And After?

The events of September 11 are the dominant news item everywhere, and a quick scan of CNN as well as French and European television news programming makes it clear that the effect of this dreadful event are felt everywhere. France continues to follow closely the strategy put in place by the United States, and like the rest of the world, is waiting for what comes next.

One of the effects of the attacks is its definite influence on other news and events. A recent top story in France was related to an explosion at a chemical factory in Toulouse that left 29 dead and more than 2400 injured in the surrounding neighborhood. Immediately following a severe accident such as this, the most common reaction is to think of possible sabotage. But authorities in Toulouse say the explosion was an accident; probably due to unsafe storage of ammoniac based chemicals.

In the media, there is a sort of self-censorship with the intent to spare the public even more trauma. Hollywood is holding off release of certain movies due to scenes that may shock viewers still reeling from images of the crumbling World Trade Center and the damaged Pentagon. With some television series, some scenes are being re-shot while others are being cut completely. Here in France, certain songs whose content or title may shock, have been temporarily pulled from the airways: AC/DCs "Safe in the USA" and the Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Aeroplane" have been temporarily banned, as have the French titles, "L'hôtesse de l'air" (Flight Attendant) and "Tombé du ciel" (Fell From the Sky), among others. In France, as in the U.S., irony is definitely out for the moment.

In the fashion industry, there have already been cancellations of major shows in London. Many in the American press and retail are skipping the remaining London shows and may not attend others either, including those in Paris, which are set to start the first week of October.

As more people think twice about boarding a plane, the tourism industry can expect even more setbacks. Tourists in general will lost likely opt for regional travel rather than going abroad. Major U.S. airlines have reduced flight schedules and cut thousands of jobs. So has the Swiss airline, Swissair. The airline says it will no longer offer flights outside of Europe.

We wonder where it will end. While the attacks may have occurred in the United States, the shock waves continue to affect everyone around the world. We are re-thinking our economies, and our security; not only on national and international levels, but also in the way we go about our daily lives.

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