Research Paper.
September 11’s impact on New York City
9/ 11 was one of the most horrifying tragedies and one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the history of the United States. New York City, home to over 8 million residents as well as one of the biggest tourist destinations, was significantly impacted by 9/11. Since that fateful day, security has tightened in subways and airports and restrictions have been placed on tourist attractions such as Statue of liberty, and the Empire State. Just this one event, has led to changes for even the humanity to come.
On September 11, 2001 at 8:46 A.M. American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 struck the north and south towers, respectively. The two 110 story towers collapsed within two hours. This crash also damaged surrounding buildings such as the 7 World center, 6 World center, 5 World center, the world financial center, and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Smoke from these crashes was visible through every borough of the city. Workers, visitors, and tourists around the area ran for their lives in fear. Those who came to work early that morning came in with a mindset that it was going to be normal day like any other. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. As the buildings collapsed, everyone rushed out the building. Sadly, some knew their future and jumped out the building to prevent their bodies from burning. During this horrendous tragedy, a total of 2,998 innocent lives were taken and more than 6,291 were injured. This number included the passengers of the two flights and firefighters that were there to help. Some families were left with no dad, some with no brother or a mom, those who came to visit never had a chance to return back home. Injured victims were left with no legs or no arms, leaving some handicapped for life.
NYC’s subways have been impacted by the September 11 attack significantly. There has been tighter as well as more securities since then. Random bag search by the police also occurs often. This affects many commuters because in NYC, everyone is rushing to get to where they have to and no one wants to be stopped. Moreover it will also cause aggravation if the police suspect something when it turns out to be something insignificant. There are also many rumors and threats about terrorists planning to bomb the subway. This is very frightening because millions of people travel through subways each day. It is extremely hard when commuters have to get on the subway with this in mind. Sadly they can’t turn away because for many New Yorkers train is the only transportation available. Furthermore if there is an accident or some type of malfunction on the train, the MTA service has to do extra investigation to make sure it is not anything dangerous. When people are on the train and it stops startlingly or if the train is stuck in the same spot for more than a minute or two, everyone panics and the first thing they think about “Could this be another terrorist attack?” This most likely happens when the conductor fails to announce and update the passengers about why the train stopped. Another impact of 9/11 is choosing the right workers to work for the MTA. It has been proven to us that everyone cannot be trusted and each person has to be scrutinized before they are hired. Close attention has to also be given to those who are working as well. The MTA’s advertisement of “If you see something, say something” is highly important for passengers to follow because informing a MTA officer or employee about something suspicious can even lead to saving a life or many lives.
Security tightening as well as a decrease in tourism has played an important role in NYC attractions such as Statue of liberty and the Empire State building. The Statue of Liberty also known as Liberty Enlightening the world, has been a monument of New York City since it was given by France as a gift in 1886. The Statue along with the pedestal and foundation is 305 ft. and stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The amazing view from the top of the crown keeps the tourist coming back each year to get another experience. The Empire State building was built in 1931 and consists of 102 stories. It was the world’s tallest building for about forty years until the World Trade Center was built. The WTC’s towers became the tallest building but ever since the disaster of 2001; the Empire state today, again stands as the tallest building in New York State. Moreover the Empire State is also known for its panoramic view which attracts most tourists and visitors. Many tourists and visitors have come to NYC to experience these astounding monuments. Sadly, following the attacks of 9/11 these tourists have been cut down immensely. According to an article by Cory Doctorow, the rate of tourism has gone down 17 % since 9/11. One reason for this is because visitors and tourists were only allowed to go up to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Soon after 9/11, Liberty Island was fully closed for about 3 months from September 2001 to December 2001. Still living in fear of another possible attack that might occur they restricted visitors from going up to the crown. People come from all over the world excited and wanting to experience the statue of liberty and it is very heartbreaking that they will only get a gist of what it is about. Moreover, when some visitors find out that they will not able to go all the way to the top, there is a great possibility that they will not buy a ticket to go see the statue in general because of the fact that they will only experience some part of it. Another reason for the loss of visitors is because they are scared of another possible terrorist attack. It is hard not to think about 9/11when you are looking at astounding monuments such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State. Although the Empire State and Lady Liberty have a lot to offer, these threats affect the visitor’s enjoyment of the building. 9/11 stays on the back of everyone’s minds and no one wants to go through what those innocent victims went through on that day and they feel like the best way to prevent that is to just not visit such attractions.
Due to these threats securities to get into the World Trade center and the Statue of liberty have tightened significantly. They securities must always be caution and check every inch of every person as they walk in. Bag check is mandatory for everyone and visitors must pass through the metal detectors. Securities and security cameras are also presents throughout these attractions to catch any suspicious behaviors. Since attacks of 9/11, New Yorkers have learned that nothing is impossible and we have to be prepared for the worst.
The airports have also changed their rules and regulation significantly since the attacks of the World Trade center. To get into the airport you must take everything off, including your shoes and be scanned individually by a metal detector. Being a former worker at LaGuardia Airport, I had to take off my shoes everyday and be checked as well until I received my worker identification card. Moreover you are not allowed to take any sort of liquid in your carryon luggage that is more that 3 ounces and is not in a see through zip lock bag. Such include any type of drinks, hand sanitizer, lotions, shampoos etc. When the towers were first attacked, passengers weren’t allowed to bring any liquid at all in the airplane but recently they came out with the 3 ounce rule. Moreover, drinks purchased after the security point are permitted to be brought inside the airplane. Other items such as any sharp object, ice picks, lighters, nail clippers, lithium batteries and much more are not allowed to be brought with you at the airport. Some items that are considered to be awfully dangerous such as knives or guns should not even be brought by accident; otherwise the passenger will be fined and prosecuted. These strict rules of the TSA have been working smoothly and there have not been any complications till now.
September 11, 2001 has placed a great impact on New York City. Everywhere you go, securities are tightened and you think about the disaster when you take a look at the major building and tourist sites. It takes longer to get in anywhere because of the bag checking including random search in the subway. Malfunctions and accidents in subways have led to close investigation especially with the threats about subway bombing. Every move, every person should be closely watched, especially if there is something suspicious about them. We must do everything we can to prevent another tragedy such as September 11.
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