Public Agenda Special Edition: Terrorism

Introduction

Overview

Public Opinion

Sources and Resources

Perspectives

Fact File

Other Issues

Surveys Show U.S. Mourning the Dead, Bracing for Response
Updated Sept. 19, 2001

As the U.S. tries to build a global coalition against terrorism, and Afghan leaders consider whether to turn over Osama bin Laden, the still-smoldering remains of the World Trade Center serve as a constant reminder of history's deadliest terrorist attack. More than 5,500 are either confirmed dead or still missing in New York and Washington, while the economic toll has already resulted in mass layoffs by the aviation industry. Nearly all major survey organizations conducted polls that showed the American people girding for what President Bush called a "war on terror."

First and foremost, the American people are still mourning the dead, according to surveys released over the weekend. Seventy percent of Americans admitted to Gallup they wept last week. When Los Angeles Times researchers asked people to pick one word that described their reaction, 26 percent said "anger" or "frustration," 21 percent said "sorrow" or "sadness," 11 percent said "horrified" or "devastated." The desire to show support for the nation and for victims seems to run deep: 82 percent told Gallup they have or will fly the American flag, and 60 percent said they had attended a memorial service. Many have turned to even more personal acts. Seventy-four percent say they have prayed more than usual, and 77 percent said they had or would show more affection to their loved ones.

Most of the polls were fielded late last week, and reactions are undoubtedly influenced by shock, horror, and round-the-clock news coverage. A phenomenal 97 percent of the public said they were following the news of the terror attacks "very" or "somewhat closely," the highest percentage Gallup has ever seen for a news event. While the public is undoubtedly well-informed on this crisis, they haven't had the luxury of time to consider the implications. So survey results must be considered in that context.

For example, at first glance, Americans would seem willing to sacrifice some personal liberties to fight terrorism. The Los Angeles Times found 61 percent who said the "average person" will have to give up some civil liberties, as well as 68 percent who approve of police randomly stopping those who fit the "profile" of a terrorist and 54 percent who approve of increased wiretapping. The LA Times poll reported that even 63 percent of black Americans expressed at least some support for profiling for terrorists, which if it held would be a dramatic change from previous surveys on the issue. All polls show strong support for tighter airport security and for armed "air marshals" on airliners.

Yet it has been decades since Americans have had to face a harsh tradeoff between personal rights and public safety, although surveys have shown they believe being tough on criminals is more important than the rights of the accused. Public Agenda studies have found most people don't spend much time thinking about such issues in normal circumstances, and they certainly haven't had time to think it through now.

On closer analysis, public opinion on these issues may not be as settled as it appears. In the LA Times poll, only 27 percent "strongly" approve of increased wiretapping, with another 27 percent only "somewhat" in favor. Another 18 percent disapprove "somewhat," while only 22 percent strongly disapprove. Newsweek, which asked a similar question, found only 15 percent strongly in favor, while 32 percent would "accept" it, and 51 percent said it "goes too far." Another Newsweek question found 23 percent strongly favor random ID checks by police, with 32 percent who would accept it and 44 percent who think it goes too far. Those who "accept" the idea, or who agree or disagree "somewhat," may well mean that they're still thinking about it, and might change their mind.

At this time, all the surveys show an overwhelming desire to strike back and a willingness to pay the price for that response. Gallup found 88 percent favoring military action, and support stayed high even when people considered higher taxes (84 percent), a prolonged recession (78 percent), more terrorist attacks (78 percent), a war lasting several years (66 percent) and 1,000 U.S. casualties (65 percent). The CBS News/New York Times poll found 60 percent support strikes even if it means "many thousands of civilian casualties." Yet Americans, as also shown in initial overnight polls, don't want to strike just anyone: Gallup found 62 percent willing to wait until the perpetrators are identified.

There have been reports around the country of hate crimes against Arabs, Muslims and Sikhs (who are neither Arabs nor Muslims, but whose traditional turbans have made them a target). Public Agenda's own survey work shows few Americans (7 percent) say they know a lot about Islam, but also that most parents consider intolerance one mark of a bad citizen.

In the latest surveys, only a minority of Americans admit to doubts about the loyalty of Arab Americans. Thirty-five percent of Americans told Gallup they have less trust in Arabs living in the U.S. since the attacks, while only 28 percent told the CBS/New York Times poll that Arab Americans are more sympathetic to terrorists. Yet, 87 percent in the CBS/New York Times survey said it is likely that Arabs will face unfair treatment in the U.S. A Newsweek poll question that mentioned the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II found 62 percent who said it would be a mistake to target any nationality. In two of our studies, For Goodness' Sake on religion and public life and A Lot to Be Thankful For on values parents wanted to teach their children, Public Agenda found Americans have a firm belief in religious and social tolerance, which may be tested in the coming weeks.

Public Agenda, based in New York, joins with all Americans in expressing our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families.

These resources may be helpful in finding out more information:

Terrorism Research Center: comprehensive site with analysis, profiles and links
U.S. State Department
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
List of tallest buildings in U.S.
World's famous skyscrapers