One year
ago, we watched in horror as the World Trade Center collapsed onto
the smoky streets of New York City. One year ago, some shed tears
and some of us circled Sanford Mall united in prayer without thought
to the person at our side’s race, denomination or lifestyle.
One year ago, some of us called our parents just to tell them we
loved them.
So, what are we doing now?
I cannot deny that 9-11 was one of the most shocking and harsh events
for a country so acquainted with ease and comfort. However, as we
approach the one year anniversary of this tragedy, I find myself
questioning if 9-11 really affected our country to the great lengths
the media portrays and if 9-11 really affected Appalachian State
University students to a large degree.
Very few can argue that 9-11 changed the country in some aspects,
especially those who experienced it first-hand. As our economy plummets,
our troops prepare for more war and we no longer see the World Trade
Center towers hovering over New York’s skyline, America feels
some of the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. However, I see few
changes in American individuals.
Of course those who experienced it were changed. I recently read
an article about Lisa Beamer, who lost her husband in the attacks
when she was five months pregnant. Her story is inspiring, but how
many people can say the course of their lives are changed forever
by 9-11? How many people read the article, then put it down forgetting
the lessons learned from Lisa’s story?
Our economy plummets, yet Americans still spend millions of dollars
for gas on the two-plus cars they own, designer clothes, CDs and
plenty of other luxuries a lot of the world will never imagine.
Some say America united after 9-11. The only thing I see is a superficially
united country who stuck American flags on the back of their cars
and in their yards. Most Americans couldn’t tell you the rules
of taking care of the American flag.
We are certainly not united when it comes to our ideas about President
Bush’s decision to wage war. Either we cheer or protest and
when our troops are sent out, we either support it or complain.
How much did 9-11 really change the individuals at Appalachian?
I am sure some have, but the majority of us have not. A year ago,
I heard people vowing to change but now I see us taking our lives
for granted. For a few months, students and faculty gave themselves,
their time and their money for 9-11 victims. We thought about the
significance of our lives and what was really important, like family,
friends and faith. Today, we find ourselves buying more things,
looking for more miracle diets, keeping our money to ourselves and
stepping on people to get ahead.
What about those of us who claim to have faith in God? We said 9-11
reminded of us that God is in control and we said we wouldn’t
worry because our little problems couldn’t compare to 9-11.
How many of us are panicking about school, about our jobs and the
mere worries that hit us every day? Our renewed faith in God’s
provision, sparked by 9-11, faded because we lacked faith before
9-11. Did we ever really change?
Some changed for a short period but fell back into complacency.
If 9-11 changed us, why are we not still conducting numerous charities,
reevaluating our lives and concerning ourselves with what really
matters?
I believe 9-11 happened for a reason. We don’t need to let
it affect to the point where we stop living our lives, but we need
to move on and continue to live the lessons we claimed we learned
from this incident.
Today you’ll go to class, hang out with your friends and maybe
do some studying. For most of us, it will probably be an ordinary,
safe day. In light of that, will you still call your parents today
just to tell them you love them? |
