9/11: In the Eyes of a 15-Year-Old
By R. Ali
CA
September 11th: two simple words that have infinitely more than a simple meaning. To many, September 11th brings back memories of a TV screen: memories of death, fear, worry, or sadness.
But what does it mean to someone who was too young at the time to understand what was happening, such as the American Muslim teenagers. As a five-year-old American Muslim Pakistani, 9/11 had little meaning to me when it happened, but that image has completely grown and changed over the past ten years.
For most, the numbers 911 always rang a familiar bell, but only as the number to call in case of an emergency. That changed ten years ago, when the numbers 9/11 acquired an alternate, tragic meaning.
I still have flashbacks of that day. I remember my mom’s worry; I can hear her frantic call to my elementary school, and my school trying to reassure her, but to no avail. I see a small-screened TV, and I can picture the screen clouded by billowing, grey smoke and depressing headlines. On that day, thousands lost their lives, millions were scarred, and an entire nation affected.
Throughout my childhood, I somehow always knew that 9/11 was not a cheerful day. The entire day gave an aura of mixed feelings, like fear, anger, sadness, and regret; the day is forever tainted by our loss, and I could feel that from the first 9/11 anniversary until today.
Although I remembered the September 11th attacks, as a child, I didn't understand what it meant; I didn’t fully understand what happened, what terrorism is, or why anyone would ever do that to a family -- and some of these questions I still have no answer for.
My understanding of the attack grew with my age, but many questions still remain unanswered. The September 11th attacks, I found out a few years later, are the epitome of terrorism. My confusion grew when I learned that these terrible crimes were attributed to extremists who practiced Islam. This made me more confused since I knew Islam embodies peace, and teaches that killing one man is the equivalent of killing mankind.
Ammarah Fadoo, an 18-year-old Muslim American Pakistani, agreed that our nation has changed in the aftermath of 9/11. “It’s changed the way people think, both in a good way and in a bad way,” Fadoo says. “I think it opened many people’s minds up and made them want to learn more about Islam. But on the other hand, there are definitely some who are more wary of a Muslim background.” Most Muslims, especially American Muslim youth, can relate to Fadoo’s statement in some capacity.
Today, I have a better understanding of the tragedy that took place on 9/11; it is a day of sorrow and mourning, but also one of appreciation and gratitude. I appreciate the courage that was displayed by the first responders who ran into a burning building, without any hesitation, to save the lives of others. This is a commendable display of bravery, and we can never thank those firemen enough -- both the ones that we are fortunate enough to have with us today as well as the ones who passed away.
This day has brought us tears of sadness and loss that has affected every American, including the Muslim- American community, but it has also brought us unity. On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I am reminded of this communal unity as I attend an event, coordinated by MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) and other organizations in Los Angeles, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
This peaceful event recognized the first responders, such as the Muslim American Kevin Jones, who selflessly served on that fateful day ten years ago. Although these organizations played an instrumental part in planning it, the true essence of the event must be attributed to the diverse community who attended, volunteered, and gathered as one.
September 11th is a day of connection with our community - American to American.
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