Welcome to the AP English Blog!
Unlike our wiki, which we will use for notes and class organization, we will use our blog as a way to have informal and creative discussion at any hour of the day. For our first topic, I would like to address the upcoming 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
First, view the PBS video Memory Quilt in which young people share their memories of September 11th. Click Here to view.
Then, please answer the following questions in paragraph form.
1. What are your memories about September 11, 2001? What have you learned about September 11th since the event that has remained relevant or poignant to you?
2. How do you believe the world (and your life) has changed since that event? How might your world and life be different if this event had never occurred?
3. What lessons or remembrances will you pass along to your children about September 11th?
Marielle :D
ReplyDelete1.To be honest, I hardly remember September 11, 2001. I vaguely remember my dad picking up my sister and I. There were parents all over Grady picking up their children. Surprisingly, I neither cried nor feared anything. I guess I was too young to understand what was happening. One thing I truly remember about 9/11 is how much it affected my family. My father is a stockbroker and once the event occurred the market dropped. In the stock market business, stock brokers don’t earn a stable salary; they receive commission. I remember my mother frantically worrying about what was going to happen. As time passed, I finally understood that America was attacked. All of this taught me how much one event can really impact people and it showed me how strong America is. Miraculously, America overcame this formidable event. The way my family was affected made it like America was at the bottom of a deep, deep hole and was never going to find its way out. In that hole were our dignity and our pride. However, we fought, we triumphed, and we succeeded. Go America!
2.After 9/11, the world has changed: airports are full of security, many people lost a lot of money, and America suffered a period of turmoil. In the previous question, I answered how the attack affected my life. In many ways, it would be better if the attack didn’t happen because so many peoples’ lives would’ve been saved. All those firemen, police, and people in the twin towers wouldn’t have lost their lives. Therefore, I wish the attack never happened. Unfortunately, it occurred and it can’t be changed. As much as it hurt the lives of many Americans, it brought our country closer together. Seeing America triumph the attack was like watching superman saving the world. On this day, September 11, so many people were posting status on facebook about remember 9/11 forever. On a positive note, the attack has brought America closer together. However, the event will never be fully justified on the account of many citizens losing their lives.
3.Some of the lessons I will pass along to my children about 9/11 is that America was attacked and it wasn’t a joke. This is legitimate history that everyone should study. I would probably tell them about how it affected my family, and how it affected so many other families. I only lost money, but others lost lives. I would probably have Kathleen tell my kids stories about 9/11 because she remembers the day more than me!
Ruben
ReplyDelete1. I don't remember anything about September 11, 2001. I don't remember where I was or what was I doing. I have learned about how many families were affected by this tragic event. Also that everyone throughout the country was calling for revenge. Everyone was hurt by this event even people who didn't have a family member or friend killed or injured on 9/11.
2. After this event the United States of America have tighten up their security in airports. If this event have never occurred, my life wouldn't be that different. I didn't have any family member or friend involved in the tragic event but I still have sympathy for anyone who went through or had someone they know who went through this event. Whoever was injured, who died, or was close to someone who did, I feel for them. I care about anyone who was involved in 9/11 except the terrorists. I wish 9/11 never happened and I wish the terrorist can rot in HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. If I have kids, I will tell them this is one of the most tragic events in history. I will tell them when they learn about it in school, pay attention and think about how people were affected by this event. I will them to be thankful because daddy grew up less than an hour from where the event happened and that they don't know if daddy could have been killed.
1. When 9/11 occurred I was still living in Peru, with my mom, while my dad was living here. That day i only recall seeing my mom run from the phone to the TV, she had received a call from one of her friend's who told her about the first plane crashing. Then I remember going up to her room with my cousins and watching the news with the rest of my family. I remember being confused and scared for my dad, i had no idea what was going on, then we saw another plane hit the second tower, and that's when my aunt said "this is on purpose". Then after a while the one of the tower's collapsed, that's when my family began to cry, and i didn't know what to do, i didn't know if i had to cry with them or just sit there. Then the other tower collapsed, and after that i just remember leaving the room. Then later that day my dad called, and said that they were okay because he and the rest of my family lived an hour away from NYC, so they were safe.
ReplyDeleteFrom this tragedy I learned that, the world can change in matters of minutes. That day while people ran for their lives, nobody cared who each other was, they just helped each other. That day the CEO of a company was holding the hand of a janitor trying to help each other. Strangers on the streets were comforting each other. On that day America united as family, they cried together and promised to seek revenge for this cowardly act. On that day not only America cried, but the world cried. 9/11 left America hurt, but left them as united as ever. Now 10 years later America gotten back on its feet, they have cleaned Ground Zero and have built 1000 feet of Tower One ( it will be around 1700 fleet long), which will become the new symbol of NYC, which will also represent a symbol of America getting back on its feet. And this year America has full filled their promise of revenge on the master mind behind this evil act. With the killing of Bin Landen America has gained a sense of justice and peace. America has risen back up together and now there stronger than ever, no matter what comes, America will remain together forever.
