Citation

Barbara JS. Med. Conflict. Surviv. 2003; 19(1): 39-44.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Peace Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. joanna@web.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12776934

Abstract

This article examines the reasons underlying the massive reaction to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 compared with the lack of response to the many thousands of preventable deaths elsewhere daily. It is suggested that the explanation is the 'deep culture' of the United States based on the myth of the frontiersman. The world is divided into winners and losers, good and bad; non-US citizens are of less value as human beings. The only response allowed by this deep culture is striking back at 'the enemy'. The difficulties with this response are discussed and non-violent alternatives considered.

Language: en