The Midnight Write - Issue # 9: 9-11, Who should we truely be scared of?

Humans are weak and prone to emotional outbursts. We let our pain, new or old, guide us to make bad decisions.

9-11 was a horrific occurrence. Not just because so many lost their lives, and many more were changed forever, but it twisted the American people. Gone are the days where we could live in a reasonable amount of peace and be open with the world. We let ourselves be vulnerable to the global community and we feel betrayed for doing so, kicking ourselves constantly.

But it is through those memories that we as a people allow ourselves to be exploited. Our preceptions not just of the world, but of our own people. Still blinded by pain, we try to protect ourselves from the "enemy", but the enemy then is not the enemy now.

Al qaeda did their job. They made the Americans scared and second guess themselves. They exposed us, no longer are we the saviors that come in to say the world like we "had done" in past conflicts. And that makes not only scared but feel weak and helpless. So we lash out, we blame others, neighbors across the street and around the world. We want justice, we want victory and closure.

But none of this will come in the state we're in, if it ever does.

We're "scared" of the terrorist making the next attack. "Scared" not being able to see what's ahead. And you'd be a fool not be, but you'd also be a fool to not realize your own people stir just as much chaos as any other. We are no more exempt from self destruction as any other nation.

I've swept though conflicting emotions today, but one element remains true. I fear for the ferocity of the American because of our impatience and our unwillingness to see objectively. We haven't done that for almost nine years now when it comes to this issue. I feel a lot of American's cannot separate the group from the Islamic people who are nothing like them, and that is dangerous. "It's just easier that way" creeps into my head, a typical American point of view of a fast paced, instant gratification focused world. I refuse to be scared of people different from me, yet the American programing still lingers in the back of my mind.

Before we look outward and gauge who threatens us. We should look at ourselves, as Americans, and think, who are we threatening with our actions? We thrive on the conflict. Maybe we don't want peace, just conflict, that way it makes it seem like life's worth living, or fighting for.

I'm not anti-American, but I see so many passive attitudes about these things that I am worried. It's like we forget until the next thing comes along. I'm troubled, worried, afraid for my fellow man, American or otherwise.

I'm scared of people who think it's a good idea to picket soldiers funerals, or burn religious texts in the name of God. To think they are beyond the human pale. Or maybe they think there is no hope, and they might as well sink everyone else there with them. Or maybe their actions are carefully planned to evoke a certain response. They're all viable options. I want people to be better, happy, confident but not arrogant.

I am scared of the Human Race. How about you?