2. 9/11 has indeed changed the world, especially the United States. Before 9/11 people were selfish and distant from each other. Americans lived in a world in which they didn't care of anything, they taught that they lived in a perfect world, in which they would always be safe. They didn't see the reality of the evil in other people's soul. Before 9/11 he government focused more on other tasks, rather than the primary protection of the country. The government didn't listen to warnings of possible attacks, they had too much pride. 9/11 was a wake up call to the whole country. That day Americans became family. That day the government learned that America's safety was extremely low. Because of 9/11, the government has added strict security and protection for the country. They have made airports much stricter, checking all baggages and passengers. They have made immigration stronger, to avoid having terrorists in the country. Now the government is at constant survaillance of suspecious terrorist activity. They now listen to threats and take them seriously. Now America has a learned to be on guard at all times. My life has changed since that event. Its because of that event that I now live in a safer country, in which people care for each other.
ReplyDeleteIf this event wouldn't have happen the world might still be the same as it was before 9/11. But i think eventually another different attack would have been made. However, the deaths of all those innocent people is something that Americans will always remember and wish would have never occurred. I think that in order for the whole world to become united, we need to learn how to forgive. I know people would think that revenge is the best way to go, but its really not. When were little were taught to forgive, why can't we do that in the real world. Think about it, right now in the name of revenge we are killing many people, which some of them might be innocent people. Now their children will grow with hate towards us and also want revenge, Then one day they will attack us again, and everything will repeat over again until we completely destroy each other. Personally I think that with the killing of Bin Laden we've done enough. I know that people who have lost loved ones don't think the same, and I understand them, but in the sake of my future children and others, i would prefer a peaceful world for the, one with out guns, bombs of hijacked planes. I would like for them a world in which people loved each other and cared for each other.
3) My children will definitely know about 9/11. I will tell them every detail of that day. I will tell them how Americans became family that day. I will teach that that cowardly acts like those attacks should never be done on any country. That no country deserves to be hurt like America did that day.
ReplyDeleteJohn
ReplyDelete1. When the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred, I was just starting 2nd grade. I remember little about the event, but I do remember my whole school was called into the cafeteria to watch the news probably an hour after the event occurred. It was only at this point that we all realized what had happened. Even while watching the new I couldn't really grasp what was happening. At first I thought the act was something out of a movie, or at least an accident. In no way could I have imagined it was actually an attack on our country. Being as young as I was, I really couldn't understand why this would happen. However, I was suddenly filled with grief and sorrow when my teachers talked about how many people are probably dead or injured. I knew my parents worked in NYC so I also hoped they were safe. However, I never imagined the number of people that lost their lives was so large. It was only after several years that I slowly began to realize the political reasons that were behind the attack and the concept of terrorism. However, the 9/11 attacks did teach me a lot about the nationalism and pride of America. This nation made it through such a difficult period with such class, and it made me feel proud to be an American and confident that we can overcome anything.
2. The main impact I think the terrorist attacks of that day had on the world was it showed how vulnerable nations were to major attacks. One of the greatest nations in the world, America, was hit with such a devastating attack, and it made the whole world think about how to intensify their security. Ever since that day, airports and security, in general, have been fortified and have helped us stay safe. The attacks also made countries go on the offensive and start a world-wide hunt for terrorism, which has lead to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even individually, it has made an impact. Although, I did not personally know anyone involved in the attacks, I did know a few friends who knew people harmed by the attacks. Also, the attack instilled a sense of nationalism in me. I was proud to be part of a country that stood so strong after the attack. If the attacks never occurred, I could say that I might have never felt as bonded and proud of this country as I did after the event.
3. Unfortunately, I would probably not be able to share as much first hand knowledge of the event as I would like to my children. However, I would tell them what I felt at the moment and to always take pride in your country. They should be grateful that they don't have to experience anything as tragic as that again. Also, I would let them know that terrorism and attacks of these sorts are in no way acceptable and should be seen as cowardly and wrong.
Matthew
ReplyDeleteHey, I finally got this to work!
1. I remember being in Dr. Short's 2nd grade class. Everyone's parents had picked them up, in fear of another attack (except mine, because they were working at the time). I also was afraid that something bad had happened to my aunt and uncle, because they worked in the buildings next to the World Trade Center (they were safe, thankfully). After hearing the fighter jets overhead and seeing the convoys of military trucks headed to New York City on the way home, I thought that we were being invaded by a foreign country. I didn't know why the attack happened at the time, and I didn't know who Osama bin Laden was or what a jihad was. I just remember being afraid and confused.
2. 9/11 most certainly had a global impact. It ushered this new international conflict known as the "War on Terror", and it reminded America just how vulnerable it was. It also reminded America that we were not in a Cold War environment anymore. We're facing a new enemy with new beliefs, tactics, and goals. This isn't just about superpowers flexing their muscles anymore. As a matter of fact, we don't even have a clearly defined enemy. As much as America would like to say that it's fighting the "injustices brought about by Islamic fundamentalism and the mujahideen", that isn't always the case. It's actually a much broader and more complex situation than that. One also cannot ignore the persecution that people of Middle Eastern descent in America have faced because of 9/11. After the attacks, people were afraid, and fear led people to believe and do irrational things. If the attacks on 9/11 had not happened, I think that by now a similar attack would have happened anyways, and we would be in a situation similar to the one we are in now. We would most likely be in this conflict anyways.
