Oral History of September 11 Terrorist Attacks - Assignment Example

Oral History of September 11 Terrorist Attacks Introduction The 2001 September 11 attacks were a chain of four well-coordinated terrorist attacks perpetrated by al-Qaeda, the Islamic terrorist group, upon the U.S. in New York and the metropolitan district of Washington, DC, on Tuesday the 11th day of September in 2001. The incident yielded to the annihilation 2,996 including 2,977 being victims and 19 hijackers and destroyed property and infrastructure worth at least $10 billion (Scott 33). The paper presents an oral history of the event in which a person who experienced the event first hand is interviewed. By demonstrating how local and global events affect individuals, oral history adds a personal touch to our understanding of the past. The oral history is complemented by a review of the literature on the event. Eventually, a summary of the lessons learnt from both the review of the literature and the oral history is provided. Literature Review Background on the Attacks Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger planes so they could fly them into buildings in suicide attacks (Boger 22). Two of those airliners were crashed into the twin towers of the WTO. The debris and resulting fires caused either the partial or total destruction of other buildings in the WTC complex as well as substantial destruction to ten other structures in the vicinity of the complex. The attackers crashed the third plane into the Pentagon, which housed the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. The western wing of the building collapsed. The fourth plane was destined for Washington, DC but crashed into an open field at Shanksville in Pennsylvania after its passengers attempted to overpower the attackers. Almost immediately, suspicion fell on al-Qaeda. Osama bin Laden, the group’s leader, denied any involvement. Then, in 2004, they claimed to be responsible for the attacks. Effects of the Attacks According to political scientists, the September 11 attacks triggered a series of the farthest reaching changes in the recent history of the government of US (Zarembka 20). The government conceived the Department of Homeland Security to spearhead the domestic war on terrorism. The Patriot Act gave the federal government increased powers, including the power of detain foreigners suspected of terrorism for up to a week before charging them in a court of law as well as monitoring their communications and prosecuting them indefinitely. The Federal Aviation Administration directed that airplane cockpits be enhanced to prevent terrorists from gaining control of them. In addition, the FAA attached sky marshals to all flights. In addition, the Aviation and Transportation Act removed airport security from the hands of airports placed it under the federal government. The Act created a federal security agency to inspect passengers and their luggage at airports, causing long delays and raising questions over the privacy of passengers. Bold as these amendments appear, questions have been raised about their adequacy to combat terrorism. The attacks impacted negatively the economy of the United States and other world markets (Scott 15). The stock markets did not open between September 11 and 17. In that one week alone, U.S. stocks lost over $1.4 trillion in valuation. New York City lost approximately 430,000 job-months and some $2.8 billion in lost wages in the three months that followed the attacks. The city’s export sectors bore the heaviest brunt. The GDP of New York City was estimated to have fallen by at least $27.3 billion for the last quarter of 2001 and the whole of 2002. The federal government immediately assisted the government of New York to the tune of $11.2. Then, in early 2002, the state received a further $10.5 for the reconstruction of the infrastructure that the attacks had destroyed. The small businesses operating near the WTC in downtown Manhattan were also affected. 18, 000 of them were either destroyed or displaced, leading to the loss of jobs. Fortunately for these businesses, assistance came through via Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, federal government grants and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The collapse of the WTC led to the release of debris containing over 2,500 contaminants that included carcinogens. These toxins are alleged to have led to fatal or serious illnesses among people who were situated at ground zero (Scott 23). The federal government ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reassure the residents of New York City that quality of air remained high in the city. However, it was not until mid-2002 that EPA was able to determine that the quality of air in the city had returned to pre-September 11 levels. The adverse health effects affected the residents, office workers and students of downtown Manhattan and the adjacent Chinatown. Several deaths have been associated with the toxic dust. The names of the victims were listed in the WTC memorial. Another 18,000 people are suspected to have developed illnesses as a result of inhaling the toxic dust. Moreover, scientists speculate that the exposure to the toxic air may adversely affect the development of the fetus. Besides the U.S., the September 11 attacks triggered government action in several other countries (Zarembka 28). Many of the September 11 attackers had lived in Germany, taking advantage of the country’s more lenient asylum policies. However, in the aftermath of the attacks, two chief anti-terrorism laws were enacted. The first eliminated legal loopholes that made it possible for terrorists to reside and raise money in Germany. The second sought to enhance the effective of intelligence and the police to deal with acts of terrorism. Similarly, Canada enacted the Canadian Anti-Terrorism Act, the first of its kind in Canadas history. New Zealand legislated the Terrorism Suppression Act in 2002. Introduction of Interviewee Name: Brian Olson Age: 43 Where they grew up: Lower Manhattan Where they lived when the event happened: Lower Manhattan Venue of the interview: 6th Avenue, 36th Street Date of the