This paper will try to analyze if the fear that arose after the anthrax mailings among the American population in 2001, is justified. This will be done by help of the pro and contra method. At first, the course of the anthrax attacks is given. Then further emphasis is set upon the pro arguments for a real scare. Therefore what should be known about anthrax will be depicted. After that, the reasons because people believed in a terrorist threat are given. Furthermore the contra arguments will be given. It will be explained that disinformation especially by the government were the reason for the people’s fears. The government willingly or out of pressure let the people believe in anthrax as a threat to mankind, although anthrax is not as useful for a terrorist attack as it has been said.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The victims
- Searching for the culprit
- The aftermath
- The Real Scare
- Anthrax
- Different disease types
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the fear surrounding the anthrax mailings in the United States during 2001, examining both the evidence for and against the justification of this fear. It explores the events leading up to the attacks, the real threat posed by anthrax, and the role of misinformation in fostering public fear.
- The anthrax mailings of 2001
- The characteristics and dangers of anthrax
- The role of misinformation in public perception of anthrax
- The impact of the anthrax attacks on American society
- The search for the perpetrator of the attacks
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the paper's objective, which is to analyze the justification for the fear surrounding the anthrax mailings in 2001. It also outlines the structure of the paper, highlighting the focus on both the pros and cons of the "real scare" argument.
- 2001 Anthrax Attacks: This chapter details the events surrounding the anthrax mailings, including the victims, the timeline of the attacks, and the initial investigations into the culprit. It highlights the significant impact of these events on the American public and the widespread fear that ensued.
- The Real Scare: This chapter focuses on the real threat posed by anthrax. It provides information about the bacterium, its characteristics, and the different disease types it can cause. The chapter also discusses anthrax as a potential weapon of bioterrorism and the potential for terrorists to produce and weaponize the bacterium.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the intersection of public health, bioterrorism, and the spread of misinformation. Key terms and concepts include anthrax, Bacillus anthracis, pulmonary anthrax, cutaneous anthrax, bioterrorism, misinformation, government propaganda, and the Ames strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the 2001 anthrax scare a real threat or constructed?
The paper analyzes both sides, arguing that while anthrax is a real bacterium, government disinformation may have exaggerated the threat for political reasons.
What are the different types of anthrax diseases?
The document discusses pulmonary (inhalation) anthrax and cutaneous (skin) anthrax as primary forms of the disease.
How did the US government influence public fear in 2001?
The text suggests that the government let people believe anthrax was a massive threat to mankind, despite it not being as effective for terrorist attacks as claimed.
What is the "Ames strain" mentioned in the context of the attacks?
The Ames strain is a specific, highly virulent strain of Bacillus anthracis used in laboratory research and linked to the 2001 mailings.
Who were the victims of the 2001 anthrax attacks?
The introduction of the paper details the individuals affected by the mailings and the subsequent search for the culprit.
- Quote paper
- Annika Lüchau (Author), 2005, Is the anthrax scare of 2001 real or constructed?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/45541
