Over the years mass hysteria has become a common occurrence of its outbreak dating back to the 14th century. Mass hysteria refers to the spontaneous exhibition of physical and psychological stress from a collective group of people. Mass hysteria can occur in schools, workplaces, communities and other various settings around the states and countries. Research has shown that women are more vulnerable to mass hysteria compared to men. Among the most distinct outbreaks of mass hysteria, the occurrences of 9/11 have been marked as fueling extensive mass hysteria over the years to date.
Events of 9/11 caused mass hysteria because it was a sudden tragedy which was unexpected and took place most horribly. The events took people by surprise as they did not know how to react. The attacks affected families leaving them scarred and living in paranoia (Laugharne et al., 2007). Americans have been living in terror having gone into shock and developing a fear for the unknown. As a result of many panicked and experienced violent outbursts due to the death of colleagues’ family members and close friends (Seeley, 2008). The aftermath of 9/11 has been described as an exposure that subjected Americans to exaggerated fears and widespread anxiety disorders.
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The 9/11 attack introduced extreme caution to American life and changes in approach to life. Many Americans have since become edgy and jittery in their conduct o day to day activities as a result of new introduced policies such as the tightening of airline security close examination of the mail service and restriction of various civic liberties which have brought inconveniences, and fear presenting terror in every activity (Laugharne et al., 2007). 9 /11 increased anxiety as indicated by research which shows increased demand or antianxiety drugs in America. Anxiety and fear are fuelled by the difficulty experienced by people as a result of the sudden loss of security.
The events of 9/11 triggered mass hysteria and shook the sense of safety and security of many people. The event triggered vulnerability making people live in disquiet fearing sudden attacks. The attacks were the significant events which caused mass hysteria. American citizens were caught unaware leading to irrational responses as fear of possible terror attacks in the future. Thus they were afraid to fly and confused on the best action to take which further increased the contagious mass hysteria.
After 9/11 mass hysteria was also caused by discrimination. After the attacks people feared those, who wrapped their heads and professed the Muslim religion as they were perceived a terrorist (Zaffos, 2011). As the fear of the particular group spread in the country, there was panic and chaos which harmed innocent members of the Muslim community (Laugharne et al., 2007). Mass hysteria was accelerated by discrimination as people acted fearfully and outrageously towards the Muslim which caused others in the streets to work irrationally increasing mass hysteria in all parts of America. Mass media also played a crucial role in creating mass hysteria during the 9/11 attacks (Zaffos, 2011). The second attack on the World Trade Center as shown live on television to all Americans causing panic, fear and right on what was to happen.
The 9/11 attacks also caused mass hysteria through government responses and peoples general reaction to the events. The government in an attempt to reassure people of security and prevent the spread of mass hysteria tightened security by locking down airstrips and engaging in the war on terror (Seeley, 2008). People, on the other hand, aggravated mass hysteria through their depression on the loss of life, pride and destruction. People sought answers from religion wishing to comprehend the occurrences and receive answers to their questions. Mass hysteria also increased as people tried to display their nationalism and willingness to defend the freedom of the nation.
References
Laugharne, J., Janca, A., & Widiger, T. (2007). Posttraumatic stress disorder and terrorism: 5 years after 9/11. Current opinion in psychiatry , 20 (1), 36-41.
Seeley, K. M. (2008). Therapy after terror: 9/11, psychotherapists, and mental health . Cambridge University Press.
Zaffos, J. (2011, September 9). A Spotlight on the 9/11 Anti-Muslim Backlash. Retrieved from https://psmag.com/social-justice/a-spotlight-on-the-911-anti-muslim-backlash-36028
