September 11, 2001’s tragic events significantly transformed everyday life for people worldwide. The aftermath of the attacks led to substantial shifts in various aspects of daily routines. Air travel, for instance, underwent significant changes with increased security measures, longer waiting times, and heightened awareness of potential threats. Additionally, increased surveillance and security measures became more prevalent in public spaces, impacting personal privacy.
We asked an online forum, “What was ruined because of 9/11?”
Dangerous Musical Instruments
In an online discussion, an individual shared their experiences as a cellist who has traveled internationally with their instrument. They highlighted the persistent challenges posed by the cello’s endpin and bow during security checks. Despite purchasing an additional seat to accommodate the cello, there have been frustrating incidents where airline personnel have insisted on removing the musician from the plane, creating significant travel inconveniences.
“You’d think by this point, most airlines would have a protocol for cellos. But then again, they still don’t seem to know what to do when someone is in a wheelchair,” quizzed one person on the forum.
A New Century
A commenter in the thread mentioned the concept of “turn of the millennium optimism” concerning things that changed after 9/11. This phrase signifies the prevailing hope and positivity of the early 2000s. However, it also underlines how this optimism was significantly impacted and altered by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, leading to a shift in societal perspectives and priorities.
A contributor added, “You should check out the 80s miniseries V. It’s about alien invasion and how something like that should unite humanity but doesn’t.”
Visiting Canada
An online user in the thread shared their experiences of casually crossing the Canadian border into the United States in the past. It used to be a common practice for them whether to shop or spend time there. It was so routine that identification wasn’t even necessary. The real hassle was returning to Canada, as border guards were vigilant about catching duty evasion. However, the process takes much longer today unless you have a Nexus pass, which teenagers typically don’t have. As a result, the online user believes their kids may have different ease of crossing into the US for activities like mall visits, making the US feel more foreign than before, which they find disappointing.
“Before 2001, I thought the US-Canadian border could vanish like the EU. There’s no reason for these two countries to spend so much time and money making travel and commerce more difficult. 9/11 turned the US into a fortress, and that mentality has only slightly relaxed.” explained one user.
Quick Boarding
Another online user chimed in with their perspective on quick airline travel. They recalled when passengers could arrive at the airport just around 30 minutes before their flight and board on time.
Another person said, “Remember non-passengers getting to the gate to see people off or meet them off the plane?”
National News Coverage
Another contributor offered their perspective on national news coverage, highlighting how the news crawler, which provides text updates at the bottom of the screen, used to appear only during significant events or when multiple major stories were unfolding simultaneously. However, since 9/11, the constant presence of the news crawler became a standard, even during regular programming, marking a notable shift in television news presentation.
One user said, “‘Breaking News’ became huge after 9/11. For a short time, it was reserved for stuff that was actually big. Now it’s like ‘BREAKING NEWS: Kim Kardashian Goes Braless At Gala.'”
Lord of the Rings
One online user shared a fascinating anecdote about “The Lord of the Rings” film series in the post-9/11 context. While watching the epic trilogy, they pointed out that the destruction of Barad Dur, Sauron’s towering fortress, at the end of the series lacked the epic special effects one might expect. Instead, it appeared to keel over sideways and then explode, which felt underwhelming given the tower’s immense height in Tolkien’s world. It turns out that the special effects team at WETA Workshop with horror realized their animation resembled the Twin Towers collapse in New York, which was deemed insensitive, given that the final movie was released in 2003, with the SFX work happening in mid-2002, shortly after the tragic event.
To rectify this, a talented individual named Gray Horsefield took it upon himself to re-animate the tower collapse during the 2002 holiday break, ensuring it didn’t evoke such distressing associations. The final result, while acceptable as an effects shot, didn’t receive much screen time and lacked realism, as it was challenging to make it look authentic, considering the collective memory of witnessing actual tower collapses.
Riding with the Pilots
Another commenter added their perspective on the topic, reminiscing about the joy of catching a joyride with the pilots in the jumpseats. They fondly recalled the nostalgia associated with those experiences, referring to them as “the days” when such opportunities were more accessible and cherished.
“Adding to this, kids visit the cockpit on commercial flights. I vividly remember being invited to meet the pilots and seeing the cockpit when I flew as a kid. Sucks that that door is locked up tight now,” explained one online user.
Birthdays
Another online user contributed to the discussion, emphasizing the impact of the post-9/11 era on many people’s birthday celebrations. The change in security measures and the overall atmosphere surrounding travel affected how individuals planned and enjoyed their special occasions, making birthday celebrations more challenging and less spontaneous for many.
Another adds, “Was in class that day with a girl whose birthday was, and everyone remarked how it’d be forever changed. The girl’s name was Katrina.”
Freedom From Fear
Another forum member observed that many children whose parents adopted a fear-based parenting approach after 9/11 have incorporated the same style when raising their children. Additionally, for those residing in the DC area and enduring the sniper attacks the following year, their parents exhibited an even more intense level of anxiety and fear, leaving a lasting impact on their upbringing.
Another disagreed, “That was a thing way before 9/11, although it was mostly driven by the fear of your kids being kidnapped.”
