DO WE KNOW?
I wonder what the
real impact of the terrible September 11th tragedy is to our society?
I'm not referring to the economic impact experienced by many or the
stunning impact experienced by those who actually lost loved ones
on that tragic day. We know about these devastations. I am wondering
about the emotional toll on all of us who are further removed participants.
How has it really changed our lives? Do
we really know right now? Is it good? Is it bad? Have we made a terrible
tragedy into a miraculous positive overall experience?
Additionally, how has seeing the September
11th event images over and over again on television affected us compared
to if we only read about the events via newsprint or heard about them
on the radio, and did not see all of the horrific pictures?
Are we really all walking around right now
like the zombies from those old "Living Dead" movies? Also,
how will we really know? What becomes the standard to determine the
"impact"? I know that right after the tragic event, I found
myself often just zoning in front of the TV set.
I recall recently hearing of increased post-traumatic
stress disorders being diagnosed around the New York City area (not
for direct disaster victims). The inference was that these occurrences
were due to the disaster and it appears to be a no-brainer that these
additional cases were due to the September 11th events.
I wonder if these same types of disorders
have increased nationally and internationally due to the tragic events.
I wonder and worry for those struggling with these events.
What is the real "impact"?
WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
I remember asking
my children what they had done at school on that terrible September
day and they said that they had watched the TV news covering the events
all afternoon.
I was at first mad and horrified that the
teachers would let these kids view such scenes all day long. Of my
3 children, 2 are in the public school system, one a high schooler
and the other a middle schooler, and they both indicated the same
thing.
At first outraged, I wanted to call the
school quickly but caught myself and realized that these teachers,
who I trust my children with, made the best decisions that they could
under most extraordinary situations.
I still wonder though, should our children
have been exposed to that terror in such a way? Did we just spread
the impact of the terrorists' intent by showing the results of their
terror worldwide, to all of our precious children. Institutionally,
do we fall right into the hands of the terrorists by our press reaction
to tragic terror events?
My children seem fine after these events.
When I have tried to talk to them about September 11th, they barely
seem to realize that anything is going on. Their lack of interest
does bother me a little, but it bothered me before September 11th.
I would say that before September 11th,
I probably leaned towards thinking that today's youth need to have
more interest in world politics, compared to now thinking that there
is plenty of time for one to catch up on world affairs after they
leave childhood (age 18). I now think kids should have fun as much
as possible before life takes over and responsibilities and accounts
are everywhere.
WHAT ABOUT ME?
Personally, I find
myself working harder than I have in a long time. I feel very determined,
while regularly feeling angered at the terrorists at the same time.
That emotional calling has been difficult at times to deal with.
I feel a vengeance to do my part in the
American and International economy to prove that the terror has not
affected me.
I want to forget about what happened on
September 11th, but I also find that I want to keep being reminded,
for some strange reason. When I now only occasionally see the Ground
Zero scenes on the national cable news, I feel glad that the pictures
are on so that we are all reminded of the events of that day. I'm
afraid people outside of that area will forget. I am still coming
to understand why I feel a need for us to be reminded by such a scene.
I think that part of it might be a belief that showing the scenes
still happening at Ground Zero will continue to be a reminder of what
is the reason for our war and political efforts overseas in Afghanistan
and also internationally. I also remember feeling that some of the
national news networks were almost being criminal and almost treasonous
in some of their earlier coverage of events and perhaps feel that
showing Ground Zero helps level the playing field in my mind.
WHAT ABOUT THE VETERANS?
I also feel so very
appreciative of all of those in the military and the various civil
service organizations that work so hard to secure our freedoms and
take care of us. They are very impressive.
As a boy, I once had Pearl Harbor as a playground.
I would get on the free shuttle bus from the Navy housing and journey
to the best playground in the world for a daring 4th grader.
I recall going to the USS Arizona Monument
and I still remember the feeling to this day of the ominous impact
of being right above a sunken ship where our sailors were entombed.
I can still feel the sunshine from that day. It was a strange experience
for me that transcended my age and understanding of the moment at
the time. My father was a sailor at that time.
When looking at Ground Zero coverage, I
find that I have that same feeling as being above the Arizona. It
is a sad feeling.
That the great American Republic has lasted
this long is not an accident. Many lives have been put on the line
many times for Americans to be assured of the freedoms that we currently
have. I know it and I want all of you to know that, or to just think
about it for a minute.
Although there are a lot of problems in
America, the ability to stand up and criticize just about anything
that you want to has been preserved by many who have fought internationally
many times against agressors who have wanted our country to be destroyed.
There are so many heroes, men and women
alike, who have come and gone through our military to guarantee our
freedoms. Can you imagine the men hitting the beach on D-Day while
being shot at by Germans? I can't. I can only try. Can you imagine
being at Pearl Harbor on that terrible day? I can't.
WE NOW REMEMBER THE CIVILIANS
This tragic September 11th event reminds
us that non-military personnel can get killed in international conflicts.
For all of the civilians who have worked
so hard and lost their lives in the quest of preserving our freedoms
in America, my head is bowed to you.
For all of the civilians who have lost their
lives around the world in war and to terrorist activities, my head
is also bowed to you.
IN CONCLUSION
Who really knows what
the social "impact" of September 11th has been on our society.
I don't want to be a victim and refuse to
be a victim of these terrorists.
I am going to MAKE myself better because
of that tragic day. I am not going to let that day impact me, I am
going to mold its influence to me.
I want to say to all of you who have been
shaken by the events of September 11th, that we can move forward and
feel comfortable with our direction. Join me in this burst forward.
Let me inspire you right here and right now.
Experience life.
Get out of bed, get on your feet, and lets
get at it. There is work to be done and things to accomplish and life
to experience.
We have a special opportunity to breathe
another day so give it a shot and spend some time pursuing your dreams
and goals and cherishing and nurturing those special relationships
that we are allowed to have in this precious and beautiful life that
we are a part of.
Grow flowers from the ashes.
copyrighted 2002 by
jj namcap - Voices Network
