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Terrorism Takes Its Toll and the World Takes Charge…By KRISTEN STERNBERG | NIE Educational Consultant On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airplanes filled with passengers. The hijackers took control of the planes and used them as bombs, crashing them one after another into some our nation's most important buildings. One smashed into a field in Pennsylvania before it got to its target. Of the three remaining jets, one was flown into the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C. The other two slammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, New York City's two tallest buildings. The terrorists chose these buildings not only because they had a chance to kill tens of thousands of people in a very short time, but also because the buildings were especially meaningful to most Americans. The Pentagon is a symbol of our democracy and the World Trade towers were important economic symbols.
The fuel contained in the aircraft ignited on impact, creating tremendous explosions. Deadly fire and smoke spread quickly. In Washington, the Pentagon was badly damaged and hundreds of lives were lost. At the World Trade Center, explosions caused the two buildings, each over 100 stories high, to collapse completely. The buildings, about 1/4 of a mile in the air, crumbled to dust with their own weight, crushing everything and everybody in their paths. The hijackers' acts caused the deaths of not only all 266 people aboard the four airplanes but of almost 6,000 victims who were at work in the buildings, who were tourists, or who just happened to be nearby. Rescue workers, those who tried to stop the hijackers and many other individuals heroically gave their own lives while trying to save others. Terrorism is the use of violent and illegal methods to frighten people, groups or even nations into doing what the terrorists demand, such as releasing political prisoners or giving up land or precious resources, for example. Terrorists are bullies who try to intimidate others by threatening them. Their violent acts are tragic and cause people, groups and nations to mourn those who have been senselessly killed. Conflicting viewpoints among citizens of Northern Ireland, for instance, over the past few decades have resulted in a number of terrorist bombing incidents in which innocent people were killed. This kind of action is occurring right now in many other areas of the world. Most people are willing to abide by the laws of their government even if they don't agree with every one of that nation's policies. They search for peaceful ways to resolve their differences of opinion, by seeking legal and socially acceptable ways to change the rules. A few, though, don't really want to resolve differences. They become fanatical (obsessive) about their opinions and use violence to draw attention to themselves. The tragic incidents at the World Trade Center and Pentagon focused attention on how widespread and well-organized terrorism is in today's world. The large scale of this recent crime initially caused anger, grief, shock, helplessness, fear and other strong emotions. A News-Journal columnist recently stated, "something has been irrevocably lost." Read the article to see whether you agree. Since the attacks, people everywhere have been struggling to cope with their feelings about such vicious acts, but they have also responded quickly and in a variety of ways to make the world safe again. World Leaders are communicating and working with other nations who share their values. The President of the United States regularly meets with his Cabinet and advisors, gathering and discussing the most effective tactics to use. Military personnel are moving into strategic positions and waiting to follow orders from our country's leaders. Elected officials are examining existing laws-both for safety of citizens and punishment of criminals--and considering introducing new legislation. Experts are looking at ways to increase security in public places where people gather. National and local charities and rescue personnel are donating goods and volunteering their services to the effort. It is reassuring to know that so much is being done, at so many levels, to confront and guard against future acts by terrorists. Next week's topic focuses on the effects of terrorism on local communities, families and individuals-people like you. Check back to see the many ways people cope during times of emergency and sadness. Some children have begun a campaign to raise money to honor the fire rescue workers who died in New York. Visit NIE World's New York Fire Truck Fund to learn more. Try these interesting activities using The News-Journal 1. Concern over threats of terrorist activities may result in new laws being passed to help protect against this kind of danger. Your newspaper routinely publishes information about how bills are introduced and put into effect as laws. Make a list of new laws being proposed. Follow the news to see whether they become laws. (Sunshine State Standards: LA.A.2.2.5, SS.A.1.2.1, SS.A.1.2.2, SS.A.2.2.4, SS.A.3.2.3, SS.C.1.2.2., SS.C.1.2.4, SS.C.1.2.5, SS.C.2.2.2)
2. The very first paragraph of this week's topic, terrorism, presented the five W's-items that are important to all newspaper articles. Do you know the five W's of newspaper writing? They are as follows: Who, What, When, Where and Why. Journalists often answer two other questions: How and So What. Select a story from your newspaper's front page and underline or highlight the 5 W's, the H and the S.W. as they occur in the article. (Sunshine State Standards: LA.A.1.2.1, LA.A.1.2.2, LA.A.1.2.3, LA.A.1.2.4, LA.A.2.2.1, LA.A.2.2.5) 3. Many people have been identified as heroes due to their actions during and since the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. What characteristics does a hero possess? Use your newspaper to select someone you believe is a hero. On a separate sheet of paper, list the reasons you selected that person as someone to look up to. If possible, write a letter to the editor of your newspaper expressing your opinion about heroism. (Sunshine State Standards: LA.A.2.2.5, LA.A.2.2.8, LA.B.1.2.1, LA.B.1.2.2,, LA.B.1.2.1, LA.B.1.2.3) 4. Government officials believe they have discovered evidence that links the recent attacks on our nation to terrorist leaders in several nations including Afghanistan. Locate Afghanistan on a world map. Then, use the newspaper and other resources to identify geographical features that may affect efforts to bring these terrorists to justice. (Sunshine State Standards: SS.B.1.2.1, SS.B.1.2.3, SS.B.1.2.5, SS.B.2.2.2) 5. The recent terrorist incidents in New York City and our nation's capitol were acts of violence. In the newspaper, find an article reporting a violent, local incident. Discuss with family and/or friends how the incident could have been resolved peacefully, without the use of violence. (Sunshine State Standards: SS.C.1.2.4, SS.C.2.2.2, SS.C.2.2.4, SS.C.2.2.5) A copy of Florida's Sunshine State Standards can be found at intech2000.miamisci.org. Check out these links to learn more Terrorism is an extreme act. The vast majority of people do not resort to such violent measures. Most people work within the law to inform others about their opinions. Do you have an opinion you'd like to express? Find out what actions you can take to get your point across in a law-abiding fashion.
Reacting to the recent terrorist acts on the U.S., President Bush vowed to lead a "Crusade against terrorism." The term 'Crusades' refers to a series of wars between Christians and Muslims over the Holy Land, Jerusalem. Learn more about the Crusades, which took place during medieval times--approximately 1,500 years ago. Then, check out this Medieval Newspaper created by a group of middle school students. Could a newspaper like this have existed during the Middle Ages (medieval times)? Why or why not? Take time to read some of the articles and information offered at a Web site provided by California Newspaper in Education. What do other kids think about violence and conflict? While you're 'visiting' California, read how some students responded to these issues. Nieworld.com, The News-Journal's Newspaper in Education Site, has also put together links to articles and web sites for your use. Many Americans responded to the terrorist attacks on the U.S.A. with a renewed sense of patriotism and loyalty. If you happen to be one, you'll probably enjoy printing, coloring and displaying a United States flag. CNN, a respected cable TV news network, offered extensive coverage of the recent terrorist attacks on the U.S. Visit CNN's home page for links to major news stories and explanations of the events as they continue to unfold. You can also follow a link to identify Afghanistan on a world map. The Newspaper Association of America's web site contains links to many newspapers in the U.S. and around the world. Terrorism is a global (worldwide) issue and terrorist acts will be well covered. To access the newspapers at the site, select a state. Click on the "Internationals" button for newspapers from other countries. The Daytona Beach News-Journal NIE Program, published September 24, 2001 |
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