed to
identify, describe and explore the differences between the perceptions of the Muslim and
Catholic people on terrorism and to determine whether the gender and the religious activity of a
person affected ones perception. Data collection made use of an unstructured questionnaire
completed by a total of 26 participants. The primary data collected yielded conclusion wherein
gender as a factor does not directly affect ones perception towards terrorism.

Name:

Age:

Gender:

Address:
Contact no.:
Educational Attainment:

Religion:

10. How do you define terrorism?


11. Do you think the way they obey religious teachings is really a factor that pushes
terrorists to become such?

12. Do you think terrorists are misunderstood or just ignored?

13. Jihad, is the struggle or the battle against those who oppose Islam and what Islam
stands for which is the only assurance of a Muslim for salvation. Thats why many
terrorists are eager to die for their religion. Do you think this principle is acceptable to
Gods laws?
14. Do you believe God really wants us to kill non-believers?

15. Should terrorists face cruel punishments? Why or why not?

16. Do you think any life is worth a goal?

17. Under what circumstances can terrorism be ever justified?

18. How do you understand a behavior of a terrorist?

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