Lit Review Draft

Post September 11 has prompted a slue of new security measures that have affected the nation. From brand new X-ray machines in airports such as LAX in Los Angeles, or JFK in New York, to modified immigration policies, visitor visas, and even local security, one cannot help but ask the question: In the search to stop terror, have the terrorists already won? The following research project will analyze, explicate, and answer the following question via the sources provided through journal articles, books, and magazine articles. In Susan Akram and Kevin Johnson’s journal, they Johnson write painfully truthful in this journal article regarding the post September 11 treatment of Arabs and Muslims as well as an encroachment of civil liberties for all to some degree. From immigration policies, racial profiling, to blatant harrasment, both Akram and Johnson describe a clear shift in both society and policy post 9-11 (1). We also will see the aftermath of September 11 and related events as Giroux discusses the implications and dangerous consequences of September 11 - particularly on the youth of today. Discussing things from poverty, lack of support from government, and the struggle to keep security. Stating how, "New anti-terrorist laws that, in the name of 'homeland security,' make it easier to undermine the basic civil liberties that protect individuals against invasive and potentially repressive government actions", this article provides great insight into the struggle represented in Little Brother (3). In answering our questions, however, we will also look to journals that prvide an alternate view of the post national terror alert as Cather Guisan’ article provides her belief post 9/11 has and can allow "complementary feelings of mourning and enchantment, fostering a broader attachment to the world". I believe this will be a strong parallel to contrast my argument with and believe I can provide examples from Doctorow's novel of how post 9/11 has lead to a more fractured society as opposed to one of "feel-good nationalism" (4). A strong opposition to Guisan;s article can be found in Leow’s article as it talks about the "Summer of 2008" in New York, the authors touch base on the new security measures New Yorkers now live with post September 11 attack. Though they mention how some may find the new measure as reasonable and called for reactions after such a detrimental security breach, they also depict how "others believe that a new dangerous threat is rising...it's the risk that New Yorkers' essential freedoms and liberties are being eroded" (5). In regards to whether or not “catching terrorists” consists or enforcing stricter security, we will look to Sasses as she stresses an importance for government to enforce stricter policies and monitoring as she states, "While socio-economic devastation may not cause terrorism directly, it does promote extreme responses, such as trafficking in people, and can facilitate recruitment of young people for terrorist activity, both random and organized" (6). The following sources will be key in not only confronting our fears and anxieties, but more importantly, answering our question: have the terrorists already won?