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The world was shaken by the incidents of September 11th, when not only a great many people’s
lives were taken, but also the lives of people all over the world changed. The World Trade
Center, which was a symbol of capitalism, crumbled to the ground and a lot of businesses across
the nation are now suffering. The economy has taken a downturn. Even for foreign students like
me, the world has changed a little.
First of all, since the beginning of history, humans have been killing and destroying their enemies for many reasons. Many innocent people have been sacrificed for somebody’s self-interest, religious belief or political demands. Slaughter begets hatred and sadness. Only humans commit meaningless acts of destruction and killing. When I saw the plane strike the World Trade Center, not only did I feel shock, but I also felt sadness. Many people have died, many families have lost their loved ones, and many survivors will feel the pain for a long time to come. Why? These brainwashed, terrorist highjackers had to commit suicide for their belief. I think people who become terrorists are brainwashed or have received wrong education and others control their minds for their own belief or conviction. Even though they had families, they wished to die for honor and the belief they would go to "paradise". I am not an American citizen, and I just came to the U.S. to study, but I strongly oppose terrorism. I understand America’s feelings that people want retaliation for the attack. Although I disagree with having war, I feel great indignation for this act of terrorism being attacked the country where I live now. Six years ago, I experienced a huge natural tragedy, the 1996 earthquake in Kobe, Japan where 6,500 people lost their lives and almost all the people lost their houses, cars and many other precious things. I lost many things but I didn’t lose my son or my life. I felt I was very lucky, and my ideas about life totally changed at that time. We can never prevent natural tragedies like earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc. and they can happen anywhere. On the other hand, we can prevent man-made tragedies, but history shows us that we cannot stop fighting. The crisis of September 11th added to history that humans are still foolish animals. Seeing the events of that day and America possibly going to war is making me feel I cannot be safe or secure no matter where I live. In my small world, I am concerned about America starting a war. It will be hard for foreigners to go back to their native countries and come back to the U.S. International flight may stagnate. Even if something happens to my family in my country, I won’t be able to go back home easily and returning to the US might be more difficult. Also, I hope that racial and religious discrimination do not become more severe. I have watched discrimination towards Muslims in the U.S. on TV and I feel sorry for these innocent people. The Muslim religion isn’t bad, but the people who misinterpret it are the dangerous people. I must admit, when I go out now, I am more careful of my surroundings. After I read news articles, I think I understand the overall situation better. I don’t want to think I have to be more cautious, but certainly my view has changed since theses incidents occurred. In short, I can tell humans beings are foolish animals that will never stop fighting, but terrorism is the dirtiest trick of historical tragedy. All over the world, people are agitated by the 9-11 tragedy and influenced somehow to a greater or lesser degree. This is the terrorists' goal, but people who have hope of peace will never give up against terrorism. |