The Citizen’s Responsibility

September 11

Traces Chomsky’s appeal to citizens to resist propaganda, preserve debate, and influence the direction of government policy.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Shaken Public A Shaken Public from "September 11". A Shaken Public The American public experiences shock and grief, but its response contains more than a desire for revenge.

A Shaken Public from "September 11". A Shaken Public The American public experiences shock and grief, but its response contains more than a desire for revenge.

A Shaken Public The American public experiences shock and grief, but its response contains more than a desire for revenge. Mixed Sentiments Chomsky points to sympathy, fear, anger, and resistance to killing additional civilians. A Political Opening A crisis can intensify violence, but it can also prompt public reconsideration.

Public Opinion as Leverage Public Opinion as Leverage from "September 11". Public Opinion as Leverage Chomsky argues that government decisions depend partly on the public mood.

Public Opinion as Leverage from "September 11". Public Opinion as Leverage Chomsky argues that government decisions depend partly on the public mood.

Public Opinion as Leverage Chomsky argues that government decisions depend partly on the public mood. An Uncertain Outcome Citizens cannot control every policy, but their response can influence what leaders consider politically possible. Choice and Consequence An organized public can resist a violent path before it hardens into official policy.

Against Intimidation Against Intimidation from "September 11". Against Intimidation Chomsky warns that voices demanding silence may come from both the political right and sections of the left.

Against Intimidation from "September 11". Against Intimidation Chomsky warns that voices demanding silence may come from both the political right and sections of the left.

Against Intimidation Chomsky warns that voices demanding silence may come from both the political right and sections of the left. Pressure to Conform In a crisis, dissent can be dismissed as disloyalty or as support for terrorism. Intellectual Courage He urges readers to pursue truth and consider the consequences of action and inaction.

The Role of Activists The Role of Activists from "September 11". The Role of Activists Chomsky calls on justice-minded activists to deepen their work rather than moderate criticism for comfort.

The Role of Activists from "September 11". The Role of Activists Chomsky calls on justice-minded activists to deepen their work rather than moderate criticism for comfort.

The Role of Activists Chomsky calls on justice-minded activists to deepen their work rather than moderate criticism for comfort. Historical Inquiry They should examine the policies and grievances behind the violence. Practical Influence Activists can press powerful governments toward law, restraint, and respect for rights.

A Democratic Possibility A Democratic Possibility from "September 11". A Democratic Possibility Chomsky sees some audiences becoming more open to discussion after the attacks.

A Democratic Possibility from "September 11". A Democratic Possibility Chomsky sees some audiences becoming more open to discussion after the attacks.

A Democratic Possibility Chomsky sees some audiences becoming more open to discussion after the attacks. Wider Access His own frequent appearances in mainstream media suggest that space for debate has not disappeared. Renewed Commitment That opening calls for sustained work on liberty, human rights, and democracy rather than passivity.

September 11–12, 2001

During the early debate over military action

Late September 2001

October 2001

In the concluding interview, early October 2001