September 11 attacks

Definition

The September 11 attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist acts carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, targeting the United States. This tragic event involved the hijacking of four commercial airplanes, with two crashing into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, another hitting the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashing in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers. The attacks not only resulted in significant loss of life but also transformed global security policies and media coverage of breaking news events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The September 11 attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people, making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history.
2. Following the attacks, the U.S. launched the War on Terror, which included military operations in Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.
3. The attacks caused widespread changes in security procedures at airports, leading to stricter screening processes for passengers and luggage.
4. Emergency response efforts during and after the attacks highlighted both heroism and challenges faced by first responders, resulting in numerous awards and honors for those involved.
5. The September 11 attacks significantly impacted global politics and international relations, leading to increased surveillance and counterterrorism measures across many countries.

Review Questions

• How did the September 11 attacks redefine what is considered breaking news in media coverage?
  • The September 11 attacks marked a pivotal moment for breaking news coverage as they demonstrated the need for real-time reporting and immediate updates. The chaotic nature of the events led news organizations to adopt faster broadcasting methods and utilize various platforms like live television, radio, and online updates to inform the public. This heightened urgency changed how news is delivered and consumed during major incidents, setting a new standard for breaking news coverage.
• Discuss the changes in government policies following the September 11 attacks and their implications for civil liberties.
  • In response to the September 11 attacks, significant changes were made to government policies, including the implementation of the USA PATRIOT Act which expanded surveillance powers. These measures aimed to enhance national security but sparked debates over civil liberties and privacy rights. Critics argued that some provisions of this legislation infringed upon individual freedoms, highlighting an ongoing tension between ensuring security and protecting personal rights in a democratic society.
• Evaluate how media representation of terrorism shifted after the September 11 attacks and what that means for future reporting on similar events.
  • After the September 11 attacks, media representation of terrorism evolved to reflect heightened sensitivities around national security and cultural perceptions. This shift led to more nuanced coverage that often focused on the motivations behind terrorism while also addressing its impact on communities. As a result, journalists are now tasked with balancing accurate reporting on violent events with an awareness of potential biases or stereotypes that may perpetuate fear or misunderstanding about specific groups. This evolution requires ongoing reflection on ethical standards in reporting as new terrorist threats arise.

Related terms

al-Qaeda: A militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden, responsible for orchestrating the September 11 attacks and other acts of terrorism worldwide.

Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims; a central theme surrounding the September 11 attacks.

Homeland Security: A government agency created in response to the September 11 attacks aimed at ensuring national security and preventing future terrorist threats.