Americans’ perceptions of terrorism are different from the reality of terrorism. Mia Bloom, a leading women’s studies and terrorism scholar, expressed this sentiment in her Feb. 18 on-campus lecture, “Bombshell: The Many Faces of Women Terrorists.”
Terrorists use our false stereotypes to their advantage, Bloom said. She explained that terrorist organizations use “gender stereotypes” against their targets, as women are often perceived as “peacemakers” while men are considered “war makers.” These stereotypes encourage terrorist groups to involve women in their work.
“Terrorism is constantly evolving; the kinds of terrorism we see changes over time,” Bloom said, adding that women’s role in terrorism evolves as well.
Bloom noted that terrorist organizations use women to do all kinds of tasks — something she said no group is innocent of doing.
Islamic terrorist organizations, such as the Taliban, use Islamic women as suicide bombers because they are less likely to be searched at checkpoints, Bloom said. These women wear long robes that are ideal for hiding weapons and can make them appear pregnant. Stereotypes allow these women to pass through undetected.
Terrorist organizations also use stereotypes of the opposition to convince others to join their cause, Bloom said.
“Sexual humiliation of women by occupational forces has become the rallying cry [for terrorist organizations],” she said, explaining that jihadists who sexually abuse women often accuse American soldiers of this act. The abused women are given a choice: die as a result of the Islamic honor code or become a suicide bomber.
Bloom encountered an opposing stereotype when publishing her book, “Bombshell.” North American publishers wanted a picture of a veiled woman on the front cover, demonstrating the view that terrorists are Islamic.
Bloom, however, wanted a picture of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Barbie doll strapped with bombs. She believed the Barbie demonstrated that terrorists come from many places, not just the Islamic culture. She said jihadist terrorists would use women like this because they defy stereotypes, adding that jihadists often target converts to use as suicide bombers.
Fearing a Barbie doll would attract young American girls, the publishers and Bloom agreed on a blood-splattered cover instead.
Bloom feels she has a responsibility. Beyond her work at Penn State, where she is an associate professor of international studies and women’s studies, she believes there is a greater story to be told.
“People are involved in terrorism for many reasons,” she said.
If that message gets out, she believes people will begin to understand the terrorist mindset and will be able to take action against it.
Jennifer Nesslar is a contributor at the Crow’s Nest. She can be reached at jnesslar@mail.usf.edu.
