The Changing Meaning of Disaster

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Table of Contents

Abstract
Main Body
Reference List

Abstract

There are two opposing views on disasters. Some believe that disasters are dysfunctional and unveil the most egoistic features of human beings such as greed, cynicism, and self-centeredness. Whereas, others argue that a disaster is rather an opportunity for an individual and the overall society to develop and grow. This paper includes a brief analysis of the 9/11 disaster as regards the two paradigms mentioned above. It is clear that the terroristic attack in New York and especially its aftermaths have had a complex impact on American society. It cost thousands of deaths and a billion destruction. The beneficial effect consisted of the nation’s empowerment and integrity.

Main Body

Disasters have been a part of human existence. People had to endure various natural disasters as well as man-made accidents that had a considerable negative impact. It is necessary to note that people’s behavior during and after disasters have acquired quite a significant attention, and many theories and frameworks have been developed (Furedi, 2007). There are two major approaches to this issue as some researchers argue that disasters have a dysfunctional impact on individuals as well as communities while others stress that disasters open up new horizons for the individual, community, and society. It is possible to consider such a significant disaster as 9/11 to understand that such accidents are horrible and costly in all respects, but they have a positive impact on the development of society.

In the first place, it is necessary to identify the features of the disaster to differentiate an accident from a really meaningful and life-changing event. Furedi (2007) notes that the way people perceived disasters in the first half of the 20^th century and in the 21^st century is rather different. At present, people are more deliberate and identify many accidents as disasters. The attitude towards these events has also changed since the 20^th century. People are more concerned with the decisions they make be it an environmental issue or a man-made disaster. Thus, every natural disaster or a man-made accident causing destruction and deaths is analyzed in detail, and people are trying to develop strategies to avoid similar situations in the future. Sometimes the way people think changes dramatically.

The 9/11 disaster is an illustration of such accidents as Americans, as well as many western people, see their life as pre- and post-9/11. This was a life-changing event that facilitated the shift in people’s attitudes towards security, terrorism, ‘nations’. That was an unprecedented terroristic attack that cost almost 3,000 lives. It caused billions of dollars’ losses in property. Solnit (2010) states that for many people the disaster lasted for several weeks or even months while for many it still resonates to their souls as they lost a close one.

It is necessary to note that many researchers focus on such things as panic, vulnerability, indecisiveness and so on. They claim that people remain selfish or even become more egoistic during accidents (Solnit, 2010). This is explained with reference to various psychological frameworks. Clearly, people are seen as creatures who focus on their survival, which makes it impossible to perform any altruistic acts. In the view of these paradigms, it could be expected that New Yorkers would flee the city as soon as possible or, at least, would go home and remain there for several days. Of course, there was panic and people felt absolutely at a loss, especially those who were in the Twin Towers.

Nonetheless, even in the moment of crisis, people revealed their altruistic features. When considering the 9/11 impact, Solnit (2010) stresses that people were even more decisive than authorities that are more prepared to respond to various accidents. New Yorkers helped those who were injured or needed any help or support.

When considering disasters in terms of their effects on society, the very accident is often less relevant than its aftermath. This is also the case with 9/11. The accident itself lasted for several days as after the buildings collapsed authorities and New Yorkers tried to save people who were trapped in the debris. However, the way people started behaving after the disaster is especially relevant. Furedi (2007) stresses that disasters have a dysfunctional impact on the community and society at large.

The concept of vulnerability is put to the fore. Nevertheless, 9/11 aftermaths are associated with empowerment, altruism, and unity. Clearly, there were people who became pessimists and even alienated themselves from the rest (Solnit, 2010). Thus, Solnit (2010) mentions people’s accounts who claim that they can never forget the day that proved complete insecurity.

At the same time, there are various stories about commitment and empowerment. People started being more active and forced the authorities to be more responsible and proactive. A woman emphasizes that she became “a person of faith” after 9/11 as she was trying to help the community to prevent similar disasters (Solnit, 2010, p. 214). One of the major benefits of the disaster was the sense of unity and integrity. People understood that they were attacked by terroristic forces that became strong enough to make such a significant strike. This made them more decisive and ready to forget about previous meaningless misunderstandings (Solnit, 2010).

Right after the disaster people understood what was really important. Of course, some trends that occurred were rather dysfunctional as many Americans blamed Muslims or Arabic people for what happened. There were cases when those people were attacked. However, the major idea of the opposition to terrorism and extremism was the primary gain of American society. The entire American society felt united and empowered as they learned their lesson and could go on and work on the prevention of such horrible disasters.

In conclusion, it is possible to note that 9/11 was a horrible act of violence against humanity. This is one of the most significant disasters in American history, and it changed the way Americans lived, thought and felt. Of course, it was the event that caused thousands of deaths. However, the disaster should not be perceived as a dysfunctional interruption of societal development. It should be seen as a costly lesson and a source of opportunities for development.

The 9/11 is one of the milestones the American society can never forget. At the same time, the disaster made Americans more united and empowered. The shock and panic of the first hours after the disaster turned into a calm understanding of the most meaningful values. Americans acknowledged what was relevant. Now, the nation may have internal issues, and pluralistic views on various matters but Americans are still united as they share the values they developed after the 9/11.

Reference List

Furedi, F. (2007). The changing meaning of disaster. Area, 39(4), 482-489. Web.

Solnit, R. (2010). A paradise built in hell: The extraordinary communities that arise in disaster. New York, NY: Penguin Books. Web.

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The Changing Meaning of Disaster

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