Media and the Public Mood

Follows the tension between public grief, calls for restraint, and media institutions’ tendency to rally behind state power.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Shock and Grief

Shock and Grief The attacks produce shock, horror, anger, fear, and a desire for vengeance among Americans. Shared Condemnation Chomsky recognizes the broad sympathy for victims and the demand that responsible perpetrators be found. A Divided Response Grief does not mean that the public uniformly supports indiscriminate retaliation.

Peaceful Countercurrents

Peaceful Countercurrents Reports from New York describe calls for peace exceeding demands for punishment in some public spaces. A More Complex Public Chomsky disputes the idea that Americans speak with one voice in favor of war. Room for Agency Public opinion remains capable of resisting an escalatory policy, especially when alternatives are discussed.

Media Rally to Power

Media Rally to Power Chomsky argues that major media and intellectuals often align with government in moments of crisis. A Familiar Pattern He compares this tendency with coverage of the Gulf War and the bombing of Serbia. Narrowed Debate Such alignment can make force seem inevitable while marginalizing questions about law and consequences.

The Missing Why

The Missing Why Chomsky criticizes reporting that condemns the attacks but rarely asks why militant networks gain support. Grievances in View He points to Iraq, Palestine, and support for repressive governments as issues raised across the region. Prevention Requires Inquiry Ignoring those concerns, he argues, makes further violence more likely rather than less.

A Wider Public Debate

A Wider Public Debate Chomsky finds audiences more receptive to discussion than some commentators expect, including through mainstream media appearances. Opposition Is Possible He stresses that calls for silence do not represent the whole public. An Invitation to Act Citizens can press for historical inquiry, restraint, and policies that reduce the likelihood of future attacks.

September 11–12, 2001

The first week after September 11

During the first weeks of September 2001

In the first weeks after September 11

Late September and early October 2001