The Middle East
On a bus, a forum member recounted a conversation they overheard between two girls discussing a guy one of them was dating. The discussion, though humorous, carried a tinge of sadness. The mention of the guy’s Middle Eastern appearance led to a joking remark about terrorism, demonstrating how 9/11 had influenced and shaped perceptions of Middle Eastern individuals in everyday conversations.
“Yeah, the perception of people from Middle East and southwest Asian countries got messed up after 9/11. Growing up during that time was not the best. I’ll say that,” one user chips in.
The Determination of Individuals
An online user shared a deeply personal story from living in a different city as part of a friend group, all of whom had relocated from NYC. In the aftermath of 9/11, they collectively mourned the loss of 13 friends and 2 family members. The user’s wife, who worked for an ambulance company, responded to the tragic events on the 12th, going above and beyond to help. The experience transformed her into a dedicated and passionate individual who was fully committed to aiding others. She remained an EMT for an exceptional 24 years, an uncommon feat, until her unfortunate passing due to COVID just over two years ago, leaving behind a legacy of saving lives.
Users from the platform flooded in with support, “I’m sorry for your loss. Your wife was a rock star!!”, “I’m sorry for your loss. Your wife sounds like an incredible woman,” and “She has left a legacy. I wish she was still with you,” to name a few.
The Survivor Novel
According to another online user, Chuck Palahniuk’s second novel, Survivor, never made it to the big screen as a movie adaptation. While Fight Club had been a significant success, Survivor was skipped due to its plot involving the main character recounting his story while crashing a hijacked plane, which was considered inappropriate for a post-9/11 audience. Instead, the film adaptation of Choke was pursued, although it faced challenges in translating the source material effectively to cinema.
“Survivor is such an awesome novel and would have hopefully made an equally awesome movie like Fight Club. Definitely my favorite Palahniuk book,” adds a user on the thread.
Country Music
As per an online user’s observation, in the post-9/11 era, the most significant hits in the country music scene often featured patriotic and pro-USA themes. This shift in focus led to a notable exclusion of those who didn’t adhere to a strict conformist stance in Nashville. The Dixie Chicks, previously among the genre’s top acts, experienced a dramatic fall from grace due to their public stance against the Iraq War. This transformation was significant, considering the genre’s origins in rebellion and working-class leftist sentiments, marking a lasting impact on mainstream country music that may never fully heal.
One user expresses optimism about country music, “Outlaw country is coming back. It’s not mainstream, but plenty of people are getting sick and tired of stadium country. It’s a running joke that all modern country is about trucks, dirt roads, beer, blonde-tanned women in booty shorts kickin’ it in the bed of my pickup, etc. It’s slowly getting back to its non-bootlicking roots.”
Optimism and Trust
In a forum thread, someone reflected on the profound changes after 9/11. They vividly recalled the atmosphere of optimism and trust in America in the late ’90s and early 2000s. During that time, there were discussions about nationalized healthcare, gay rights, and fair wages, and the world seemed to be progressing toward a better future for all.
However, the tragic events of 9/11 abruptly halted this progress. The drums of war drowned out other concerns as paranoia, xenophobia, and bigotry began to take hold. The sense of helpfulness and hope that emerged in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 gradually transformed into something darker. While the tragedy initially brought people together, it ultimately tore them apart. The perception of safety and preparedness was shattered, leaving a lasting mark on multiple generations who witnessed the events of that day. Everyone lost something, whether their innocence, naivete, or something more tangible or intangible.
Airports
Another forum member shared their thoughts, highlighting the ease of taking inexpensive flights to various states like Texas, Florida, California, Washington, New York, and Nevada without much hassle or planning. It was as simple as navigating through a mall. However, they noted that after the events of 9/11, this carefree approach to air travel changed significantly, becoming more complicated and restrictive.
“The worst part is how every airport is different, and most of them act like you’re a terrorist or a moron for not knowing their specific rules. One agent tells me to leave my belt on and take my laptop out. Next agent is appalled that I would ever even consider leaving my belt on and thinks I’m trying to blow up the checkpoint because I go to take out my laptop,” said a confused member.
16 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MAKE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY HATE YOU!
We wanted to know the most irksome things someone can say that turns you off! These online users didn’t hold back! 16 ANNOYING PHRASES THAT MAKE PEOPLE IMMEDIATELY HATE YOU!
OBSOLETE MILLENNIALS: 14 SKILLS THEY LEARNED IN THE 90S THAT HAVE NO PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD
A lot has changed since the turn of the century – just ask this nostalgic lot!
OBSOLETE MILLENNIALS: 14 SKILLS THEY LEARNED IN THE 90S THAT HAVE NO PLACE IN TODAY’S WORLD
THE FALL FROM GRACE: 12 PROFESSIONS THAT WERE ONCE REVERED, NOW A TOTAL JOKE
These 12 professions that are now obsolete show how much the times have changed.
THE FALL FROM GRACE: 12 PROFESSIONS THAT WERE ONCE REVERED, NOW A TOTAL JOKE
FROM ‘OKAY BOOMER’ TO ‘UGH BOOMER’: 10 HABITS THAT IRRITATE MILLENNIALS
Each generation has its quirks. Most label it as an “old person thing” when asked why grandpa or grandma does something unusual. The defense from the other side is that “it was the way things were back in our day.”
FROM ‘OKAY BOOMER’ TO ‘UGH BOOMER’: 10 HABITS THAT IRRITATE MILLENNIALS