interview: 3rd December, 2014 Time of interview: 5:15 pm Duration of interview: 30 minutes Those present: Myself, Brian Olson (the interviewee) and Sarah Kaye, the interviewee’s business associate Questions Asked of the Interviewee Where were you on September 11, 2001? Briefly recount the events of that day. What were you thinking all this while? As all this was happening, what was your priority? As the events unfolded, what were your feelings? What stood out for you during the attacks and in their aftermath? To what extent would you say the WTC attacks affected you personally? Lessons about the Topic from Interviewee It is fascinating how the findings of the literature review resonate with the findings of oral history. For instance, the literature reports that some 18,000 small businesses that used to operate in downtown Manhattan were either destroyed or forced to locate (Scott 48). However, through the federal government-run SBA and similar agencies, many of these businesses were restored to their pre-9/11 levels. It turns out the interviewee was among the small business owners who benefitted in the aftermath of the attacks. Even more encouraging is the fact that Brian seems better off than they were before their attacks. Their restaurant business has done so well that they have opened a number of branches across New York City. They have also quit their job at Bates Worldwide so now they concentrate on running their business full-time. On the same note, the literature reviewed notes that many deaths were associated with the toxics released following the collapse the Twin Towers. In addition, some 18,000 people are reported to have been diagnosed with illnesses associated with the toxics (Scott 60). It turns out Brian was one of those people. More than anything else, these two incidences illustrate how our understanding of local and international events can be enhanced by the experiences of the people who encountered these events first hand. It is one thing to read in government reports that 18,000 residents of New York City developed health complications in the aftermath of the 9/11. It is quite another to come across a person who developed and got diagnosed with one of those complications. The interview with Brian underscores a lesson we have always known: that national tragedies have a way of eliciting very strong senses of patriotism and national unity (Scott 26). Think of the men and women who volunteered tirelessly in the rescue operation that got underway shortly after the TWC came crumbling down. Then, there was McDonald’s who erected a tent to offer free meals to the volunteers. The local school volunteered to turn their play fields into a temporary massage parlor where volunteered trained in the skill knead the overworked muscles of their fellow volunteers. Brian’s employer, Bates Worldwide, opened the doors to their lounges and conference room to staff and their friends who had come to seek refuge at Bates’ offices. Trains offered their services free. The police, for a moment, digressed from their primary business of maintaining law and order and offered to walk people to the trains. Only disasters, it appears, are capable of eliciting this level of cooperation. Functional families provide the first and most trusted line of support in times of distress (Scott 55). Even in the safe company of their friends and colleagues, Brian was simply not at peace. They tried frantically to call home and assure their family that they were safe. To their frustration, telephone lines had been disabled. It is likely that their family was equally consumed with panic, given that Brian worked only a few blocks from the WTC, the epicenter of the attacks. One can only imagine the temporary relief that came upon Brians family when they received an email in Brian assured them that they were safe. Even greater relief must have descended upon them Brian eventually made it home that evening. Local and international events affect people differently, even in the same localities (Zarembka 30). While many people who developed health complications in the wake 9/11 perished, Brian lived to tell their story. This, despite the fact that they too had been affected by the toxic emissions. Moreover, the 18,000 small business owners whose businesses were affected, are likely to have fared differently, even though they may all have enjoyed federal government support in one form, or another. Some of them may have left entrepreneurship and secured jobs. Others, while still in business, may not be as successful as Brian. Indeed, research into how these small business owners are doing today, thirteen years after the attacks, would be interesting. It would be particularly interesting to discover why people like Brian may be successful while their counterparts may not be. Finally, it is worth noting that for one reason or the other, Brian has opted to remain in New York City. They even carry on business in this very area that was home to the WTC. It likely that many people, including business owners, office workers, students and shoppers, have since fled from the City of New York and Lower Manhattan area in particular, perceiving it as being prone to terrorist attacks (Scott 70). Again, research into this potential flight from Lower Manhattan would be quite interesting. Summary and Conclusion The September 11 attacks were no doubt the worst in the countrys history (Boger 33), claiming close to 3,000 lives and destroying property and infrastructure worth a whopping $10 billion. In addition, the attacks led to at least 18, 000 small enterprises in Lower Manhattan being destroyed or forced to relocate. Also, thousands of people developed health problems after inhaling toxics from the debris of the collapsed Twin Towers. Following the attacks, the U.S. government embarked on enacting a raft of measures designed to prevent the occurrence of such acts of terrorism in the future. The federal government conceived the Department of Homeland Security to champion the war on terrorism. The Patriot Act was amended to accord the federal government greater powers including the power to monitor the communications of suspected