Textbook Chapter

For Unit 1 of my humanities course, Equality, our class researched and explored the historical background of race, gender, and class to help us create a better understanding of the current context of these issues. Throughout the unit, we individually researched each topic and learned about significant events in progressive timelines. For our action project, we were assigned to “ recount a historical event through research and the use of marginalized voices.” I created a textbook page that follows the timeline of events leading and proceeding 9/11. My textbook is titled “The Twin Towers.” Reading my project should give you a better understanding of the reasons 9/11 occurred, and how it’s affected our nation today. During this unit, I gained a clear understanding of the ways different minorities are treated and the inequalities they have. Enjoy!

Chapter 2: Nine-Eleven

In this chapter, we’ll learn about one of the most violent attacks on America to date: nine-eleven. Keep in mind that there may be topics discussed that some people may be sensitive to; however, I urge you to continue reading even if it may be painful. This content is meant to educate and open your eyes to new ideas.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 members of a terrorist group named al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and used them to attack multiple targets across the East Coast of the United States. The planned attacks killed just under 3,000 people, making it the biggest and most effective attack on the United States in history. Al-Qaeda is a very small, violent group who practice Muslim religion and consider the freedom that U.S. citizens have to be evil and don’t want America to spread this to other countries. Under their leader, Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda has executed terrorist attacks all around the world; however, the attacks on 9/11 were the most destructive by far.

Two of the four hijacked airplanes hit 2 identical skyscrapers known as the twin towers. Shortly after the collision, the buildings collapsed entirely, killing everyone inside. Thousands of people died at the World Trade Center that day. A third plane flew into the Pentagon in Arlington, where the U.S.

military is headquartered, which killed nearly 200 people. The fourth plane crashed in rural Pennsylvania after passengers onboard fought the hijackers. 44 people aboard the flight were all killed.

The single event of 9/11 changed the country tremendously. Not only was there a massive impact on americans, but muslim americans as well. Muslims have been subjected to an extremely intrusive interrogation process. Scholars estimate that 200,000 to 500,000 Muslims have been affected by this process. In addition to that, over 18,000 Muslims have been deported from the United States. A recent study also showed that Muslim American professionals suffered a 10 percent wage reduction since 9/11. After reviewing studies and multiple articles on this, I decided to have a talk with my friend Saarah. Saarah Bhaiji is a close friend of mine who has lived her entire life in America. In middle school, she said she was “judged constantly for being a practicing Muslim.” People criticized her based on the headscarf she wore to school everyday. “When Osama Bin Laden died, people said, ‘I’m sorry your dad died,’” Bhaiji said. “There was horrible stuff that I had to go through in middle school and that’s what made me so strong.” Bhaiji said she isn’t looking to change the world, she just wants to be treated like an equal in her home town.

After hearing all of this, I was shocked I hadn’t noticed this type of discrimination in our society before, and I’m glad I got to research the events that led up to it. Right now, I only see our nation going downhill. With the recent travel ban on Muslims, it’s clear that we’re moving in the opposite direction of equality. I always viewed nine-eleven as a historical event that had a terrible effect on Americans, but I never even remotely thought about how it affected the treatment of Muslims in our country. I’m also really pleased that I was able to learn about the hardships my friend went through, and talk with her about her experience in our changing country.

Racial Profiling Vocabulary

Below you can study the different terms used with the racism and discrimination against all races. It's important to know the language and vocabulary associated.

American Muslims share their experiences one week after 9/11

Below is a video filmed one week after 9/11, of American-Muslims sharing their experiences being a part of society after the attack. I think it'll be interesting to hear their voices on the subject. Hopefully this video will shed some light on your opinion of the importance of discrimination.

Timeline of the events of 9/11

This timeline should help you get more insight on the specific times of the events during the morning of 9/11. Take a look at how quickly the nation changed, and the times apart that these events took place.

Works Cited:

Slorfha Follow. "9/11 PowerPoint." Share and Discover Knowledge on LinkedIn SlideShare. N.p., 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.

"Information for 9/11 Family Members." National September 11 Memorial & Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.

History.com Staff. "9/11 Attacks." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2010. Web. 01 Feb. 2017. <http://www.history.com/topics/9-11-attacks>.

Chehade, Carol. "The Racial Lesson of 9/11." The Racial Lesson of 9/11. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.

Tim Wise / AlterNet. "Rationalizing Racism: Panic and Profiling After 9/11." Alternet. N.p., n.d.

Web. 01 Feb. 2017.