9-11: Why Usa?

9-11: Why USA?

"First, differences among civilizations are not only real; they are basic. Civilizations are differentiated from each other by history, language, culture, tradition, and, most important, religion" (Huntington 450). On Tuesday September 11, 2001 the unthinkable happened in America. The two World Trade Centers in New York City, along with the Pentagon in Washington D.C., were struck by airplanes that were hijacked by terrorists. This terrible tragedy killing thousands of people had a deep impact on the whole nation. Many are confused as to why the United States of America were targeted instead of any of the other countries in the world. The main reason for the Taliban choosing to attack the United Stated of America on September 11, 2001 is due to the freedoms that Americans live with everyday. The 1st Amendment in the Bill of Rights states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" (NARA). Americans live with the freedom of speech, religion, and in most cases, the ability to have a second chance, while people living in other countries don't have these luxuries.

One main reason for the Taliban choosing to attack the United States of America is due to American's freedom of speech. It is stated in the Bill of rights as stated earlier, "Congress shall make no law [...] abridging the freedom of speech, [...]" (NARA). Americans live everyday of their lives with this freedom, however people living in Iraq or other countries who have inhabitants who are involved with the Taliban might not have the freedom of speech any time in their life. Therefore, the idea that Americans have this freedom of speech might insult or make people living in these countries jealous, and who better to target than Americans for having this freedom. As stated in an address given by George Bush, "America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining" (Bush). People living in countries involved with the Taliban are not able to speak out about the government in any way. These people hate the United States of America because they are jealous of what they do not have, which causes them to become helpless. "It is a sense of helplessness that causes people to hate, a sense of impotence, like sheep being led to the slaughter" (Landers 388). Along with the lack of freedom of speech, people living in these areas are also very poor, making it very hard for them to get respect. "The anger of being voiceless was often matched by the despair of poverty. [...] Poverty, disappointment, and youth form a potent mix for revolt" (Landers 395). With all the anger and jealousy built up over the years, these people finally decided it was time to be heard.

Another reason is due to American's freedom of religion. Freedom of religion is granted to every American, stated in the Bill of Right's 1st Amendment. There are many different ways of viewing God and man. The countries involved with the Taliban are told what to believe in rather than having the choice to believe what they want to. There are so many ways of viewing religion between people associated with the Taliban and the United States of America. Samuel Huntington goes into it deeper by stating, "The people of different civilizations have different views on the relations between God and man, the individual and group, the citizen and the state, parents and children, husband and wife, as well as differing views of the relative importance of the rights and responsibilities, liberty and authority, equality and hierarchy. These differences are the product of centuries. They will not soon disappear" (450). Every person in the United States of America has the right to believe in what they want, while people in other countries do not have this freedom. Knowing how religion is treated in other countries, it is no surprise that they would target the United States, especially since, "Differences do not necessarily mean conflict, and conflict does not necessarily mean violence. Over the centuries, however, differences among civilizations have generated the most prolonged and the most violent conflicts" (Huntington 450).

The United States of America may have also been targeted because we have such a good judicial