terrorists. Others countries such as Germany and Canada also reacted by legislating similar laws. Oral history refers to an interview that capture’s the interviewee’s experience of a given local or international development. By demonstrating how the event affected an individual or individuals, oral history adds a personal, real touch to our understanding of historical events (Zarembka 26). For purposes of this paper, Brian Olson (not their real name) was interviewed. At the time of the attacks, Brian lived and worked in Lower Manhattan at Bates Worldwide. The interview reveals a very close similarity between what was found in the review of the literature and what Brian experienced. Also, from the interview, we learn a number of important lessons. For instance, the interview underscores the power of national disasters to stir deep feelings of patriotism and national unity. Certainly, the interview with Brian has injected some realism into our understanding of 9/11. Works cited Boger, Carl, Nigi Varghese and Dew Rittapirom. " The Impact of September 11 Attacks on Airline Arrivals and Conventions in Nine Major U.S. Cities." Journal of Convention & Event Tourism 7(2) (2005): 21-41. Print. Scott, Peter Dale. The Road to 9/11: Wealth, Empire and the Future of America. Oakland: University of California Press, 2008. Scott, Peter Dale. "Launching the U.S. Terror War: the CIA, 9/11, Afghanistan, and Central Asia." The Asia-Pacific Journal 5(2) (2012): 23-38. Print. Zarembka, Paul. "The Hidden History of 9-11-2001." The Journal of Business 23(1) (2006): 15-32. Print. Transcribed Interview Me: Where were you on 11th of September, 2001? Brian: At the time of the attacks I worked with Bates Worldwide on this very street we are on today. Me: Briefly recount the events of that day. Brian: I had just arrived at the office and was headed for the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. Climbing downstairs, I met my colleague, Anne. She revealed to me that a plane had just crashed into the World Trade Centre. I assumed it was a normal plane crash. I walked down into the staff room and joined my colleagues to watch the coverage of the event. As we internalized one of the Twin Towers going into flames, a second airliner crashed into the second tower. At that moment, occurred to us that these were well-organized acts of terrorism. Moments later, a third airliner was reported to have crashed into the Pentagon. A while later, another hijacked airliner was reported to have crashed in Pennsylvania. Media houses quickly dubbed the developments “Attack on America”. It was hard to believe. Me: What were you thinking all this while? Brian: As the events unfolded, I could not help but recollect the famous recording of the radio presenter who was overwhelmed and broke down as they reported the Hindenburg disaster. Unable to take any more, the journalist simply broke into tears of helplessness. Eventually, he just stopped reporting. Just as people had died right before his eyes, so were they dying right before ours. In our case, this was happening just a couple of blocks away. Me: As all this was happening, what was your priority? Brian: My priority was to contact my family, relatives and friends and inform them that I was OK. I knew by then they must have been very worried about me. To my frustration all communication channels had been shut and all bridges and tunnels closed. I tried to call home and leave them a message in which I told them I was alright. However, phone service was unavailable. Finally, I was able to send home an email indicating that I was fine. I copied it to as many friends and relatives as possible. Me: As the events unfolded, what were your feelings? Brian: Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness engulfed me. I felt like dashing out of the office and running downtown to offer any help I could. But I could not. All I could do was pray for those who had succumbed to the attacks and those who had sustained injuries. At the same time, I felt an indescribable hatred for the perpetrators of these heinous acts. Me: What stood out for you during the attacks and in their aftermath? Brian: Throughout the events, one thing stood out and impressed me: our sense of unity as the people of America. My friend Dan’s office had closed following the Twin Towers attacks. He came over to Bates. He was one of the many friends of our staff that came to seek refuge at our offices. Their companies had closed doors and dismissed people. Soon, a delicate operation got underway in downtown Manhattan. McDonald’s set up an outdoor eating point to feed the hungry volunteers. A school playground quickly became a massage parlor where volunteers offered to knead the overworked muscles of fellow volunteers. Back at Bates, later in the evening, the management arranged for the cafeteria to remain open for dinner. In addition, the management announced that employees would be allowed to sleep in the lounges and conference rooms. Later, my friends and I were able to walk down to the 36th Street and the Broadway. There, PATH trains ran for free. The police guided people to the trains. The cooperation was simply overwhelming. Me: To what extent would you say the WTC attacks affected you personally? Brian: I was both a victim and a winner. Besides working at Bates Worldwide, I ran a restaurant in Lower Manhattan. That restaurant was destroyed. Fortunately, the SBA came through for me and other small business owners whose businesses were affected. With the help of a loan from them, I was able to reopen the restaurant a year later in October 2002. Since then, the business has done so well that I have opened several other branches across New York City. Also, I have since quit my job so that now I concentrate on running my business. Matters business aside, the September 11 attacks stirred in me a deeper sense of patriotism. Today I feel a lot more proud to be an American than I did prior 9/11. On the losing side, following the attacks, I developed a respiratory illness that doctors later came to associate with the toxins emitted when the Twin Towers collapsed. It took me over three years to heal, but now Im OK. Read More