Contrast Pre-And Post 9-11 American Family Values

¶ … 911

Tragedy manifests itself in many different ways. In the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, America has experienced change in almost every aspect of life. One aspect of the American experience that has been heavily influenced by the attacks is attitudes toward family and friends. Seen through the prism of September 11, family and friends are important and should not be taken for granted.

Many Americans have redefined their values as a result of the attacks, placing family and friends high on the scale of priority. In a report conducted by The Infinite Mind, "nearly one in four Americans report feeling more depressed or anxious today than at other times in their life" (APA). More than half say their anxiety can be directly associated with the September 11 attacks. As a result of anxiety and as a means of coping, more than three-fourths of American surveyed "agree that they have tried to simplify their lives and focus more on what really matters and seventy-one percent of Americans report having spent more time trying to gain perspective on their lives" (APA). Family and friends become important when individuals do stop and focus on what is important to them. What we find is a far-reaching effect of the attacks. One did not have to live in New York, Washington, or Pennsylvania to feel the emotions associated with the tragedy.

While many Americans admit that the attacks changed their lives on one way or another, a higher priority on family and close friends remains a common one. According to CBS News, " 31% say they spend more time with their family and close friends" (CBS). Additionally, in an article published in the Christian Science Monitor, Amitai Etzioni reports that many Americans are more "public-minded and less materialistic, more family- and community-oriented, and even a bit more spiritual" (Etzioni) since the attacks. Along to spending time with family, helping others and serving the country have moved to the forefront of the American mind. Etzioni also points out that Americans have not only decided to spend more time with family but that they have "actually done so" (Etzioni). This finding is significant because it illustrates the depth of seriousness that Americans feel toward the tragedy. In other words, the event actually caused people to act rather than just think about doing something.

Interestingly, this finding is not limited to adult Americans. A study conducted by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, 50% of teenagers surveyed are more likely to spend time with their families since the attacks. (Washington Times) In fact, the attacks were responsible for causing young people to be more united with their families and also one of the "key reasons" why students surveyed were positive about their families. Activities teenagers said they shared with their families going to include baseball games and having dinner together. The survey also indicated that many student believe that seeking "close family relationships" and an "intimate group of friends" are more important than seeking fame or popularity. These attitudes will probably stay with the teenagers, which could have a positive effect on the family in years ahead.