Although two decades have passed since the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, there are still some lingering effects of this devastating terrorist attack that show no sign of ending.
From increased security to positive and negative psychological effects, here are some of the lasting effects of 9/11 that still can be felt by Americans today.
1. Strict airport security
Before
9/11, queuing and large-scale security checks at airports did not exist. And
that's because before November 2001, the US Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) had not been created. The TSA was created as a direct
result of the 9/11 attacks and the tight security measures have not been
perfected in the 20 years since it was conceived.
Cockpit
doors on planes are now also protected to keep pilots safe, and the screening
process has been increased in scale and thoroughness.
New
technology has evolved to make it easier for airport security officials to find
hazardous materials. Advanced screening methods, as well as background checks, have boosted the speed of the security check process.
In general, air travel has become safer after the attacks.
2. The establishment Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The
Department of Homeland Security was created 11 days after the attacks.
The DHS
is an office assembled by several officials who oversee strategy and national
security. It was created to protect the country against another large-scale
terrorist attack through the use, collection of information, and conducting
investigations.
The Department
is responsible for counter-terrorism missions, as well as national security and
disaster prevention. It has grown exponentially since its inception, becoming
the third-largest ministry in the US government.
Today, the Department has a great influence on security and counter-terrorism across the country.
3. Increased security in public places
Airports
aren't the only places where people may feel an increase in security measures.
In fact, this increase in security has affected most American businesses and
schools.
Before
9/11, it was much easier to access office buildings across the country. At maximum, they will ask you to fill in the information at the front desk and wait for
confirmation. But now, it's not so easy.
Visitors
now have to register at the security and staff counters, and need a key code or
special signs to enter the building.
Similarly, major government buildings and institutions have fences that prevent vehicle ramming.
4. Increasing racial discrimination and religious prejudice against Muslims
According
to a report by Pew Research, 15 years after the 9/11 attacks, assaults against
Muslims in the US have increased by nearly 50%.
Similarly,
another survey polled Muslims in the United States and found that 75% said
there was significant discrimination against Muslims.
The
survey also found that 50% of respondents found it difficult to be a Muslim in
the United States in the past 10 years.
Although only about 1% of Muslims are responsible for later terrorist attacks, the legacy of 9/11 has caused the remaining 99% of Muslims to suffer heavy prejudice.
5. An increase in deportation
After 9/11, the Bush Administration is said to have stepped up deportation efforts and increased immigration restrictions to limit the risk of terrorism. According to ABC News, deportations have doubled in the 2010s - and deportations of criminals have increased at an even higher rate.
6. Increasing patriotism
Many
Americans expressed that they felt an increase in patriotism after the attack.
The American flag seems to mean something else to them, in a positive way.
In
particular, the armed forces have reported an increase in the number of people
enlisting after the attacks. Other organizations have also seen an increase in
volunteers. People queuing, sometimes more than necessary, to donate blood.
Although some argue that this patriotism has given rise to extreme nationalism,
others see the rise of patriotism as a good thing and should be spread across
all ages and races.
Source: https://www.insider.com/world-changed-after-september-11-2018-9