Throughout the past year and a half, America has faced many trials and tribulations. These changes are due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These attacks, due to their size and influence, have been likened to the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. These attacks had such a dramatic effect upon the American people due to the fact that this was only the second time in history when such attacks have occurred upon United States soil. They have caused several changes throughout the U.S., some still affecting our nation's people. .
Many were horrified by these actions. Some volunteered for the Red Cross while others donated blood to help the victims. Local firefighters and emergency medical volunteers traveled to Ground Zero to aid the thousands already there. Fundraisers were set up across the nation. From major corporations to small farming schools, money was raised and then donated to the "9-11 Fund." For the first time in years, the American people realized that the nation was vulnerable. This lead to strong, outspoken feelings of patriotism.
Patriotism is defined by the online Merriam and Webster dictionary as "love for or devotion to one's country." Local retail stores were hard pressed to keep U.S. apparel and memorabilia in stock. Driving up and down the streets of even small mid-western towns, one would find it difficult to find a house with out an American flag, flying in the front yard. Patriotism spread like wildfire, covering the United States from the northeastern tip of Maine to the islands of Hawaii within a matter of hours. .
Although the tragic events of September 11th had many positive effects, it also revealed the darker side of American patriotism, a recurring problem known as discrimination. Not seen nation-wide since the abolition of slavery, Americans associated the Muslim religion with the terrorist attacks. Due to this belief, many Muslims were harshly treated and denied the right to be named a true American citizen.
