9/11 marked a significant turning point in American history and for the people of the nation. The impact of 9/11, its aftermath, and what it has done to America were all expertly explained by Frontline. After the United States was under attack Bush had no other choice than to claim war on the countries who were involved in the attack and the terrorist groups as well. In an effort to stop additional terrorist strikes on American territory, the US adopted a more assertive and active foreign policy after the 9/11 attacks. One huge takeaway I took from this was the sense of America having unity after the attacks happened and how even other countries were also grieving with America. There was a point where it felt like people were actually uniting …show more content…
In the wake of the catastrophe, the nation saw an outpouring of patriotism and a sense of oneness. However, it also resulted in a rise in prejudice and hate crimes against Muslims and anyone who is considered to be of Middle Eastern heritage. In the name of national security, the war on terror also resulted in the loss of civil liberties and privacy rights, with many Americans embracing these modifications as necessary to keep them safe. When Usama Bin Ladin and four others issued a self-styled fatwa, publicly declaring that it was “God's decree that every Muslim should try his utmost to kill any American, military or civilian, anywhere in the world, because of American "occupation" of Islam's holy places and aggression against Muslims”( PP 4 Slide 11). This really hit me because I am Muslim and people who don’t really know anything about Islam and its ideas and truths just think we are terrorists and that is the reality nowadays after 9/11. “Bomb this, Bomb that” people just mocking the religion think we blow people up but just know absolutely nothing and this is how stereotypes come about which is why Some people conflated Islam with terrorism and viewed all Muslims as potential threats, leading to an increase in hate crimes and discrimination against Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. Some had this idea as the film stated that “Not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Mulsim”(1:18:40-1:19:00). This is really important to understand because other societies will then start believing in this notion and that has already happened. This has had a lasting impact on the Muslim community and has contributed to the spread of Islamophobia or fear and hatred of Islam and Muslims. It is important to challenge these harmful stereotypes and to promote understanding and respect for all people, regardless of their religion or