The attacks of September 11 left Americans lost, confused, and heartbroken. The worst terrorist attacks in the history of the United States occurred on September 11, 2001 in New York City when a team of terrorists hijacked four airplanes and flew them into the Pentagon, both World Trade Center buildings, and a field in Pennsylvania. In total, the attacks killed approximately three thousand people (Mockatis). In doing this, the terrorists hoped to destroy symbols of American wealth and power. They also hoped to hinder the essence of America. The terrorists killed many people, but they did not kill the American spirit. The strength of America’s response originates from the principles on which it stands. In the aftermath of the attacks, many people were wondering what being an American meant.
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According to Anna Quindlen, freedom in “A Quilt of a Country” means the ability to prosper regardless of a person’s ethnic background and without the fear of discrimination as well as coming together in times of suffering.
The way Americans reacted to the attacks was profound. Many people reacted with patriotism, but stereotypes and ignorance began to creep through the minds of Americans. Muslim and Arab immigrants experienced the negative side of patriotism, expressed through hostility, prejudice, and discrimination. In fact, nine people were murdered in retaliation for the attacks (“September 11, 2001”). This severely violates American morals. When innocent people are being killed based on a stereotype about their native country or their religion that is the absence of freedom. America is not truly free until vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, can be accepted and treated the same as any other American citizen. The writer Tammam Adi wrote: “The Quran told Muslims ‘fight to
According to Anna Quindlen, freedom in “A Quilt of a Country” means the ability to prosper regardless of a person’s ethnic background and without the fear of discrimination as well as coming together in times of suffering.
The way Americans reacted to the attacks was profound. Many people reacted with patriotism, but stereotypes and ignorance began to creep through the minds of Americans. Muslim and Arab immigrants experienced the negative side of patriotism, expressed through hostility, prejudice, and discrimination. In fact, nine people were murdered in retaliation for the attacks (“September 11, 2001”). This severely violates American morals. When innocent people are being killed based on a stereotype about their native country or their religion that is the absence of freedom. America is not truly free until vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, can be accepted and treated the same as any other American citizen. The writer Tammam Adi wrote: “The Quran told Muslims ‘fight to