3. Well, I don't plan on having children (thankfully). But for the sake of answering this question, I'll say that if I did have children, that I would fully educate them on 9/11. I would tell them what happened, why it happened, and what I remember from that day. A for what lessons I would tell them...well, that's hard. First, I would tell them that they shouldn't hold any resentment against the Middle East and its people for what happened. And second, I would tell them that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. By this, I mean that there are two sides to every conflict, and that they must be educated on what each side believes and what its goals are. That way, they will be able to make reasonable judgments rather than spread unjustified hate.
Baboon (Arun)
ReplyDelete1)The day of 9/11 is all a blur to me. I do not recall what I was doing in school that day, but I do remember that my cousin came to pick me up. It was odd to me because I rarely saw my cousin, but when he came to get me I assumed there was a death in my family. However I did not know anyone who suffered that day in the towers, I was just confused until my cousin explained to me what happened.
2) I believe America has changed greatly after the attack of 9/11. Security in airports have became more strict and panic about terrorist attacks has increased greatly. Before the attack, I hadn't even thought about a terrorist attack. After that issue, there are always ads about reporting suspicious activities if they're seen. However, the attacks on the twin towers did boost a sense of nationalism throughout the United States. In my old neighborhood that I lived in, there weren't any patriotic activities around. After the incident, I remember the people on my block put flags out their houses and the superintendent of my apartment building rose a flag high up on top of the building every year on this very day.
3)The lesson that I think I'd teach my kids would be not to take things for granted. The day of 9/11 millions of people lost someone they cherished deeply in their heart. A close family friend of mine woke up late and was supposed to go to work in the towers, but was luckily grateful to not arrive on time. Things like this would make my kids appreciate life more by understanding the many unexpected things that can happen to people. I would also let my kids know that America's a place that they should be thankful to live in, because other places with chaos occurring proves that America is the land of the free.
1. The one thing that I remember the most about 9/11 is the teachers whispering in the hallway. It felt like someone was in trouble. My classmates and I kept looking around at each other wondering which one of us was in trouble. Another memory I have is hearing that my sister had been crying in school because she was worried that something had happened to our parents. I remember thinking that she was dumb for crying because, of course, our parents would never be hurt or die. They would never leave us. Since the attack, I have learned that the government had information that there was going to be a terrorist attack but did not take any action. I have also just begun to grasp the emotional significance of the event. When I was younger, it did not seem all that important because no one I knew had died. But as I mature and begin watching some of the 9/11 documentaries it makes me teary-eyed and feel shocked that something so horrific happened so close to home.
ReplyDelete2. I would still be the person I am today had 9/11 not happened because it did not directly impact my life. The only change I see is that Americans are more paranoid of there being another terrorist attack. Its like we are all waiting to see the terrorists strike back.
3. I am not sure what I will tell my children about 9/11, but it will probably go along the lines of, " When Mommy was little, bad guys attacked the United States and we went to war to punish them." I will also make my children watch 9/11 documentaries so that they will learn that yes, bad things do happen close to home and when they do people have to stick together.
By: Shannon Coombs
Lyan-Joy
ReplyDeleteI've been having problems getting my google account to work myself -__-
1. I don't really rememeber 9/11. I know that my mom, my little sister, and I travelled back to Dominica about 2 or 3 days before the bombings. We came to NY for summer vacation and then we left. I heard of what happened on the news and I saw video clips and pictures but, I didnt fully understand what had happened. I remember seeing the picture of the rubble and the smoke making its way into the streets and it was scary. I was scared that something like that would happen to my little island. Surely if bombings like 9/11 took place, I don't think anyone would survive. I did learn that many people died and many people were willing to die and put themselves in danger to try to save someone else. That there were many brave people out there who did what they could to help. This one lady in particular touched me b/c she was like my sister would have been 20 if she were still alive. Her sister was only 10 years old when she died!!!10!!!
2. I believe that the world changed greatly because of this...particularly America. I think that it really strenghtened the country but, I also acknowledge that many lives were lost and as a result of those lives that were taken, many families were impacted. Some children don't have their parents anymore, many people lost friends. All they have left are memories and pictures of these people. Believe it or not two people from Dominica died in 9/11. I have no idea who they were but, my aunt was telling me about one of the people who died then. I don't think that my world would've been that much different (besides the absence of a calypso song about Osama Bin Laden) but, I do believe that the world would have been different. Maybe Americans wouldn't have been as united as they are today but, atleast they would have had their family members and friends with them.
3. I would teach my children that 9/11 was a very traumatic experience and that it was just as important as the Holocaust and other great tragedies that happened in the past. I would make sure they paid tribute to those who passed on b/c many people who died were innocent people and some of them were trying to save others and in the process they died. They sacrificed themselves so others could live.