ABSTRACT
The threat of terrorism has embedded itself into our collective consciousness as wave after wave of terror attacks swarm the globe every year. Terrorism has shown to have unwanted and negative effects on groups of people who are perceived to be associated with terrorists due to similarities in their religion, nationality, language or culture. A major theme that has emerged amidst conflict in societies is the phenomenon of self-perceived collective victimhood among those affected by terrorism. This process can create increased social and cultural distance, cultivate anti-immigrant perceptions and heighten support for coercive political decisions or parties. Consequently, communities are encouraged to form an inclusive national identity, rather than an exclusive social identity to face and rise above the losses and adverse impact of terrorism. In recognizing that emotions are often key to the outcomes of reconciliation or conflict, studies have looked at the arts as both educational and expressive forms of healing and inclusivity within communities and nations.
