America's Post 9/11 Self-Image

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, as much as America would like to believe that its own self-image has not changed as a result of the events of 9/11, Americans, who saw themselves as the supreme force in the world, are now forced to acknowledge that their might has significant limitations. The author points out that, in the aftermath of the destruction, the United States came to realize that it had prepared for the wrong war by having anticipated another conventional war in which enemies with uniforms from specific nations would square off against U.S. military personnel in armed combat. The paper contends that the manner in which the US attempted to garner support for the war in Iraq is evidence that America's vision of itself has been modified as suggested by President Bush's frequent inclusive of other countries and the U.N. and his moderate tones with international diplomacy.

Table of Contents
Introduction
American Dominance
Attacking the Image
Image Altering Changes
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Prior to the bloody and vicious attacks against the United States on that bright September morning in 2001 the American self-view of superiority, might and some may even say invincibility, were as solid and as unshakable as the World Trade Towers themselves. Americans saw their own might in the context of previous victories during the prior century and in the light that that was naturally cast by the sole super power in the world. Hence, the Americans viewed their own status as nearly incapable of being challenged let alone defeated. Symptomatic of this self-aggrandizing view was the almost complete ignorance and utter lack of understanding regarding the hate that was directed at the West and in particular directed at the United States. Indeed, the sleeping giant seemed wholly unaware of the growing anger and resentment toward the country. However, with the destruction of the Twin Towers and the resulting actions that were taken after the terrible events of that day, it has been incumbent on the American people to compulsorily revaluate themselves and to make serious changes in the way the nation viewed its own levels of strength that had clearly been at least partially complicit in facilitating the terrorist attacks against the U.S."

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• Analytical Essay # 132556 : "Self-Image and its Effects on Prejudice"

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