In The Community
Increased Airport Security
Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on UnsplashBefore 9/11, airport security was significantly more relaxed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in response to the attacks, and now, procedures like removing shoes, restricting liquids, and full-body scans are routine. While these steps have become a regular part of the travel experience, they were a direct response to 9/11 and an effort to prevent future terrorism.
The Rise of Surveillance
Photo by Chris Yang on UnsplashAfter 9/11, surveillance of both foreign and domestic communications rose to new heights. The Patriot Act, passed shortly after the attacks, gave government agencies broader powers to monitor phone calls, emails, and internet activity. This is why we joke about the “FBI agent” looking over our shoulders when we use the internet. The overall awareness of privacy concerns in today’s digital age, especially when it comes to social media and apps, is a consequence of that rise.
Stricter Immigration Policies
Photo by Metin Ozer on UnsplashImmigration also changed tremendously. After 9/11, the U.S. government introduced stricter visa requirements and enhanced background checks. The attacks reshaped how countries across the globe approach immigration, with a greater focus on national security. For many travelers and immigrants, the visa process has become an uphill battle and background scrutiny is the standard for certain countries and professions.
Increased Awareness of Islamophobia
Photo by Ifrah Akhter on UnsplashOne of the most unfortunate impacts of 9/11 has been the rise of Islamophobia, which continues to influence conversations about race, religion, and terrorism today. For many, the attacks led to a greater fear of Muslims and Middle Eastern people, which resulted in racial profiling, discrimination, and negative representation in the media. We’ve all seen more than one action movie where the villain is a stereotypical Muslim screaming “allahu akbar” as a threat. This is your reminder that a terrorist group is responsible for 9/11, not the entire Muslim and Middle Eastern people. Also, “allahu akbar” (“God is great”) is an expression of faith first and foremost.
The Global War on Terror
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash9/11 also led to the start of the War on Terror, which included the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. These military engagements shaped the political landscape for years, affecting not only U.S. foreign policy but also global politics. The consequences of these wars are still felt today, with veterans and impacted regions still dealing with the long-term effects.
Changes to Urban Architecture and Emergency Response
Photo by Sonia Dauer on UnsplashThe collapse of the Twin Towers brought a lot of attention to vulnerabilities in building designs and emergency response systems. That gave way to new regulations to improve the safety and evacuation procedures of skyscrapers and public buildings. Modern urban architecture now considers potential terrorist attacks in its planning (how could it not?), with reinforced structures and security measures.
Stricter Security in Public Spaces
Photo by Scott Webb on UnsplashBeyond airports, 9/11 changed how security is approached in public spaces like concerts, stadiums, and government buildings. Metal detectors, bag checks, and even facial recognition technology are now commonly used to prevent attacks. This heightened security is one of the things we’ve become very accustomed to, but it’s a direct response to the vulnerability that the 9/11 attacks exposed.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Photo by Miguel Bruna on UnsplashPerhaps the most profound impact of 9/11 is the resilience it inspired. The unity, compassion, and determination that followed the attacks changed how communities respond to tragedy. The phrase "Never Forget" is more than a call to remember the day—it’s a reminder of the strength that people can find in extremely difficult times.
While 9/11 may seem like a distant memory to some, especially those who weren’t in the thick of it or weren’t changed by personal loss, its effects are all around us. From the way we travel to how we view security, politics, and even each other, the legacy of that day lives on in ways we often don’t realize. By understanding these impacts, we can better appreciate how the world has changed and why it’s important to remember those lessons as we move forward.
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What Is the Modern Book Ban?
Book banning is the act of removing books from reading lists, libraries, or bookstores based on content disagreements. Often done under the pretense of safeguarding children, most of these challenges come from parents and library patrons. However, elected officials, school boards, and even librarians can also be champions of imposed ignorance. After all, they know knowledge is power.
In March 2024, the American Library Association (ALA) reported that “the number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% [in 2023] over the previous year.” This is alarming for multiple reasons:
- Censorship: Book banning is fundamentally a form of censorship. Although the First Amendment protects against government censorship, private individuals or organizations face limited restraint. This makes book banning a primary example of legal censorship in the U.S.
- Democracy at Risk: At the core of democracy is the free exchange of ideas. By constraining this, we challenge the principles on which the U.S. was built. Censorship often paves the way to tyranny, allowing a small group to dominate the narrative.
- Stagnation: Book bans impede societal progression by avoiding challenges to prevailing beliefs. To quote English writer George Orwell from his eerily prescient dystopian novel “1984”: “The best books are those that tell you what you know already.” Do we aspire to a society that shuns diverse thought? Book bans lead fully in that direction.
- Marginalization: Such bans further alienate underrepresented communities. With Latinos already underrepresented in literature, these bans exacerbate the problem.
Latino Representation: The Understated Crisis
Images shared by projectpulso on Instagram
Images shared by projectpulso on Instagram
Even beyond Latino literature, there's a broader attack against critical theory. This crusade aims to stifle discussions on racism, sexism, and systemic inequality. In a single school year, 1,477 books faced bans, according to PEN America. A startling number of these pertained to LGBTQ themes, protagonists of color, race, and racism.
