9/11 Psychology, 6 months later...Psychological goal of terrorists not being achieved says psychologist.

6 months after the worst terrorist act on U.S. Soil, America is winning the psychological battle of fear. "The American psyche is bruised but not disabled. We're picking up the pieces of our lives and moving forward....We may be angry and scared but going to work. Children are nervous but going to school. We're not hiding in our homes but starting to get back on planes, attend sporting events and even laugh! We've passed our first major hurdle and the psychological goals of the terrorists who attacked New York and Washington are not being achieved. We're united." This according to trauma psychologist Robert R. Butterworth Ph.D. who adds: Remember the psychological goal of the terrorist; "Not just to topple buildings but destroy our way of life. We are fighting back and trying to get back to normal. Were winning, the psychological battle of fear in spite of our anxeties!"

The trauma psychologist believes that in order to win this, psychological battle of fear, it's important for people not to get swept up in unsubstantiated rumors of destruction and doom. Not to panic and give in to hysteria since uncertainty concerning future acts of terrorism in the U. S. breeds fear and a new type of anxiety not seen in past disasters -- 'Anticipatory anxiety'. "During this period of uncertainty since 9/11 in a psychological sense, It's what we don't know and fantasize about that can hurt us. The adage, 'The only fear is fear itself,' rings true, especially in this case...Fantasy breeds fear
especially since our Nations sense of vulnerability has increased!

The psychologist believes with all the talk and speculation of future terrorist actions involving everything from biological to chemical agents it's no wonder that the fear of the future can be more unsettling than the trauma and depression resulting from past events even the events of September 11th. "Terrorist psychology as a method of societal destabilization is more concerned with the perception of reality rather than reality itself.
Thus it's not surprising that 'Anticipatory Anxiety' -- fear of what one may fantasize could occur as a result of terrorist actions -- can be more psychologically damaging to a society than the actual reality that does unfold." According to Butterworth, who adds:

I'm sure that the terrorists are somewhat puzzled over the way that Americans are coping with the ongoing, almost daily anxieties associated with "Alert Status" No doubt they do not understand how these bunch of infidels and narcissists in America have managed to come together, united, casting aside individualistic concerns for the common good. granted some of us fled big cities, ran for anti-anxiety meds and are afraid to fly but a group we have come together, united! This reaction of ours was not expected by Al Qada. Its not in the terrorists playbook for us to be so altruistic.

One cannot blame the terrorists for being somewhat amazed at our collective response. In looking back on the literature and contemporary writing associated with American culture and her peoples In the last twenty years, we have been variously described as cynical, narcissistic, self-centered, self absorbed, me decade individualists who level of group discord would fit right into a Jerry Springer episode. Our young were pictured as unmotivated, under- educated, rock-and-roll, rave centered critters weaned on Brittany Spheres, rap and Dr. Spock. A divorce rate of over 50 percent and a drug and alcohol consumption to rival the world further cemented their convictions about our collective psyche and the manner that we as a nation would react to horrific and unprecedented events.

Predictably then, according to their philosophy about us, at the first sign of disruption, uncertainty, or panic we would selfishly run for cover pushing everyone else aside. Not caring about anything or anyone else, doing whatever we could to claw our way above the situation in a selfish and egotistical manner. And when disaster struck these fragile flowers of individualists whose philosophy would be dam to everyone else" would implode and do whatever they could to survive. A cooperative and unified response could not be imagined!

And oh yes. We selfish, capitalistic, self -absorbed individualists, who don't care a rats ass about others, have donated millions of dollars to the victims of these tragedies through various charities. We even gave our blood to survivors who were strangers. Gee, how selfish can we get! Is this is an action of a true narcissist? I think not. Many of us are searching for meaning in a world that has changed and with it life's priorities. Family, loved one's...no longer taking a back seat to career!

About this clawing and pushing aside everyone else, that behavior was not even seen as people fled the World Trade Center down fire stairways minutes before their own death!

These renegades in studying American culture believe deeply in their hearts that we have been weaned on instant gratification, quick outcomes and neat resolutions. Although they are probably adjusting to our initial reactions to the crisis I'd be willing to bet that they're expecting that theyre expecting in no time at all with a prolonged engagement and casualties mounting our unity will quickly dissolve into bickering and dissension. Research does show that
the frequency of fear associated with terrorism increases as violent events multiply. Normal takes on a new definition.

Well, theyre in for another surprise. Although Americans may at times present an outward appearance of impatience and self centeredness. We know the difference between a War and a sit-com. They forget Americans also have a collective memory of sacrifice and endurance from the Civil War onward.

Symbols are important. The symbol of America is the Eagle, a tough old bird that is not easily frightened and renowned for its vision and tenacity. It's important in a psychological sense that we hold on to that image of the American eagle as the months role on for the terrorists are hoping that we forget.