How Normal Has Changed Since September 11 Essay -- September 11 Terror

     Ã‚  Ã‚  The terrorist attacks on September 11th affected more than the lives of those in the targeted cities. Nearly every American has felt the rippling effect in both subtle and obvious ways. Everything from what people are eating to the toys that are in demand has been altered because people's perceptions have changed. Though this country has always been considered a patriotic nation, its true colors had not shown in recent history until this tragedy. Now it is apparent that its colors are red, white, and blue. Despite the many negative aspects of the terrorist attacks, some of the changes that have happened in America have been for the better. How ironic for our enemies it would be if their acts meant for evil resulted in an overall improvement in our country. Soon after the attacks, President Bush urged the public to return to normalcy. However, I echo the feelings behind a slogan for the WordsCanHeal campaign: "Why go back to normal when you can be better than normal?" ("Priorities").    Fear is a powerful motivator. Threats of more attacks, anthrax, presumed unsafe flying, and a slipping economy have been keeping people home more than in recent years. Across the nation, business travel has decreased by nearly 30% since this time last year (Guzman and Higgins 1). In result, more parents are at home with their families this season. When they are together, quality communication is more likely, and uniting together as a family can begin. As I believe that the strength of a nation lies in the strength of its families, situations that encourage family communication may benefit the nation as a whole, far above what the traveling industry may suffer. However, the transition of having Mom or Dad at home more often has not bee... ...urselves through our apathy and refusal to think. Works Cited Agins, Teri. "Markdown Malaise." The Wall Street Journal 7 Dec. 2001: B1+. Bhatia, Pooja. "Big Hit in Toyland: Shrinky Dinks, a '70s Throwback." The Wall Street Journal 21 Nov. 2001: B1+. Boodman, Sandra G. "In Troubled Times, Kids Go for the Feary Tales." Washington Post. 3 Dec. 2001. Erickson, Amy K. "There's a War On-Have an Oreo." Washington Post 20 Nov. 2001: HE03. Goodstein, Laurie. "As Attacks' Impact Recedes, a Return to Religion as Usual." New York Times 26 Nov. 2001. Guzman, Rafer, and Michelle Higgins. "Stay-at-Home Stress." The Wall Street Journal 30 Nov. 2001: W1+. Levere, Jane L. "Survey Offers Insights on College Students' Mood Since Sept. 11." New York Times 27 Nov. 2001. "Priorities Changing After Sept. 11." New York Times 3 Dec. 2001.