The military, for whatever reason, makes everybody and their Mom take an anti-terrorism course before they move out of the country. In theory, it's a good idea. In time-wasting-practice, it sucked.
You know, except for this super cool certificate they gave me. Perhaps I should frame it?
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I enjoy they put "A T." It makes it sound more mysterious. |
*****This isn't to say that terrorism isn't a big deal or a terrible thing. People are affected by it each day. It goes beyond the U.S. to engulf thousands of people all over the world. *****
What the military does is boil it down to a sad attempt to make you more vigilant and strike fear into your heart. What I took away from this course is that I get a house on Base and never, ever leave.
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If you think about it though, staying home is probably just as bad for you. |
A lot of it just seemed incredibly over protective, and when I got a questions wrong I was confused because I thought I had answered with common sense.
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Oh, so THIS is how we walk down the stairs! My bad! |
Here's just a small taste (and these weren't even the most ridiculous ones): Did you know you should avoid staying on the 3rd and 5th floor, etc,. of a hotel? Floors with pools or gyms on them? Anything with an adjoining door? Alright, so I don't feel totally comfortable with rooms with adjoining doors, but we talking about terrorist, not serial killers here. They aren't going to pop up in your bathroom.
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Next you should not use showers without locks on them. |
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The army sides with Fred. Let's split up, gang! |
And don't forget all protestors. Even if they are hippies. If you see one at a train stop you planned on getting off at, get back on the train and go to the next stop. Walking past them could prove dangerous.
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That friendly looking clown is actually a zombie unicorn robot loaded with C4. |
I can't help but scuff about this because some of the most fun I had when I lived in Hamburg, Germany was not on the list of to-dos. I
couchsurfed (If you aren't familiar with this, it's a great way to travel. You stay in people's homes for FREE! And they would show you around. If I stayed several nights or had a great host, I'd often make/buy them dinner).
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Besides, after hearing about how scary hotels can be, I'd rather stay in a house anyway. |
I hitchhiked, stayed in hostels, explored every nook of cities, and went for runs when I deemed it safe- it was an amazing adventure.
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I was going to put a GIF from Hostel here but looking at them freaked me out and make me want to throw up. Enjoy this scary skull from the back of my friend's motorcycle helmet. |
Here's the thing people- if a terrorist wants to get you, he's not going to hide under your bed. He'll blow up the whole building. It's not likely he's not looking for you specifically.
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Unless someone I've pissed off comes to get me, and does it ironically. |
The only point of the war on terrorism is so we can live without fear. Giving a half thought out online "course" about random events isn't helpful.
Yes, it's good to be vigilant, and yes we should be aware, especially in a foreign country. But don't waste my time telling me to lock my door and then waste paper on a certificate for it.
We shouldn't go to new places thinking of threats. We should go in search of opportunity.
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"..And the human race is filled with passion!...Poetry, beauty, romance, love!
These are what we stay alive for! |
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