The decade after the 9/11 attacks reshaped and reformed many facets of life in America. Some of these changes were temporary- an immediate response out of concern for our safety-whereas some proved to be more lasting transformations in American society. The American Lexicon, social or political terminology, was one of the major things that changed drastically in months and years after the attacks. Among the words and phrases that entered everyday language: Taliban, Ground Zero, Radicalism, Extremism, Anthrax, and the Axis of Evil. The usage of these terms dramatically increased and soon became a part of Americans' everyday lives. Not only was American terminology relatively affected, bringing in new words to be used in American culture, however, Air travel was distinctly one of these.
Perhaps the most immediate and obvious changes after the attacks took place in U.S. airports. Approximately two months after the attacks, congress federalized airport security by passing the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which created the Transportation Security Administration. Prior to 9/11, security had been handled by each airport, which outsourced to private security companies. The new TSA implemented procedures that included much more strict guidelines on passenger and luggage screening. Only ticketed passengers could go through security, and an ever changing array of machinery and procedures were introduced to scan for weapons and destructive items. As new threats were discovered after 9/11, including removing shoes and banning liquids. Airplanes themselves also underwent major overhauls: fortified cockpit doors were being generated, and first-class cabin curtains were dropped by airlines. Today, pilots can apply to be come a federal flight deck officer, allowing them to carry a loaded gun and act as a federal officer aboard the plane.
Despite the vast amount of airport and air travel security, today, some critics say some of the new measures are much too excessive and infringe on the rights of travelers, pointing to more invasive searches and examples of passengers being detained. Would you agree with the amount of change we have created in terms of security for our nation? Or would you agree with critics and say that it is too much? Is there a limit? Or do you think American security should not have any limits due to the effects of 9/11?
I think it is great that we have greater security, but when a man or woman is pulled aside because they "look like a terrorist" that's not right. There are a group of people who get discriminated against because the US government emphasized the fact that the people who performed the attack were Muslim.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the current security policy implemented by TSA at airports is as extensive as it should ever be. There is a lot of discussion of how the policy has opened the doors to racial profiling, and that fact angers a lot of people. That being said, without the current security measures the nation would be susceptible to a lot more threats and attacks.
ReplyDeleteI think the increase in security is necessary and a correct response to the 9/11 attack.Although it hasn't eliminated all attacks, it has lessened the threats of airplane safety. But I also agree with Mariana and Caitlin. It's not right to discriminate against people because of their race and these measures may increase discrimination, especially in airports.
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