Take some time and explore the 9/11 memorial site and history channel's special, 102 Minutes that Changed America.
Think about it...
"We are taught to respect differences, but how should we react to groups whose views are fundamentally antithetical to our own values and ideals? How do we deal with communities of hate?
In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, a “world community” emerged; people from all walks of life and all parts of the world joined together to help. The tremendous goodwill lasted for a while and then dissipated. Do we need a crisis to bring us together? Are there other ways to build and sustain that sense of fellowship?
Terrorism is designed to promote fear and anxiety, and inevitably, it challenges basic assumptions about personal, national, and global security. How can democratic societies protect civil liberties and freedoms in the face of increased insecurity?
Acts of terrorism reinforce awareness of communities of difference, heightening a sense of “us” versus “them”. How can we resist the impulse to view other people stereotypically or as monolithic “others”? How can we balance appropriate caution with curiosity about other communities and respect for diversity?
The scale of death and destruction that resulted from 9/11 made Americans feel vulnerable in ways that were new and unfamiliar. How can we use this insight to create greater connections of empathy with others who have suffered, or continue to experience, violence and tragedy elsewhere in the world?
We live in a world of heightened risk and fear, but we can choose to live our lives according to the values we cherish. How can the new forms of communication and technology that have expanded social networks be used to explore our respective values and deepen our connections and sense of responsibility to others?" ~ 911memorial .org
Think about it...
"We are taught to respect differences, but how should we react to groups whose views are fundamentally antithetical to our own values and ideals? How do we deal with communities of hate?
In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, a “world community” emerged; people from all walks of life and all parts of the world joined together to help. The tremendous goodwill lasted for a while and then dissipated. Do we need a crisis to bring us together? Are there other ways to build and sustain that sense of fellowship?
Terrorism is designed to promote fear and anxiety, and inevitably, it challenges basic assumptions about personal, national, and global security. How can democratic societies protect civil liberties and freedoms in the face of increased insecurity?
Acts of terrorism reinforce awareness of communities of difference, heightening a sense of “us” versus “them”. How can we resist the impulse to view other people stereotypically or as monolithic “others”? How can we balance appropriate caution with curiosity about other communities and respect for diversity?
The scale of death and destruction that resulted from 9/11 made Americans feel vulnerable in ways that were new and unfamiliar. How can we use this insight to create greater connections of empathy with others who have suffered, or continue to experience, violence and tragedy elsewhere in the world?
We live in a world of heightened risk and fear, but we can choose to live our lives according to the values we cherish. How can the new forms of communication and technology that have expanded social networks be used to explore our respective values and deepen our connections and sense of responsibility to others?" ~ 911memorial .org
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