How has America changed since the terrorist attacks?
Scott Mahlmeister
“Where back to where we were on that day”, said senior Scott Mahlmeister, a native New Yorker. “Maybe people want to forget about it, and move forward, but I think most don’t truly understand what actually happened on that day . . . Were a little more safe, but I hope were planning to stay safe and become proactive instead of reactive.”
Vishal Cabral
Vishal Cabral, a senior majoring in graphic design, believes that the 911 attacks have not only put the world into a state of defense, but they have also made the world a place of racism and hatred. “I am glad to see that the world is more secure now than it ever has been, but at the same time I see more and more hatred towards other people,” he said. “Since 9/11, I even catch myself analyzing other races when I am on a plane, wondering if they are up to no good. It is terrible to say things like this but our views towards one whole race is twisted once a handful of a certain race commits a harmful act against other races.”
Emma Mitchell-Rekrut
“I get scared when I hear about attacks or alarms,” said sophomore Emma Mitchell-Rekrut. “It is all a little more real to me. We could get bombed and any moment.”
Kevin Williams
“Since September 11, a lot of Americans see middle-eastern peoples walking in the street and ‘Terrorist’ flashes through their minds,” said Kevin Williams, a freshman pre-med major. “Fear of another attack is everywhere, behind every corner…”
Kristin Miller
The junior recalls both good and bad changes that she has noticed since 9/11. She believes that people have become more prejudice towards those of middle-eastern background. “The jokes and mockery are old because many of those people are truly hurt by what others have to say.” “Just because someone speaks another language or wears a turban or a veil does not automatically make them a terrorist,” said Kristen. Kristen also noticed the severe precautionary security measures that have been put into effect not only at airports but major businesses, professional sporting events and concerts just to name a few. She however, sees this as a positive change. “We were not prepared for 9/11 because we truly never saw such a crisis coming.” “It was our own stupidity and now we have to face the consequences of our actions,” exclaimed Kristen.
Danielle Cohen
Danielle Cohen was a wandering freshman on her way to science class. When she entered her science class, she instantly knew that something wasn’t right. She saw the puzzled looks on her classmates’ faces. She began to wonder what was going on. “I knew that something was going on because the TV was on in our class. They never have the TV on unless it’s something important. I was confused” One of the things that stood out most to Cohen that day was what happened when she got home. Her family usually enjoys their meal at the dinner table and share stories of the day. On this day, they spent their meal differently. “We spent our dinner in front of the TV. We tried to get as much information as possible. There was definitely a somber tone to it all.”
Cinthia Jaramillo
“People have a phobia when traveling in airports,” said Cinthia Jaramillo, a freshman majoring in government and world affairs. “Any person caught with some sort of suspicious object causes fear in the passengers. Flying is now a threat instead of an easy and fun way to travel.”
Erik Olsen
“Big events publicized nationwide are always targets,” said freshman Erik Olsen, a business management major, “People in our country are always cautious with attending these functions because they are terrified of another terrorist attack on our country, they are scared for their lives.”
Amy Albaugh
A University of Tampa senior, who moved to the U.S. from England seven years ago, thinks that people in the U.S. have become wary of everything since the terrorist attacks on