Terrorism has always been a major concern in the American mindset since the tragedy of 9/11/2001.  But, almost 15 years later, is this horrifying concern behind us or is it an unending distress?

Just last year, we experienced the Paris and California shootings linked with an overseas terrorist group, ISIS.  So this raises the question: Are we safe in 2016 and should terrorism be the major concern in the United States?

“I feel safe,” responds Whitman students Jason Devaraj and Michael Baranowski in response to the above question.  Jason, when further asked whether he feels more stressed from potential violence or school-related work, responds: “School.”

Over the course of the last decade-and-a-half, the net increase of terrorism linked attacks in the world is increasing. But does this mean that it is increasing in the United States?

According to a graph by CNN , the amount of American casualties linked with terrorism has remained constant post-9/11 from the years 2001-2013.  But, according to the same graph, the net increase of casualties due to domestic gun violence during the years 2001-2013 has been increasing.

This shows that gun violence is responsible for more American casualties than terrorism.  During political debates, gun control is not an excluded topic of discussion, though terrorism is discussed more.  So is domestic gun violence overlooked too much?  Possibly; however, many Americans may believe that if we don’t worry about terrorism enough that it will become a bigger problem.

As demonstrated, terrorism is a major concern to numerous Americans–myself included, as one of my uncles was killed in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.  But, as statistics show, gun violence is responsible for more American deaths than terrorism is.  Does this make terrorism less important, more important or of the same importance?  Though there is no doubt that terrorism is a major concern, should we, as a country, also focus more attention on gun violence in our country?  Think to yourself: do I feel safe?