Chapter of 9/11

For this action project, I will explore the historical event of 9/11 using interviews and research. I chose 9/11 because it was an event that had a huge impact on the American people and affected the quality of life for the Muslim people in the United States. It also inspired me because of how complicated it is.  For example, it shows how people came together, how much it tore people apart, and how it affects Muslim people today. I also want to highlight how 9/11 put a restriction on not only the Muslim people, but on all people that travel through airports. Aside for the research for this project I am also planning on conducting an interview with a member of a Muslim outreach program, or a Muslim I know through my training. For this action project I will also be interviewing the research director of care. He is a practicing Muslim that has worked with many organizations to inspire change for the Muslim community.

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In 1939 during the World's Fair, the World Trade Center Pavilion was dedicated to world peace through trade. The man who introduced the idea was David Rockefeller, and he wanted the World Trade Center to be built along the East River of Manhattan. The location of the World Trade Center was changed  in February 1962 when New York authorized the development of the new  World Trade Center. The new buildings were located on the west side, but unfortunately, this displaced many business owners. In the year 2000 the World Trade Center's reached their highest occupancy rate.(The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (www.panynj.gov). This made it a prime target for terrorist attacks. And it's no doubt they attacked the twin towers because they were built as a symbol of peace,

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants who were a part of the Islamic terrorist group Al Qaeda hijacked four different planes and committed suicide attacks around the United States. Two of the planes that were hijacked were flown right into the World Trade Towers in New York City. Terrorists flew another plane into the Pentagon in Washington D.C.. The fourth plane did not hit anything super monumental, and it crashed in a field in the middle of Pennsylvania, killing all on board the plane. Over 3000 people were killed in the attacks in New York City and Washington D.C.. Also, 400 firefighters and police officers were also killed trying to help. (abcnews Brian Ross July 29, 2011) The attack on the Twin Towers was significant as it was 110 story skyscraper. People were so desperate to leave the building that they jumped from the top floors waving white flags and throwing paper out the windows. People who were around the buildings during the 9/11 attack say they remember hearing a loud crashing sound, but not of debris or rubble, but of the sound of bodies crashing onto the concrete from the top floors of the building.

9/11 was orchestrated by a Muslim extremist terrorist group known as Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda was founded in 1988 by militant named Osama Bin Laden and Muhammad Atef(PBS.wwttw.org).   When Bin Laden  was in the war, he fought against the Soviets invading Afghanistan. Al Qaeda is also known for the 1998 US embassy bombings. They've also done suicide bombing using young children and adults. After the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York City, the US government started the war against terror. This later led to the death of Osama bin Laden.

This did not stop Al Qaeda, but only weakened them. Al Qaeda works hard to reach out to social media on the Internet to get people from around the world to join their terrorist movement. Al Qaeda is also responsible for Muslims who may be alienating all over the world. When Al Qaeda attacks people, the government automatically looks to the entire Muslim community.   As a result, now there is bias towards them because of what Al Qaeda has done. This makes it harder for Muslim people in public places like in airports, hotels, and businesses.

After conducting my interview with Tauseph Akbar, the research director at CAIR Chicago.  Islamophobia has changed over time due to events like 9/11 and the current executive order ordered by President Donald Trump. Muslim people have been discriminated against for a long time says Tauseph but what they have been discriminated for has changed.

After the events of 9/11 Tauseph talked about feeling insecure in his community. After an event like 9/11 and makes it opens the door for hate. The hate is not only directed at terrorist organizations but also at innocent Muslim people who practice their religion in a very peaceful manner.