A Spotlight on Banned Latina Authors
Amidst the unsettling rise in book bans across the U.S., Latina authors have found themselves at the epicenter of this censorship storm. These authors not only highlight the complexities of Latino heritage but also bridge gaps in understanding, creating stories that resonate across boundaries. Many invaluable works by Latina authors have been banned, including:
- “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende: Spanning generations, this saga chronicles the lives of the Trueba family in Chile, accentuating the mystical powers of its female characters. Challenges against it cite reasons like its "pornographic" nature and alleged attacks on Catholicism.
- “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros: Through vignettes, this novel paints the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Chicana in Chicago. Bans have been enforced based on claims that it instigates skepticism against "American values."
- “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Pérez: Set against the backdrop of 1930s Texas, this novel delves into the love between a Mexican American girl and a Black teen. Challenged for its graphic nature, it's deemed "sexually explicit" and has earned a place on the Top 10 Most Banned Books list.
- “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo: The narrative revolves around 15-year-old Xiomara, who channels familial tension into her poetry. Accusations against it range from being "anti-Christian" to violating religious safeguards.
- “How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents” by Julia Alvarez: This novel charts the journey of the Garcia sisters, uprooted from their Dominican heritage, as they grapple with a starkly contrasting life in New York, touching on themes of identity, family, and culture.
- “Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel: This enchanting novel narrates the intriguing history of the De La Garza family in Mexico, where love, tradition, and magic blend seamlessly. It delves deep into themes of forbidden love, family obligations, and the transformative power of food.
- “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolf Anaya: Set in New Mexico; this narrative introduces us to Antonio Marez and Ultima, a healer. As Antonio steps into manhood, Ultima becomes his guiding light, illuminating his path through childhood bigotry, familial crises, and the mysteries of spirituality.
The increasing trend of book banning, especially of Latino literature, is a pressing concern. Not only does it threaten our democratic principles and societal growth, but it also amplifies the marginalization of already underrepresented communities. Our society's richness lies in its diversity, and by stifling these voices, we risk losing an integral part of our narrative. It's time to reassess and recognize the value of all stories, regardless of their origin.
Adela Velarde Pérez
Her name was Adela Velarde Pérez born on September 8, 1900 in Chihuahua, México. She was said to be friendly, bold, brave, and smart, and at just 13 years old, she became part of “La Cruz Blanca” where she learned medical skills against her father’s wishes. Even without the support of her father, the young Adela ignored his opposition and left to pursue her desire to become a nurse.
When she turned 15 years old, Adela joined the military and became a nurse on the front lines. There, alongside other women, her responsibility was to care for those wounded in action and to engage in combat when the men needed help. These women were known as the “soldaderas”. As her story came to light, the women previously referred to as “soldaderas” would go on to be nicknamed “Adelitas."
Throughout her service during the Mexican Revolution, the real Adela had the romantic attention of the soldiers, but she repeatedly turned down their advances and focused on the mission at hand.
It wasn’t until years later that she developed a relationship with Antonio Gil with whom she’d have a child. Unfortunately, she lost her partner during a battle of the Mexican Revolution, and their child died during combat in World War II. Even after suffering these tragic losses, she remained strong and resilient.
Adela would go on to fight battles in Zacatecas, Chihuahua, Morelos, and Mexico City. Though her contributions to the Mexican Revolution were great in number, her story was forgotten, and her legacy lost in time (until now, that is). After the Revolution, she moved to Mexico City, where she worked as a typist.
Twenty years after the Revolution, Adela was recognized as a veteran, but it wasn’t until sixty years after the Revolution that she would formally receive recognition and a pension for her service. At age 65, she met and married Coronel Alfredo Villegas whom she’d share the rest of her days with. Adela Velarde Pérez died in 1971 and was laid to rest in San Felipe Cemetery in Del Rio, Texas.
Source: Cadena CollectiveSource: Cadena Collective
Long after the revolution, “Adelitas” were depicted as hyper-sexualized versions of the women who fought in the revolution.
Gabriela Mendoza-Garcia Ballet Folklorico website
After the conflict, these veterans returned home to fulfill societal norms, where their stories and contributions were slowly forgotten. The colorful posters of beautiful women with braids and lipstick, their gorgeous hair trailing down their arms with beautiful smiles, are far from reality.
These women gave their blood, sweat, and tears for their country. They were on battlefields alongside men and held multiple roles contributing to the cause. They dressed to be ready for anything, from cooking to aiding on the battlefield. Throughout Mexican history, women have held key roles in medicine, as teachers, combatants, and leaders during conflicts that have contributed to the country's construction. Their resiliency and fighting spirit lives on as the country’s flag flies high.
This story was originally published on Cadena Collective as part of their resilient women photography series. The series served to honor resilient women by recreating images of them and highlighting their stories.
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