Health & Fitness
When Fear Falls on Beautiful People
NCHS senior and Voices of September 11th intern Kelly Saiz discusses the universal themes of September 11t and how fear is only an invention of the mind.
As September comes to a close I finally find myself capable of reflecting on the . I’m a little embarrassed by the fact that 9/11 has become such a significant part of my life since my own story of the day is commonplace. I’m not obsessed with the attacks; the event just hits me hard every time I slow down enough to let it impress me.
I’ve heard countless stories about September 11 and I’ve seen the History Channel specials. I’ve sat in a room with the staff of the New Canaan branch of when we grappled with the World Trade Center site mosque plans. Just like many other high school students, I was stunned by the patriotism demonstrated by my peers following the . I’ve been blessed to have become so well acquainted with the stories of September 11, but my feelings about the day are shared with humanity.
We’ve heard it over and over: terrorism is used to intimidate people. It’s supposed to inspire fear and stress that will ultimately destabilize a population. Fear is a menacing thing. There are physical fears: snakes, deserts, heights; and there are emotional fears: love, power, weakness.
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What about peer pressure? When I consider the band of terrorists who conspired against the United States of America I connect it to derogatory peer pressure of humans. Peer pressure is not exclusive to the high school lunchroom or the amusement park. I see it when a salesperson persuades a customer to spend more money. It exists also in the encouragements of friends when a loved one is lost.
How did America defeat the fear that a minority of people determined to ignite? I think America decided that this fear did not exist. The stress that surrounds the negative connotation of peer pressure is an illusion created by the minority in order to govern the impact on the majority. Even in the face of adversity, no matter how great or profound, the individual has authority over their reactions. Thus, the individual is capable of harnessing the energy of their fears.
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As I have learned about 9/11 I have learned about . An American is not pompous, for this pomp will crumble like a fallen flag. Americans are proud and they are afraid only of losing the fervor that they have for their history.
People who have been touched by the stories of September 11 are beautiful people. Though certain minorities might not agree, humanity is not afraid of what evil might attempt.
