The terrorists wanted to change our world? Well, they did. But for America, the change seems to be for the better. I don't think this country has seen such patriotism since WWII. The word neighbor seems to have taken on the traditional meaning in many communities. The generosity I have seen in my own community is overwhelming.
Of course, some changes are not for the better. Many Americans now look at some people with suspicion, just because of their apparent ethnicity. Unfortunately there are many in this society that have the opinion that “if it looks like an Arab, it must be a terrorist”. I don’t know how many Muslims in America have been falsely accused and persecuted because of their background. This type of thing tends to generate mass hysteria, and there are those who fall into the sheep mentality and just follow the crowd without thinking for themselves. Can any of us honestly say that should we board an airplane and a man with swarthy skin boarded the same airplane, we would not look at that person with a grain of suspicion? Is this right? I don’t believe so.
Yes, there are some bad people out there. The percentage of those bad people in the world population is such a small percentage that it is almost unfathomable. Unfortunately the actions of a few have significantly and negatively affected the lives of many. I cannot imagine what it must be like for a Muslim living in America, or anyone who appears as if they might be of Arabic descent. What gives those few the right to put these people through these experiences? Is it truly the word of Allah telling them to take actions, which will endanger the lives of Muslims who are NOT extremists? I think those men have been baking their brains out in the deserts for too long if they truly believe that Allah is telling them to take terrorist actions against anyone.
While I agree it is important to remember what happened and those who were lost, I think it is also important to look forward. I am choosing for my family to focus on the future and positive aspects. I am hoping for us to become more involved in community projects. I am hoping for us to become more socially aware of the persons living in our community. I hope to raise my children to see the best in people and make up their own minds, rather than jump to negative or incorrect conclusions about anyone they meet in the future.
Remember what happened, but continue to move forward. Don't let yourself get so bogged down in remembering the horrific events of September 11, 2001 that you are unable to fully appreciate the wonderful things that will be going on in future September 11's, or any other day.
Yes it was horrible. Yes I remember. But I am moving forward, continuing to grow and continuing to appreciate the world around me.