U.S. citizens have been living in fear since the September 2001 terrorist attacks, and the newest rein of terror, D.C.'s sniper, has generated increased fear for personal safety.
"Amplified by the media, being out in public can seem a dangerous undertaking, leading people to avoid common areas, to reduce their shopping and traveling, and to remain at home. This pattern of behavior has economic and social consequences that can further hurt our society," says Douglas Raybeck, professor of anthropology at Hamilton College. "While this sniper may have nothing to do with Islamic extremists, he is playing upon similar fears and upon a context of significant unease. His acts are terrifying: he is a terrorist. Unfortunately, he is unlikely to be the last we encounter. It seems probable that the future will reveal other discontented individuals seeking publicity and notoriety and, worse still, other extremist organizations who view the success of al-Qaeda as worthy of emulation."
Raybeck, who is a psychological anthropologist, suggests that as humans, there will naturally be different reactions to these events, and advocates a healthy, middle-ground approach. He says, "We need to appreciate that the events of last September are a prologue to a different world, one in which many of us will be tempted to withdraw from an apparently increasingly chaotic world to our seemingly secure homes and their electronic comforts. Others of us will be tempted to respond aggressively and ruthlessly to these incursions. As is usually the case, the best course lies somewhere between these two extremes and must be charted thoughtfully, cautiously and intelligently."
Raybeck is an expert on future studies and his most recent book is Looking Down the Road: A Systems Approach to Future Studies (2000). In addition, he studies Malaysian culture and psychological anthropology. He has been a fellow at the National Institutes of Health and has published extensively, including, Mad Dogs, Englishmen and the Errant Anthropologist, a book summarizing his fieldwork in Malaysia. Raybeck earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1975. Raybeck is currently engaged in developing educational simulation courses -- interactive, technology-intensive experience in which students create and maintain a community of the future.
