Question

Describe the similarities and differences among the events of the Salem witch trials, the McCarthy era, and current events of the war on terrorism. Your response should be at least 150 words.

Answer 1

Both the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, McCarthyism of 1950s, and modern day war on terrorism may all be described as a type of 'witch hunt' on an identity. All of them ware latched onto a mob mentality desire by a common majority-held belief to seek out and marginalize those whose habits or customs disrupted common norms.

The norms in place in Salem were challenged when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by witches, which lead to a numerous number of citizens to be tried as witches in court because they behaved differently or were seen as outside of the social norms at the time.

The same is true of McCarthyism, where during the cold war, a second red scare emerged in the United States who were now pitted rivals with a new Soviet superpower. Talks of communist spies in the United States was common, many people were tried as well as being communist spies or sympathizers. Those with more radical views at the time (equal rights for women, against segregation, etc.) were commonly tried due to equality described in communism being used as a judgement for these individuals.

In the modern day war on terrorism, the fear and trials are often rooted in the war being one of a "Christian nation" fighting a radical Islamic ideology. Those who have a middle eastern background and Muslim heritage are often stopped at airports or by police for fear of being a radical terrorist. 

All these have in common is a desire by white male majority to maintain a sense of social order and keep people aligned with their social norms, values, and views.