Impact on Nationalism
Immediately after the September 11 attacks, an immense rise in nationalism was overwhelmingly apparent. The overbearing sense of pride permeated the American culture. This patriotism was expressed in more ways than one. American flags were popping up on every front porch, and God Bless America resonated solemnly through the speakers of the weeping. As a broken nation began picking up the pieces of a shattered heart, citizens clung to what was left as part of the healing process.
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During all this shock, fear, and anger, Americans felt the call to the strong social bond felt in the face of emergency. But as grief turned to anger, we saw our civil liberties curtail. In an antagonized attempt at justice, citizens turned to hate crimes and violence. This blind nationalism became prominent, and still is today, resulting in ignorant acts of animosity. The nation began seeking justice in any way possible. But not all citizens turned to violence in their search for healing. Many clung to art and self-expression, others clung to each other. Regardless, people all over the nation immediately felt an overwhelming sense of American pride that is still felt today.
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i cried when i saw those buildings collapse on themselves like a broken
heart. i have never owned pain that needs to spread like that.
there is no poetry in this. there are causes and effects. there are
symbols and ideologies. mad conspiracy here, and information we will
never know. there is death here, and there are promises of more.
there is life here. anyone reading this is breathing, maybe hurting,
but breathing for sure. and if there is any light to come, it will
shine from the eyes of those who look for peace and justice after the
rubble and rhetoric are cleared and the phoenix has risen.
affirm life.
affirm life.
we got to carry each other now.
you are either with life, or against it.
affirm life.
- “First Writing Since" by Suheir Hammad