Effects on the 9-11 attack

Module Effects on the 9/11 Attack PART The 9/11 attacks refers to the series of well-organized terrorist attacks that were launched by the renowned terrorist faction al-Qaeda in New York City on September 11th, 2001 (Gould and Esteban 1463). Passenger airlines were hijacked by terrorists and flown into buildings in suicide attacks. Two airlines were flown into the World Trade Centre. Two hours later, the North and South Towers caved in. The resulting debris and fires caused partial or full destruction of the surrounding structures. The third airline crashed into the Pentagon resulting to the partial destruction of the Western wing. The final airline was meant to crash at Washington D. C. but crashed in Pennsylvania (Gould and Esteban 1459). This is known to be the worst terrorist attack in history that resulted to the loss of approximately three thousand lives and destruction of property worth millions of dollars.
One of the most commonly discussed issue across the globe is relation to stereotypes against some of the people from the Gulf States. This got worse after the 9/11 attacks where people from the Muslim religion were treated with mistrust and suspicion (Gould and Esteban 1460). The media has been playing a key role in propagation stereotypes against Muslims as they are depicted as being violent and are treated with suspicion. Although, Muslims have been treated with suspicion over the years, the situation got worse after the 9/11 attack.
Following the 9/11 attacks, serious concerns were raised concerning airport security during this period (Gould and Esteban 1461). It became apparent that terrorists were managing to go through the security checkpoints that had been put in place and board airlines with not hindrances. Security measures across were beefed up across airports, ports and public places including schools, malls and bus stations and all other places that could be a target for terror attacks. This was in a move to prevent similar attacks from taking place. Before the attack, airport security was provided by private contractors however, after the attack, the transport Security Administration was put in charge of screening in all US airports (Roberts 45). Additionally, bulletproof cockpits were introduced as a standard to all commercial airlines. Passengers are not allowed to enter into the cockpit and some planes have CCTV cameras to keep an eye on cabin activity.
During the 9/11 attacks, the terrorists had tampered with the metal detectors allowing them to pass through the metal detectors (McEachern 229). This led to the tightening of screening procedures. The security personnel in airports were also trained more on explosives and weapons detection. There was an introduction of body scanners to ensure that no explosives or weapons were brought on board. Identification checks in airports were enforced as some terrorists boarded the ill-fated planes without proper identification. After the 9/11 attack, all passengers were required to provide proper identification in order to board a plane.
The attack will have a profound impact on future generations in various ways. To start with, there is an increase in negative stereotypes against Muslims and citizens from the Gulf States. Muslims are generally treated with a lot of suspicion across the globe and are associated with violence and terror attacks (Hoffman 305). Furthermore, numerous films and movie portray Muslims as terrorists and this will shape how future generations will perceive Muslims (Bisin 450). The stereotypes are likely to get worse with time.
The attack led to invasion of Iraq by the US a move that has attracted massive criticism and controversy over the years. This had an impact on how citizens from the Iraq are viewed and will be viewed in future. Iraq was believed to be the central point in which all al Qaeda operations were based and the US believed that if they attacked Iraq, they would win the war against terror.
The 9/11 attacks had a significant impact on international relations especially between the US and some of the Gulf States (Ó hÉochaidh). The US felt that some of the Gulf States were a threat to world peace and could cause more terrorist attacks in future. On the other hand, Gulf States felt that the US was picking on them. In future, the Gulf States and Muslims will be treated with suspicion as they are believed to be behind the 9/11 attack.
Although the al Qaeda was the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, stereotypes against Muslims and citizens from some Gulf States should be stopped. This is owing to the fact that all of us are equal regardless of our religious backgrounds or country of origin. When we work together, we can win the war against terror thereby setting a good example for the future generations.
PART 2
The worst terror attack to the United States of America is the September 11 attack. As a fact, the September 11 attacks instigated enormous fear and living in paranoia in the United States. To rectify such a situation, the government had to form several regulations and laws. One particular law that was instigated to deal with terror attacks is the PATRIOT Act, which was signed into law by the former president of United States, George W. Bush (Alsultany 12). As a result, the government of US is still committed to fighting terrorism at all expenses. This has led to instigation of other measures that are designed to curb any subsequent occurrence of such a situation. Apparently, it is noted that the root of the problem is suicide bombers, who associate in activities that injure, torture and kill other human beings. Most of the terror attackers are from the Al-Qaeda group, who are mostly from the Middle East. Since this region is dominated by the Islamic religion, perceptions and stereotypes are prevailing in concern to the terror attacks (Hall 14). This is not the only effect of the terror attack, as other effects are still lingering in the world. Conversely, dealing with the aftermath is a complex situation that needs complex reaction from the concerned parties.
Before the 9/11 attacks, Muslims were known as loving and religious people with focus on their religion. However, after the 9/11 attacks, the situation has changed drastically. The 9/11 attacks tarnished the Muslim religion, as they are considered sadists. Many people have condemned the attack, claiming the need for justice after the loss of innocent lives. Since justice has not been fully served, the people who feel violated have come up with various avenues of revenge. Similarly, people feel the need for protection, as they do not want a repeat of the same. For example, many people feel unsecure when in company of Muslims in public places. As such, they will feel the need to relocate to a different place when Muslims are in the public places. this is evident in many public places as many Muslims are seen in isolated groups. This has changed the social life of many Muslims across the world, as they have to find a different social class.
