For many Americans, September 11th was an opportunity to return to the traditional “American values,” as stated by David Harvey. Communities united in an effort to ease some of the suffering that impacted citizens across all economic classes. In this respect, September 11th helped to unify the country, allowing compassion and altruism to strive. But this fated day in history also created a great tension in not only the Big Apple, but all across the land of the free. This country which was so willing to come together, was just as ready to seek vengeance.
Harvey states that as a result of September 11th, crime rates increased drastically because “the police were now so busy protecting potential terrorist targets that street patrols almost disappeared.” There was a heightened sense of paranoia, and a need to be able to determine who was an ally versus who was an enemy. At such moments, rationality is put on the back burner, and individuals can only think in extremes. When confronted with this burst of patriotism, many immigrants found themselves needing to portray an image that would divert hatred from their direction. The text tells us that minority groups would then display American flags, often not knowing why. I find this both endearing and a bit frustrating. Endearing because immigrants living in America were willing to stand up and join forces in defense of their new home. Frustrating because it seems that this patriotism was forced upon these immigrant groups, and in the “land of the free,” nothing should be forced.
I find it interesting that Harvey mentions the city’s inability to capitalize on a tragedy that effected so many lives. While it seems incredibly callous for the city to want to make a profit off of such hardship, an objective outsider (which I am trying very hard to be), can realize the need to revive the tourist population in New York City. From it’s origins, New York was a city focused on making a profit, and the fear that arose after the attack on September 11th greatly hindered the economy of the city. At the time this article was published, there was only talk about ways to bring tourists back to the twin towers to reflect on the tragedy, but us readers have seen this vision brought to life. Well over a million people have visited the 9/11 museum and memorial since it’s opening. Although some New Yorkers (myself included) may find it odd that tourists are so eager to view a site that represents the death of thousands of New Yorkers -across all economic classes- New York is not the first city to make a profit off of a formerly tragic incident. Former war grounds are incredibly popular amongst tourists for the history that they provide. For this reason, as a New Yorker, I can put my personal objections aside, and see that the city is not only capitalizing on this painful event, but it is allowing those who may not have been personally effected by the event to develop a greater understanding of what September 11th meant to many New Yorkers.
