OVERVIEW

Some people, even youth leaders, admit that they don’t know what teenagers are thinking about the terrorist attack on America. They need and want to talk about it if the situation is appropriate. Young people have a lot to say—that may even help adults who are also struggling with their reactions to such a vicious act.

Lynn Barker writes (to Teen.com) how a friend called up and said he was going down to the park the Friday after the attack. She decided to join him. When they arrived with their candles, they were the only ones there. Gradually others joined, a church group, then apparent strangers. They began singing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and other songs. The crowd grew. Finally two fire trucks pulled up—not to break up the affair, but to join in with an outstretched ladder, flag atop, and spotlights. Never before had strangers felt so close.

Further wisdom can be found from today’s young people. Lissie, on Teen.Com, encourages all Americans to resist prejudice and blaming and to stand together: These terrorists are trying to use our strengths against us, and one of those strengths is diversity. The world knows that peace within our nation’s diversity is very very thin, and can be broken with the slightest disruption. Do not point fingers at someone because of their descent, because they are American too. Be patient, and forget your hate of others. Forget your reasons for discriminating against people and groups. This is a time for all of us to be standing together. Forget your differences. Stand united.

Kimberly on Teen.Com agrees:

America has to stick together through all of this. The terrorists wanted us to panic but we can’t do that. We’ve got to remain calm and think about this in a calm way.
And teenagers from around the world added to their sentiments. Elizel writes from the Philippines:
We here in the Philippines extend our love and deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy. This is a devastating time, and we’ll be with you in spirit and through our prayers.

Sabine wrote to Teen.Com from Germany:

I just wanted to say that all Germany feels very sorry for the American nation! Our country is also shocked and scared.

Carol wrote to fellow teenagers from Down Under:

I live in Melbourne, Australia and even though we are kilometers away from America we, like the rest of the world, are in a deep shock of this terrible thing…We are all dismayed and sad at the loss of lives. At the American Embassy in Canberra there are mourners, both Australians and Americans, flowers and deep cards left at the steps. Churches around our country are filled with mourners. I went to my small group on Wednesday and at our church there was a prayer service for people…God bless, the world is thinking of you.

Jess, a Canadian teenager expressed the solidarity of his nation with the U.S.:

I live in Toronto, Ontario (Canada) and as one who has lost family members, or friends, or whose life has been affected by this tragedy, I want to send you my deepest sympathies!! And I just want to let you know that us Canadians are here for you!!…we’re having fundraisers (a car wash, selling mini American flag pins, etc.) And we’re giving all the money to the Red Cross. I also wanted to let you know that people are lined up around the block to donate blood for those in need! Hang in there! We love you! Love, Jess

Is this transitory teenage reaction? Or have we witnessed an event that will change culture—pop culture and youth cultures as well? What difference will this event make in the lives of young people? Teenagers from a Waltham, Massachusetts’ high school describe how their lives have changed (as reported in Pappano’s article above):

Pien Huang (17, senior)

This event will definitely define our generation. I know my priorities have changed a lot since what happened…I want to do something for the country now. (I see other students thinking less about money and more about serving.) They want to do something for the greater good, for the country or the world—not just for themselves any more.

Kara Clarke (17, senior) was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11 that Tuesday but, purely by chance, her mother had changed her tour of California colleges. She now plans to attend a university in the Boston area. At a vigil in town she said,

People my age are stepping up. It would be easy for a lot of us to turn our backs and say, ‘This is not our problem.’ But we’re not.

Chris Graceffa (17, senior) had planned to attend an Ivy League college like Amherst.

Now I might be looking at West Point…I find myself spending more time on homework rather than on Nintendo or watching TV. I am going to the weight room more. I am trying to get better at everything. I realize this is our only life. This is our only childhood, our only adolescence. It will matter what you learned and how you helped.

Siobhan Cosby (17, junior) sees students “shedding old feelings of apathy.”

(Before the attacks) we just kind of lived here. Now we see that when it’s our turn, some of us will lead the country or be teachers…(Remembering students rushing home to hear President Bush) Usually things like a football game are more important. Now, people are, ‘Well, I really want to watch the president.’ …Now we really want to hear what the history teacher has to say.

Hirak Shah (17, senior class president)

Right now we would be in the beginning stages of fund-raising for the senior class dinner and senior review. Instead, we’ve started having a fund-raiser for the Red Cross.

David Segal, director of the Center for Research on Military Organization specializes in youth attitudes towards the military. Previously he’s found young people feeling “their country didn’t really need them.” But that has changed noticeably.

William Damon is professor of education, author and director of Stanford Center on Adolescence. He sees patriotism, which formerly was rather socially incorrect becoming a new motivating force.

This has been a real watershed moment. They have never really been called on to face a terrible crisis. They’ve had a good run. But now it’s over. This generation (he identifies them as Generation Y, born between 1979 and 1994) have a sense they will have to sacrifice some of the more trivial parts of life…If there is a silver lining, it is that it is actually ennobling for kids to dedicate themselves to something larger than themselves and something that makes a difference in the world.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

• Where were you when you heard news of the attack? What was your first reaction and with whom did you talk about what had happened?
• Do you think people of all ages need to talk about their feelings around such an event? What about those who can’t or don’t seem to walk to express themselves? Might it be good for them to hear others talking?
• Has this disaster helped you to identify both the dark side and the more positive sides of your inner being? Are there feelings and reactions that still need healing? How can this best happen?
• What impresses you most about what these teenagers, and a couple of adult experts, are saying? What do you want to add? Can this be used for family, school, or youth group discussions?

IMPLICATIONS

• We believe this terrorist attack is a history-altering event. It will shape generations and cultures in new ways.
• The powerful images of these attacks and their aftermath will linger in the subconscious of people for a long time. They have created trauma and stirred up old wounds. All this needs expression, discussion, and healing.
• We are increasingly aware of the power of media—its benefits and dangers. The images and repeated news litanies had to be turned off after a while. On the other hand, we had to know what happened and what it was like. We needed to hear experts on many issues discuss various issues. This has been a learning experience for all of us. Television can inform and entertain; it can also traumatize, desensitize, and suggest. The media must be handled with care.
• This terrible disaster has also brought families and communities closer together. Poems and pictures drawn by children have helped all of us. Teenagers have much to do and can instruct us in our future path.

Dean Borgman cCYS