At times, Muslims face discrimination in some places, especially when they offer private services. For example, some private businesses have stringent regulations on allowing people dressed in Islamic attire. At times, people have genuine intentions of enjoying their leisure time in such places. However, since they are Muslims, they do not have the right to enjoy their pleasure owing to stereotyping. This specified discrimination adversely affects the Muslims as they feel discriminated, segregated and neglected. This can be traumatizing to the people who are affiliated with the religion.
In the aftermath of the terror attacks, several avenues have been used to enhance the existing stereotypes in the world. Apparently, the media has been instrumental in enhancing the stereotypes in the world, especially in concern to people from the Arabic origin and Muslim religion (Foner 14). The media is focused on exposing the various escapades of the people in the Middle East, in connection to the terror attacks. As a fact, most of the terror groups are situated in the Islamic region, which is a basis of the media’s information. The news prevail all over the world, as many people rely on media houses for information. When they highlight a documentary in concern to terror attacks, especially in the Middle East, the message is clear to the viewers. As such, they instigate stereotyping in the population. Most people think that all the terror groups emanate from the Middle East. Secondly, media depicts that all the terrorists are of the Islamic origin, since the Middle East is dominated by the Muslim culture. However, this is a myth that leads to stereotyping. These regions also have a proportion of people from other religious affiliations. In fact, the number of Arabs that are transforming to Christianity has been increasing over the years. Therefore, it is a stereotype to state that most of the Arabs are associated to Islam religion.
Similarly, it is inappropriate to state that all the terrorists are affiliated to Islamic religion, as it denotes that all Muslims are involved in terror attacks. Secondly, it is noted that a number of movies which feature the theme of the 9/11 attacks have been produced. These movies instigate stereotyping, as they depict Muslims and Arabs as instigators of terror attacks. Some of the movies that have theme of terror attack in the United States include the Fahrenheit 9/11. In this movie, Michael Moore gives an overview of what happened on the fateful day. The director also gives the various steps that were used by the administration to ensure the terror attacks are not repeated in the United States. However, in the movie, the stereotyping is evident. This is the cause of some problems many people affiliated to the Arab ethnicity and Muslim religion face in today’s world. Other movies that depict the terror attack theme include United 93, 11’09” 01, and twin towers, directed by Dan Meth in 2011.
After initiation of the PATRIOT Act, the security measures of the United States were enhanced. To begin with, security checks have been increased to screen the people that are migrating into the country. These standard security checks are used in many airports across the world. However, the Muslim affiliated groups have insinuated that the security checks are targets to Muslims (Alsultany 13). Muslims are subjected to rigorous checks, when compared to other individuals that use the airports. One evident aspect is that, most Muslims have special attire, especially for women. However, when in the security checks, they have to allow security checks irrespective of their religions renditions. On one side, the security enforcers believe that they are doing the best for the country, as they are curbing terror attacks. On the other hand, the Muslims feel their rights to religion are infringed.
Previously, travelling from one nation to another was not a tedious activity, as the regulations were easy and accommodative. However, after the 9/11 attacks, many people find it hard to travel from one place to another. Apparently, the United States has a special branch of law enforcers that are specialized in screening the people that should travel into the country (Organ 8). For example, the branch has a list of the people that are not allowed to travel into the country. This is an approach used by the country to ensure there are limited security threats. As a fact, most of the people on the list of people not allowed to travel to the country are Muslims and Arabs. When focusing on the need for security, it is practical to instil such measures. However, Muslims feel they are a target as they are mostly affected. Similarly, most security officers are suspicious of any person of Arabic origin (Foner 14). As such, the security officers have to focus on such people in ensuring the security measures are implemented. At times, the people are mistreated, manhandled, and denied access to various services. This has been greatly opposed by Muslim scholars. Muslim scholars insist that terror attacks are decisions by individuals. As such, the individuals should be apprehended on an individual basis. However, targeting an ethnic or religious group is unacceptable. This leads to mistreatment of innocent people, who do not have ill intentions. Similarly, Muslim scholars state that Muslims have a right to religion, like any other individual in the world. As such, they should not be discriminated owing to their religious affiliation.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the terror attack has elicited reactions from various positions, especially security enforcers. To enhance the security in the world, transport especially in airports should be regulated. As such, law enforcers have to be vigilant on terror suspects masquerading as innocent travellers. Apparently, the security officers often use stereotyping when enforcing the laws in the airports. This has been a scenario in many aspects of the world, as many people are relying on stereotyping when making decisions. This has drawn austere opposition from Muslim scholars as they feel their rights are infringed.
Works Cited
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Bisin, Alberto, EleonoraPatacchini, Thierry Verdier, & Yves Zenou (2008). “ Are Muslim Immigrants Different in Terms of Cultural Integration?” Journal of the European Economic Association, 6 (2–3), 445–456.
Gould, Eric D. and Esteban F. Klor (2010). “ Does Terrorism Work?” Quarterly Journal of Economics, 125 (4), 1459-1510.
Hoffman, Bruce (2002). “ Rethinking Terrorism and Counterterrorism since 9/11,” Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, 25 (5), 303-316.
McEachern, William A. Economics: A Contemporary Introduction. Cengage Learning, 2008. Print.
Hall, Katie. Aftershock: Rethinking the Future Since September 11, 2001: Pace University, New York City, September 6-8 2006. New York: Pace University Press, 2007. Print.
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Ó hÉochaidh, R. 10 Years Later: How did the 9/11 Attacks Change America? Web. n. d.
Roberts, Bryan, W. Macroeconomic Impacts of the 9/11 Attack: Evidence from Real-Time Forecasting. DIANE Publishing, 2011. Print.