This week, embassies in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia, have been closed due to what one source called a "credible and specific threat." The military resumed air patrols over New York City and Washington, D.C. Attorney General John Ashcroft held a news conference Tuesday to raise the terror warning level from yellow to orange. Announcements like this are to be expected in this new era of global terror and fear.
Children are no longer hiding under their desks in Soviet air-raid drills, but are instead bombarded with news reports, warnings and pictures. They know that we have been attacked, that people have died and that the world is not a safe place. The question is, how do we explain why?
The immediate response in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was powerful. Americans across the country not only donated their money, but also their blood. Fire trucks pledged to help sort through the tons of rubble in the hopes of finding remains. Their work has only recently been completed, but as a nation, our work has only just begun.
With the global political climate so filled with hate, we must figure out how to explain these events to the next generation. Our generation, and those after us, should use this as an opportunity to teach basic moral and ethical values. It's important that children learn not only what happened on that Tuesday, but also why it happened, and the factors that led up to the disaster. Children are much more open to ideas of acceptance and are prone to be socially conscious; with the proper education, we can ensure that the cycle of aggression and ignorance is broken.
If introduced to the issues of the world around them, and if they are taught that they have a stake in these issues, young students will find these subjects more intriguing later in life. Children need to be guided to ask the right questions, and by presenting them with morals, they are better equipped to look beyond "good versus evil" and into the grays that make up real life.
We need to teach the events of Sept. 11 with an emphasis on responsibility, tolerance and strength. Yet, instead of showcasing the strength it takes to drop bombs or raze buildings, we must foster the fortitude it takes to maintain a broader, global awareness.
Children must be reminded that stereotypes and finger pointing are unacceptable. In some cases, they will need to be untaught the negative connotations of these stereotypes. Their preconceived notions of blame must be remedied if future generations of Americans are going to be positive influences on the world stage. Groups cannot be made into scapegoats; instead, terrorism must be examined as actions perpetrated by individuals with specific agendas that propagate hatred and violence.
However, if we want to teach our children to be responsible and to realize that all of their actions have repercussions, our government must also face up to these facts. After years of supporting these regimes and using money and muscle to drain the oil out of the region, we are facing the consequences of our international behavior. So long as we continue to play a role in international affairs, we must be prepared for backlash and repercussions.
Once our nation begins to actually care about the people and governments of the countries we take advantage of, instead of bombing all dissenters, they will be seen in a more positive light. Children watch the world with impressionable eyes. If they see a government that abuses power and takes advantage of military opportunities, how will we make them see solutions as opportunities for building a better society instead of revenge?
While no one is ignoring the events of a year ago, many people - including New York Gov. George Pataki, who suggested the events be commemorated with only moments of silence - want to downplay the events. With six moments of silence throughout the day, the attacks will be remembered, but will we learn anything from them? As students, we need to realize that not only can we learn about what happened and the causes behind it, but also that we are the next generation of policy makers.
Beginning as elementary school children and working our way up to being college students, the necessity for teaching awareness and involvement is apparent. The educating should be done not by schoolteachers alone, but by parents as well, and must be backed by the government and their actions. Otherwise, when our generation enters the professional world, this oppressive cycle will continue.
Although our feelings of invulnerability are not what they used to be, America still views itself as the great leader and savior of the world. It is important to both teach and remember here in America that there is no replacement for being aware and active.
Everything starts with education, both at home and abroad. If our government can lead by example, we can usher in a new peaceful generation that cares about human rights and tolerance.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
