The world changed on September 11, 2001. On that day, the U.S. would face the unimaginable: terrorists hijacked four airplanes, the terrorists then used these airplanes to strike at its most iconic structures, and forever stole the lives of thousands more innocents. Millions looked on as it unfolded on television, in disbelief.
That day is now known as “9/11.” It was not about being a country; it was about the world. Fear, pain, and uncertainty enveloped the world. The world continues to have fear, pain, and questions, and that makes it hard to forget. People still can vividly remember the day. It was not just a historical event or a newsworthy event. It was the event that would shape the world.
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What took place on that day?
On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners. The terrorist acted as part of an international extremist organization called al-Qaeda, which had developed a plan for mass destruction.
The first two airplanes struck the World Trade Center towers in New York City. The third struck the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers made an effort to resist the hijackers, saving an untold number of lives.
The World Witnessed in Horror
People around the world watched a live ship blindside an iconic 12-story structure. Smoke began to disappear into the air. Soundless silence overwhelmed. Bodies trembled. The “to-do” lists dissolved between thousands of thoughts and emotions of shock. “It was like a movie” was the phrase that no one could escape as so many sat in disbelief…horror. It becomes a part of your history. Also, it becomes a part of your life. It is tattooed on the hearts of thousands of people around the world.
Immediate Impact on America
The United States shut down the airports. Airports were more secure. The U.S. government started the “War on Terror.” New laws were enacted. A new department, the Department of Homeland Security, was created.
The nation demanded answers. People wanted justice. Everyone demanded safety. The world backed up America. Also, countries united together to fight terrorism.
Long-Term Changes Across the Globe
Travel safety changed forever. Airport security was changed. People had to remove their shoes. More procedures were implemented. Travel became a different experience.
Wars started in Afghanistan and later Iraq. Wars that lasted years. Those that cost lives and money. Wars that raised tension between countries.
Increase in Islamophobia
Unfortunately, not every response was fair. Many Muslims, and any person who looked brown, suffered hate. Some suffered physical assaults, while others lost employment or friends.
Although Islam preaches peace, people stigmatized all Muslims as a result of the behavior of a limited few. Hence, a climate of fear and distrust led to divisiveness in communities.
Psychology: Effects of Trauma on the Mind
Many psychologists assert that 9/11 resulted in significant emotional trauma to individuals. For those who witnessed the event in person or lost a loved one in the attacks, there was anguish and pain. The anguish lasted for years. Some still experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD means that individuals can re-experience the event in its entirety. They can have flashbacks, dreams, or simply avoid situations and events that remind them of the incident. Experiences can make one’s heart race. Sleep can be disrupted by the incident. Emotions can sometimes be felt in silence. Even people who viewed the incident on television can feel fear and helplessness afterwards. It is a psychological reality that trauma can damage and affect individuals all irrespective of direct experience and contact. Fear and shock can often hurt the mind.
Children Felt The Fear Too
Many children witnessed images of planes crashing and buildings collapsing on television. This frightened the children. Many children asked “will this happen to us” of their parents.
Parents did respond, but children internalized the fear, and at least some experienced career anxiety. Some limited their exploration of the outdoor world, while others felt extreme fear with respect to traveling by air. Hence, this fear has impacted an entire generation of children.
A Wave of Unity and Kindness
Even in pain, however, something beautiful happened. People helped one another. Strangers became like family. Blood donations surged. People united.
Firefighters, police officers, and nurses worked endlessly to provide care. They saved lives. They provided hope. Their bravery inspired millions.
The Need for Healing
Many people could not move forward quickly. They needed time. Some needed therapy. Others found peace through prayer and faith.
Families who lost loved ones still endure pain. But they persevere with strength. They preserve stories. So, they teach messages of hope and peace.
Psychology: The Concept of Collective Trauma and Its Effects
An event on a larger scale, such as 9/11, is called a collective trauma by some experts. A collective trauma involves the experience of trauma together by many people. Trauma can reshape the trust systems, behavior, and thought processes of larger groups of individuals as a result of trauma.
After the event of 9/11, people felt more vigilant than ever because they did not feel safe in crowds, and they did not feel safe while on airplanes. Other individuals (not saying everyone) may not have become more vigilant, but maybe more emotional. Some individuals become angrier quickly.
Some individuals for many individuals in the population who were pelted with shared and communal pain, perhaps there was a deeper bond with family and country that arose. It appeared that the pain that individuals felt, as well as the feeling of unity, strengthened the family and country ties. Through understanding collective trauma, how can we help the communities and the countries to heal as they share the trauma burden?
Media’s Role in Remembering
The media were a major player during 9/11. The media provided the world with video evidence of what was happening and provided stories that were brimming with everyday heroism.
At the same time, reliving the trauma multiple times through video of planes hitting the trade centers was compounding the damage that the spark (the planes) had made. Too much pain via the media promotes harmful images in the mind of the audience. Therefore, the best advice is to take I break from the images and, if needed, talk about them with someone else.
How It Changed Generations
A generation that was young at 9/11 is now an adult generation. They grew up in a changed world. Their perspectives on safety, trust, and faith were influenced by that day.
Some chose health and rescue jobs. Others chose the military. They wanted to help. Others chose the path of peace activists. Hence, that day planted some deep, deep values in their heart.
Faith and Prayer Brought Comfort
When it was a tough time, so many turned to faith. They turned to prayer for safety. They turned to prayer for healing. Mosques, churches, and temples all threw open the doors.
Spiritual peace provided them strength. It reminded them they are not alone. Faith helped them hold their pain and be patient.
What the World Learned
The world learned that hate is corrosive for all. The world also learned that unity can be feared. People learned to appreciate life more.
The government learned, too. They improved safety systems. They worked together more closely. These improvements helped to prevent future disasters.
