By Anna Wagemann
When I was asked to write this article, I was thoroughly baffled. Such a topic as 9/11 is not something I would naturally gravitate towards. Days later, I found that my mind was still scrambling on where to even begin. I concluded a variety of opinions and responses would provide a more accurate illustration of the collected American perspective. Here are the responses of several friends and family to the following request: Could you respond to this statement in 1 or 2 sentences: How does 9/11 still affect Americans today?
Here are the responses:
“Increased national security and patriotism, and excuse for war, reinforced prejudice against Islam.” – Paulien, 22
“I would say that 9/11 still affects me today as an American in terms that the government has really gone out of its way to monitor us. I feel as if the government is spying on all of us under the blanket of trying to keep us safe.” – Daniel, 26
“Americans are still affected by 9/11 both through health, mostly sickness, and by knowing exactly where they were when the towers fell.” – Peter, 25
“As an American, 9/11 serves as the peak event marking both the fear response of the American public and a unified American patriotism. In my life I live in the aftermath of this event- going to the airport I am bombarded by security measures, installed directly after the 9/11 attack. In the wider perspective I feel 9/11 still shapes the view of the general American public in the way we perceive foreigners, particularly in regard to those from the Middle East. This is unfortunate how 9/11 served to generalize a population of foreigners.” – Helena, 20
“9/11 was a tragic day that is remembered with sorrow and hate by many Americans, but it has created too many more tragic days for Muslims and people from the Middle East.” – Alex, 20
“The date 9/11 still serves as a reminder of a day when we were not completely safe in our country. That day is also the reason many Americans continue to suffer fear and loss when family members join the armed services because of the chance they will be killed or injured if they get deployed.” – Sara, 27
“9/11 brings people together to celebrate the brave lives of the men and women who lost their lives while trying to save others.” – Sofie, 18
“9/11 remains as a propaganda tool for anyone in the US to try to make their point. The families who suffered true loss are used in similar ways that our country uses wounded veterans in political speeches.” – Anonymous, 22
“9/11 is a reminder to Americans that their nation’s biggest threat is terrorism- a violent act which can take away sacred lives, because of the pursuit of political aims. 9/11 is also a reminder that Americans have the national pride and strength to unite for the good of their country! ❤ ❤ ❤ #GOUSA #PATRIOTANDPROUD #AMURICA #TEXAS” – Shanice, 20
“9/11 created an atmosphere of fear in the US that is still with us today. Some US citizens want quick and easy answers in a world that is very complex and far different from that of previous times. The US must acknowledge and address its role in creating radical Islamic organizations and work to change the circumstances that radicalize some people as well as eliminating threats.” – Dianne, 66
“Those of us in the rest of the country are more affected by the security measures and fear in the US than those in the northeast. They would have continuing emotional ties to 9/11.” – Nancy, 63
“I mean… I feel like the NSA (National Security Agency) has kicked it up 13 million notches.” – Rebekah, 18
“I think 9/11 still affects Americans in the way that we perceive people from the Middle East. Regardless of citizen status or gender people who are from or who even look like they could be from the Middle East are targeted and labeled as “threats” simply because of how they look or the religion they choose to worship. This affects Americans because it restricts our ability to move forward as a society and fix the issues that are actually causing these prejudices to occur.” – Megan, 22
“The significance of 9/11 is represented in two different dimensions fifteen years later. The first is of an unfathomable tragedy, mostly present in the lives of those directly affected, and the second is the unfortunate misrepresentation of the tragedy as a piece of political and social propaganda used to justify ineffective and damaging laws, as well as promote a simplistic and unimaginative view of patriotism.” – JP, 22
“The people that were killed in the twin towers were a mixture of all the races where we established peace. So when the two planes crashed in the building that broke our peace with everyone.” – Chris, 20
These answers may quite accurately describe the state of our country today: charged and conflicted. From resolute patriotism to inherent suspicion of the government, our populous is torn between times. We are grappling with questions such as ‘What is safety?’, ‘How does America define security?’, and maybe most importantly, ‘what makes an American, American?’ Reflecting upon this horrific event 15 years ago challenges us to examine our perception of in-group, out-group, perceived normalcy, and trustworthiness of our government. I certainly embody deeply layered confliction. It all does not quite make sense: The Eiffel Tower spray painted onto an Islamic mosque after the bombing in Paris; my friend secretly practicing her religion behind closed doors; a country where fear permeates our daily lives. In the same breath, some deep seated patriotism incites goosebumps during our national anthem’s infamous high note, and Nebraska will forever be my home.
As citizens of any country, it is important to view our nation’s legislation and political behavior critically, questioning motives and always asking why. In recent months, this question has risen innumerable times. We are experiencing a tremendously tumultuous period in our country where tensions are high. Our issues are intrinsically complex and deeply rooted, some developing since the inception of our nation. Our problems (numerous as they are) will, of course, take much time and many conversations to deconstruct and formulate equitable solutions; however, I do have hope. I hope for less violence in our mind and actions, and compassion and empathy in our hearts for the sake of our future.
Anna Wagemann, Class of 2019, is an English major from the University of Nebraska at Kearny, United States.
