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9/11 Ten years later: 102 minutes that changed America

Tom Strong-Grinsell, Managing Editor
September 11, 2011
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It’s a moment in American history that will never be forgotten. It’s a moment where each and every American will remember where they were when the news broke.

Ten years ago, the United States underwent the most devastating attack on American soil in the nation’s then 225-year history.

The day’s events unfolded through the media – television networks cancelling regular programming in order to cover the tragic events.

“To watch helpless, is a horror,” CNN Reporter Diane Sawyer said during live coverage as the events unfolded.

Ten years later, we live in a world with real-time 24/7 internet updates and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Though rumors can spread quickly through such sites, they can often be debunked quickly and have also provided help in relief efforts and recovery efforts such as in Japan and Joplin, Missouri after recent natural disasters.

“I think before September 11 the world had a certain naiveté, that made the US feel invincible,” senior Stephanie Rollens said. “They grew from viewing the world through rose-colored lenses to taking notice of the raw and sometimes unfortunate and tragic things that could happen to such a powerful nation.”

In modern times the media tends to focus on the sensational and often the negative, neglecting outreach and the better parts of society.

By using these sites information can be rapidly rellayed from person-to-person, allowing for stories and expereinces to be shared with the push of a single button.

The use of sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube allows everyone to be a “citizen journalist” uploading pictures, videos and thoughts; joining a global conversation that can be viewed around the world.

Though the liability and transparency that comes from social media could not have prevented the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001 these sites could have provided more primary sources and more insight from the everyday American. And if nothing else, this technology could have provided Americans with proof that they were not powerless and they were not alone.

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About the Contributor
Tom Strong-Grinsell, Executive Managing Editor (2011-12)

Tom Strong-Grinsell, a Massapequa High School alum, was the Managing Editor of The Chief for the 2011-12 school year. While being a part of The Chief, Tom has worked his way up from Entertainment Editor in his sophomore year to Managing Editor in his junior year, becoming the first person to serve two years in the position. His inspiration for continuing a career in journalism stems from his role models --Anderson Cooper and Brian Stelter-- and the advice of former Vice Prinicpal of MHS, Mr. Piotrowski.

Aside from writing for The Chief, he has also played an active role in WMHS and participates yearly in National History Day. This year, Tom has been elected to the position of G.O. Vice President. In college, Tom hopes to further his pursuit of journalism with a dual major in both Print and Broadcast Journalism, and a minor in Political Science. Outside of school, he interns for ACJ Publications, and continues to develop his long-term research project for National History Day. Although he is continuously working, Tom enjoys watching reality televison and catching up on much needed relaxation in his spare time.

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9/11 Ten years later: 102 minutes that changed America