Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sept 11, 2001 and authority in fear


Today, September 11, 7 years ago, the United States experienced the tragic event of a terrorist attack on the twin towers. And this terrible event did demonstrate one thing, that the authority of a country can be dramatically altered by certain events. Although George W. Bush's rating increased dramatically after the events of 9/11 , and have dramatically dropped since, becoming about 30%. It's interesting to compare his ratings to different events in history such as 0/11 and the Iraq war where his ratings increased and decreased dramatically. In times of trouble and fear, a country's leader can go from hero to scapegoat in a matter of weeks, and this can be clearly demonstrated.

In Logan and Lawler's blogging "experiment" today in class, the issue was discussed of power. What happened to the unity of the class when in fear? Some united and identified together, defending their fellow classmates, their community, and others tried to seperate the "guilty" from the "innocent." It's hard not to wonder how much this had to do with the fear placed over us that we could be in trouble, and if not us individually, the class as a whole.

2 comments:

the silc said...

nice parallel between today's politics and yesterday's class! the inclusion of mr. president's ratings could be great support in discussing how much authority should be given to a leader in times of fear. keep this connection in mind this unit!

dogirl14 said...

i loved your info about 9/11 and i am actually blogging about it too! you had very good wording and you made me feel like i was actually there.