Kaplan, D. (2001). A new state of fear. (cover story). U.S. News & World Report, 131(17), 14.
The time following the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11 heightened America’s anxiety about terrorism and the reality of the events. Several anthrax attacks were recorded across America following 9-11 that put America up on its toes. Suspicions arose which put everyone in a scare for chemical or biological weaponry from the terrorists of the middle east. Precautionary warnings spread to prepare America’s military for the worst. Along with Military mobilization and other deterrent measures, Americans were scrambling for an answer to the anthrax scares. The typical view of terrorists with machine guns and bandanas was starting to fade. Now, possibly wielding chemical weapons, terrorist groups were able to strike a new fear into the eyes of all Americans. Biochemicals used as weapons would not only kill some immediately, but it would have a lasting affect on anyone or anything that came in contact at any point. Even though a majority of cases dealing with the anthrax virus were deceptive and false, there was still that fear for every American.
I believe Kaplan posted this article, following the attacks of 9-11, to show us as Americans that these terrorist scares are not as worrisome as we all think they are. Even though a majority of the alleged attacks were hoaxes, it still doesn’t hurt to be prepared for what could come of it. America as a nation read the paper and watch the news to see a few instances happening, and believe that it will happen to them. It still is human nature to be worried about what could happen following a major disaster.
DAS MAN! 