“Can you assure me that my daughter will be safe the entire time she’s in Ireland?” I field many of these questions when preparing students for study abroad experiences. The short answer is no. I cannot. I also cannot assure you that she won’t be struck by a drunk driver on her commute home tonight, or that you won’t be injured by a stray bullet the next time you’re out hunting.
When we turn on the evening news we are bombarded with stories about terrorism, and yes, they are tragic. The fact that a small number of radicals can cause so much fear and sadness in innocent people throughout the world is profoundly unfortunate. What I believe is equally unfortunate is our capacity to be intimidated by terrorists.
I am going to take another student group to Ireland in March 2018, and a group of faculty to England in May, 2018. I have been on London Bridge several times, and God-willing, will find myself there many more times. I have also been to Boston, Paris, Orlando, and Munich. I plan to visit all of these places again despite the terrorist attacks they have experienced.
It is my desire that everyone keep the following points in mind when fear seeps into their travel planning.
1. The odds of you drinking contaminated water, or being in a car accident are far greater than you being the victim of a terrorist attack. Terrorist attacks are random, and isolated. These horrendous acts are carried out by a tiny number of people who are angry about something or at someone. These people are rewarded when we stop our lives because of their anger. The body count isn’t nearly as important to them as the reaction. Don’t be their victim.
2. The good people in this world far outweigh the bad. I absolutely love meeting new people. Throughout my travels I have met people who encompass every race, color and creed. I love learning from the locals. They can tell you the best places to go for coffee, the best photo stops, or where the free concerts take place. They want to know about my life in the United States, and what it’s like to live here. They want to practice their English with me, and I want to practice my language skills (as limited as they may be) with them. I have never felt unsafe in these interactions. In fact, my feelings have always been quite the opposite.
3. Travel is essential in building relationships, and creating understanding. When I travel, I view myself as an ambassador of sorts for my country. While I do not work in a formal, government based role, I do love my country and want her to be well-represented. That certainly doesn’t mean that I agree with all of the decisions of my government. And surprise – many people throughout the world do not agree with the decisions of their governments. A distinction needs to be made between citizens, and governments. The more we learn about people, their daily lives, and their communities, the less we fear.
Of course one needs to be cautious. Don’t make yourself an easy target for thieves, or other criminals who wish to cause you harm. These are common sense rules that apply at home and abroad.
While I cannot guarantee anyone’s safety, I don’t want anybody to live in fear. When we live in fear, the terrorists win. They want us to be afraid. Don’t give them that power. Educate yourself. Broaden your horizons. Get on the plane.
“When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
