September 11th, 2001 was one of the most transformational, cataclysmic days in American history. Being the single deadliest terrorist attack, it represents a very big turning point in many different aspects of society. The 19 militants belonging to the terrorist group al-Qaeda hijacked 4 different airplanes; sending one into the pentagon, killing about two hundred people, another, which was heading toward Washington, D. C., was crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to retake the plane, killing all fifty or so people on board, and the last two were sent into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. In New York City there was a total of three thousand casualties, including the nineteen terrorists, and about four hundred of which were officers and/or firemen who were first responders to the devastating scene. Overall, there was over fifteen thousand people who suffered from these attacks physically and emotionally, short-term and long term. This day altered American’s perspectives on Muslims forever, and led to phenomenal enhancements on airport security. The reaction of the head of the government was also very important.
Although 9/11 was a politically motivated attack, most Americans make it about religion and pin fault on the Muslim community as a whole. The Islamic population in the United States found itself propel into a cruel, and strong discrimination in the days following this disaster. This incident shows how easily the acts of a small group can cause very unpleasant consequences for many. Muslim acceptance continues to deteriorate due to closed minded Americans who believe their (Muslims) community is filled with terrorists, ignorant, and oppressive people. According to most studies, anti-Islamic beliefs have never fully perished, but they did fluctuate from time to time. In fact, in 2001, there were 93 victims of hate crimes discriminating against one’s Islamic race and in 2014 statistics say there was a decrease to only 53 casualties. However, data seems to reveal that numbers have skyrocketed again back up surpassing the modern peak in 2001, according to Pew Research Center. After everything people will never forget 9/11 and where its foundation was constructed, and people will always have their own opinions and thoughts as they’re given the right to do so.
Of course, the whole nation wanted to know what unnatural, twisted freak made this horrific attack possible on the World Trade Center and more importantly why would they commit this gruesome crime? Ultimately the United States figured out that Osama Bin Laden, the leader al-Qaeda, was the orchestrator and overall the reason thousands of Americans died on this day. “It wants to occupy our countries, steal our resources, impose on us agents to rule us, and then wants us to agree to all this” said Bin Laden in 1997 in an interview with CNN speaking on the U.S. Obviously Bin Laden had many issues with the United States. One of many, however, started with the United States putting al Qaeda members in prison for ultimately being part of these terrorist groups, which is the reason Bin Laden declared a “jihad”, in other words a holy war on the United States. This “Letter to America” (9/11) had many reasons behind it. Bin Laden wanted revenge for a list of things such as, the United States supporting Russia when they were in Chechnya, accusing the US of attacking them on the daily, stealing “wealth” and oil, and many more reasons that will never be known because this was such a behind the curtain scenario. It shocked millions and drastically changed the lives of all Americans.
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The United States was drastically affected by this attack hence it changed the entire structure of all national security. Stronger visa controls and extensive security were put into motion in all airports. Before 9/11, only five percent of checked bags were further examined for screening before this attack however, now all bags are searched for any material that can be decided as dangerous. In addition to this, security used to be handled by each airport on their own; however now, all airports have improved to complex hardware and procedures which scan for identity alterations and weapons/possibly destructive items: identification requirements demand an ID that matches the name on the ticket, shoe and outerwear removal is required, liquids over 3.4 mL must be discarded, extra screening (pat downs) is sometimes administered, and cockpit doors have been reinforced and remain locked during the entire flight. All of these allow a deep examination of each passenger and their belongings to confirm safety for all peoples. This also means longer lines in security, so arriving a few hours early to the airport is essential.
In addition to all of this, President Bush signed the USA Patriot Act (an acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) which means a variety of things such as allowing federal agents to conduct investigations and intensify the penalties that will plummet on terrorists or anyone who plays any part into the attack. This also allows federal agents to ask a court for an order to obtain business, medical, and financial records in national security terrorism cases. Overall, President Bush made it known that a day like this will never repeat in history again. In fact, he mentioned “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America”, which I feel like was important at the time when citizens felt scared and helpless. This country was safe in the hands of President Bush.
After everything this catastrophe has not only impacted America but the entire world. All the ticks and upgrades on everything from airline security to foreign visas, and the now protected vulnerability of America, I think we’re exceptionally prepared for any threats that may be thrown in our path. George Bush did an incredible job with maintaining a calm country and, in short, destroying the threat and growing from it. President Obama also left a memorable mark on protecting the innocence of the Islamic peoples and showing acceptance as well. Although Trump as president has taken a toll on many factors, causing things to head back in a negative direction, I think America has overall done an exceptional job pulling itself from the depression and creating a learning experience from 9/11.
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