We Live with the Terrorists

No, really. They are right at home here in the collective unconscious of Americans.

Aside from the first, subtle example I gave in my previous post, The Difference, about fearful messages in the USA, I'd like to provide a second, even more depressing example: the partially vacant Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower).

The Willis Tower, at the time that I visited it, was the tallest building in the USA (now that I write this, the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center is the tallest). I even purchased a post card from the gift shop claiming it is the tallest building in North America, although the very next day I visited the CN Tower in Toronto which claimed to be the tallest building in the western hemisphere. One of them has to be wrong. Anywhoo that is neither here nor there. It is to be discussed in the battle of really tall buildings (coming soon!).

Right now, let's talk about the Willis Tower. It's a beaut! It stands tall as the most famous building in Chicago (which is tough with so many good ones!), and as a glorious American icon! Just look at this thing!

Damn, that's a good lookin' skyscraper!

Who wouldn't love this place??

Terrorists. That's who.

Or at least that's what the government thought, so they put the building on some sort of endangered list after September 11, 2001. Now fast forward 12 years to present day and people are still so afraid that the building is a super tall American target that the owners are having a hard time renting all that office space. How sad. What was even more depressing was learning that those who do work in that building were so nervous about going to work there that some people purchased personal parachutes just in case they ever had to jump out of the building. You know, if a terrorist flew a plane into it.



Let that sink in.


Imagine going to work in your office- your office that was just declared a possible target. You grab your briefcase and your parachute and kiss your kids goodbye. Part of you, the part that is holding that parachute, believes that could be the last time you see them.

The people who to this very day choose not to open an office in the Willis Tower, just because it is the famous Willis Tower, still believe that there is a very real threat there. Twelve years later.

How long does fear last?

How many ways have those terrorists affected the everyday lives of totally average American citizens? Even the ones who are literally just minding their own business.

The Difference

I have lived in the USA my whole life, and I am pretty damn patriotic.

I visited Spain, Italy, and Colombia and was still convinced that the USA is the best place in the world. This September, I visited Canada and for once that unwavering belief faltered. Could there really be a better place to live?

Maybe...

Canadians sure are doing it right. I felt so comfortable, so quickly.

To be specific, I stayed in Toronto. I was there to see Niagara Falls and experience a new city in a new country and my! was I surprised. I did not expect there to be much of a difference, but it was immediately noticeable.

By immediately, I mean while exiting the airport. That soon. I got on a public bus to take me to the metro and I saw a notice that filled my heart, made so much sense, and made me hate America just a little bit. It was a reference to the Ontario Human Rights Code. Here is an excerpt from the sign:

"The TTC serves the city of Toronto, which is a multi-racial, mulit-cultural, and multi-linguistic city. The TTC recognizes and values the diversity, self worth and human rights of its employees and customers by striving to treat each person with respect and dignity."

It also mentions "freedom from harassment and discrimination in employment and services."

Isn't that something? It is such an obvious and undeniable practice, and yet there is it, posted on the wall of the bus to remind all the riders. Goodness, did I appreciate that. It was such a warm welcome to a new city where I had absolutely no connections. I was there alone, but it was alright! These people know about RESPECT and DIGNITY.

What?

Sometimes it is hard to imagine a bus ride in the USA free from harassment. After my sister moved to New York City, she told me she mastered the dirty look necessary to silently say "don't bother me" to the other passengers just to prevent harassment before it starts.

As I got into Toronto it was clear that the people there took it to heart. I have never been any place with such friendly people. If I stopped to look at a map, others would stop and offer help. They hold doors, have patience, smile and act cheery. It is like they are happy, and what's more, they are happy to see you! I was astounded. It was unreal. So foreign, but in the best way possible.

Now, contrast that message of diversity, respect and dignity to the usual postings found along the public transportation in the USA:

"If you see something, say something!"

As if to suggest that we should be suspicious of everything and everyone that is different or just out of the ordinary. *sigh* 

Report it! Quickly!!
Why are we so paranoid? It is sad. We should be this accepting! Why don't we have human rights posted for all to see? Instead we have this fear inducing slogan. It's repulsive.

I understand that this post on the bus is there to protect the bus driver as much as the passenger, but I appreciate it nevertheless. It's beautiful.

The cherry on top:

Canada is so accepting of me, they did not even bother to stamp my passport; they just let me pass. To my surprise, on my way home, the USA's Department of Homeland Security gave me a stamp on my passport just to re-enter my own country! Don't they know I live here??

The view from my hotel.

On a lovely walk.