While it doesn’t seem that long ago, 9/11 happened over 23 years ago. So, many young adults today are too young to remember or weren’t even born yet.
One young adult on TikTok asked what it was like before, and the answers will make you feel nostalgic.
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Young adults today don’t remember a time before 9/11.
With 9/11 happening in 2001, adults who are in the early to mid-20s don’t remember this significant event or anything before it. In fact, many young adults graduating high school and even college weren’t born when 9/11 happened.
There’s no doubt that 9/11 changed so many things.
While the author of this article was in elementary school when 9/11 happened, she can still remember some things from before. Even as a kid, it was clear that this tragic event altered the world socially, politically, financially, culturally, and more.
But how do we explain what the “before” was like to those younger than us?
For those who do remember before 9/11, especially those who were already adults, it can be difficult to explain all the ways life changed. But, one TikToker tried to do just that in response to a question from a follower.
Young adults need to learn about 9/11 and before.
TikTok user RevPopPopandFriends is a non-denominational reverend with many followers. One of these followers asked what life was actually like before 9/11, and they (and many others) had a lot to say.
The general feeling at the time was much more hopeful.
Part of their answer was quite illuminating: “In the late 90s, there was this general sense of hope.”
They went on to talk about the music, which was upbeat pop boy bands. The world felt more colorful, and there were many trends about the future and its excitement.
While the late ’90s had its issues, many people were excited about the new millennium.
Embed from Getty ImagesMany people thought that the year 2000 was a turning point: new technology would make things easier, and people would get along better.
But, sadly, 9/11 shifted that suddenly. RevPopPopandFriends went on in the video to discuss how after that day, people started to feel less sure of the future and more suspicious of things like other people and the government.
Other events in the 2000s contributed to this shift.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile 9/11 may have been the beginning of this shift from helpful to fearful, especially in America, it wasn’t the only factor.
The video explains how other events, such as the housing market crash and recession, made people feel even less secure and happy about what might come next. The ongoing war in the Middle East also led to upset and uncertainty.
The video and comments pointed out that life after 9/11 had more laws.
Embed from Getty ImagesOne impact of 9/11 was legal changes, especially regarding things like airports and the right to privacy. It has become standard for the government to listen to phone calls. Not to mention that going to the airport became much more stressful with many laws in place.
Many people miss when airports were a fun place to be.
Embed from Getty ImagesMany commentators on the video discussed the differences between airports and flying before and after 9/11. People used to go to the airport to meet loved ones at the gate. One person even mentioned they used to go to the airport for fun to get a snack or shop.
TV shows are a good example of how things changed.
Embed from Getty Images
As commenter, MidnightArtricuno pointed out, “A good sense is watching tv shows that were on prior to and then after 9/11. The tonal shift for EVERY SINGLE TV SHOW is just wild to see.”
Overall, people agree that pre-9/11 was more relaxed and carefree.
Embed from Getty ImagesTikTok user CannedStone said, “There was a tense-ness toward the end of the 90’s because of the Y2K fear, but then the jubilation of 2000-9/10/01 was like the roaring 20’s.”
Unfortunately, that excitement didn’t last for long.
People also had more hope about finances. It was easier to make a living.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs the 2000s went on, it became increasingly harder to find good jobs. TrekkieCat says, “Yep. sense of optimism and hope. and going to college was the thing. mediocre jobs and you could buy a home. we’d go shopping and fill 2 grocery carts!!!!! TWO!!”
Looking back can be sad, but there are some good things.
Of course, some things have improved since the ’90s and early 2000s. For one thing, many groups have more rights than before, with changes like same-sex marriage becoming legal.
What do you remember about life before 9/11?
For all of us who remember the late ’90s and the first couple of years of the 2000s, it can be depressing to look back and even harder to explain.
What do you think about that period and how would you describe it to younger generations?
