In her book "Becoming," Michelle Obama highlights the tendency of Americans to fixate on the looming threat of terrorism, which often overshadowed more pressing social issues like racism and tribalism. This focus on external dangers allowed deeper divisions within the country to fester, as citizens became preoccupied with security and the fear of attack.

Obama emphasizes that while concerns about terrorism were valid, they distracted from the underlying social challenges that were eroding national unity. These divisions fueled a growing intolerance and conflict within communities, showcasing the need for a more comprehensive dialogue about race and identity in America.