9/11

Definition

9/11 refers to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, when coordinated attacks by the extremist group al-Qaeda targeted the United States, leading to the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City and significant damage to the Pentagon. This event reshaped global security policies and had profound implications for journalism, particularly in reporting acts of violence and terrorism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. On 9/11, four commercial airliners were hijacked, with two crashing into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon; the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened.
2. Approximately 3,000 people died as a result of the attacks, making it one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in world history.
3. The immediate aftermath of 9/11 saw an increase in national security measures and a rise in anti-terrorism legislation in many countries.
4. 9/11 profoundly affected media coverage of terrorism, leading to more extensive reporting on extremist ideologies and global security issues.
5. The event also led to increased fear and scrutiny of Muslim communities in various countries, impacting public perception and leading to instances of discrimination.

Review Questions

• How did the 9/11 attacks change the landscape of journalism regarding reporting on acts of violence?
  • The 9/11 attacks significantly transformed journalism by increasing the focus on terrorism and national security issues. Journalists began to delve deeper into understanding extremist ideologies, their origins, and their impacts. The urgency and scale of the event prompted media outlets to prioritize comprehensive coverage, often leading to an expansion in investigative journalism focused on terrorism-related topics.
• What role did media play in shaping public perception of terrorism in the years following 9/11?
  • Media played a crucial role in shaping public perception of terrorism post-9/11 by framing narratives around security threats and depicting Muslims through a lens of suspicion. The extensive coverage of the attacks led to heightened fears and reinforced stereotypes. Furthermore, sensationalized reporting sometimes overshadowed nuanced discussions about socio-political factors contributing to terrorism, impacting how communities were viewed and treated.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the 9/11 attacks on global journalism practices concerning ethical standards and responsibilities.
  • The long-term implications of 9/11 on global journalism practices include a heightened awareness of ethical standards and responsibilities among journalists. In response to the challenges posed by reporting on terrorism, there has been a push for more responsible coverage that avoids perpetuating stereotypes or inciting fear. Journalists are now more cognizant of their impact on public discourse and are encouraged to provide context about conflicts while ensuring that diverse voices are represented. This shift aims to promote understanding over division in a post-9/11 world.

Related terms

Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political aims.

Al-Qaeda: A militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, responsible for orchestrating the 9/11 attacks.

War on Terror: An international military campaign launched by the U.S. following the 9/11 attacks aimed at combating terrorism globally.