Teaching 9/11 to Students Who Don't Know Enough to Care

It has been 12 years since the tragic day of September 11, 2001 when America fell victim to a massive east coast terrorist attack that shocked our nation and lured us into a brutal 10 year war. I am sure that classrooms around the country commemorated the event with various lessons and activities. In my class we read various articles that discuss 9/11 from different points of view as well as videos that show some of the most important images of that day and the days that followed. The question is, should 9/11 finally move into the pages of the regular history books, or should it still be given special regard, ceremonies, and extra class time?


One of the dilemmas that came up with this year's lessons, what the question of what to do about the increasing negative coverage about how the United States handled 9/11. There are even authors on the web that claim the whole thing was a hoax, and that the United States attacked themselves in order to start a new war in the Middle East. I can't ignore the facts that the United States government made misguided judgments prior to, during, and after the attacks.  I can understand how such resentment can develop.  There is even evidence throughout history how conspiracy theorists raise very convincing doubt about other historic events that drastically changed the direction of our country for the next generation.

One thing I will never forget about 9/11 was the feeling of patriotism that followed. Like many American's I was afraid for our future, and I knew that life was going to change for all of us in different ways.  At the time though, I was never more proud to be an American.  Watching how people came together to heal the wounds of our country was very impressive.  I'm sure that there was a similar feeling after Pearl Harbor.

I remember thinking about the timing of 9/11, and how I couldn't remember very much patriotism sentiment in America prior to that day, or like many people, I wasn't paying attention.  Sure we still had flag day parades, and I still said the pledge in class every day, but didn't it seem like attendance at patriotic events was declining, and many classes were forgetting the words to the Pledge of Allegiance? I can't think of any greater positive that mayt have come out of 9/11 than the bond that grew between a country and it's citizens.  For that reason alone I think 9/11 needs to be taught every year in our schools outside of the regular history curriculum. We may not understand the war the followed, or agree with the politics that seem to be squeezing our rights as citizens, but we shouldn't forget how being united as a country of such diversity and ideas is what makes living here great.  No matter how you think about it, no matter how good or bad we  have it, people are still dieting to get here.