terrorists seized four commercial U.S jets and crashed them into American symbols of the
military and capitalism, and shook the entire nation. The attack did change Americans,
mostly for a short while, but it did make huge impacts in America.
The Mindset of Americans
Americans became closer, more spiritual, less materialistic, but only for a while. In spite of terror and grief, Americans with utmost hope and compassion helped the person in need. They prayed together and stood together. The attacks of September 11 have made some people feel insecure, particularly the ones who lost their loved ones. Appreciation, gratitude, and support to the fire fighters, the army, and to the people who protect the country have increased.[Ostroushko] Even the pop songs in TV stopped for few days. Patriotic albums were released, such as “The Rising” by Springsteen and “Freedom” by Paul McCartney. People who were obsessed with who is at the top of music charts and new releases got interested in news and the world around them. Also, the blood donation rapidly increased following the attacks, showing the feeling of sympathy felt by Americans.[Glynn] For the most part, it was an awakening for these people; September 11 showed that, for the first time in history, the American homeland is actually vulnerable to a deadly foreign enemy. Americans were so scared, that they seem to think that they saw mysterious images from the smoke of the falling twin towers such as a face of the devil.[Dolfman] As a result, Americans no longer take freedom for granted after September 11. Although these may seem like temporary changes, lasting changes did occur in the nation’s economy and security system.
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