WASHINGTON — Islamic terrorists who have spent decades screaming “Death to America” are reportedly alarmed that the United States may have developed what experts are calling “trust issues.”

The concern comes 25 years after 9/11, when Americans were once again reminded that deliberately murdering civilians tends to create a branding problem.

“This rise in hostility is deeply troubling,” said one fictional extremist spokesman standing beneath a banner calling for the destruction of the West. “We have always tried to communicate our message respectfully, apart from the mass murder, hostage-taking, suicide bombings and occasional calls for global jihad.”

The Canton Cat reviewed the public-relations strategy and found several possible flaws.

Step 1: Declare America the Great Satan.
Step 2: Celebrate attacks on Americans.
Step 3: Threaten more attacks.
Step 4: Ask why Americans seem suspicious.

Brilliant. No notes.

Analysts say extremist organizations are particularly frustrated that people continue remembering September 11, despite 25 years of intense efforts by everyone’s least-favorite corner of academia to turn “who attacked us?” into a graduate seminar on nuance.

One terrorist reportedly complained that Americans were “stereotyping” him moments after uploading a video promising death to Americans.

“That is profiling,” he said, carefully adjusting the rifle in front of his black flag.

The Canton Cat would like to make one distinction clear enough for even cable news to understand:

Muslims are not terrorists. Terrorists are terrorists.

And if your movement spends its mornings chanting “Death to America,” perhaps the resulting public-relations problem is not being caused by suburban moms, airport security, or a mean tweet.

It may be the “Death to America” part.

At press time, the extremist group had announced a new outreach campaign titled:

PLEASE STOP JUDGING US BY THE THINGS WE REPEATEDLY SAY AND DO.