@Deerhunter...I teach high school and I lived and worked about 3 blocks from the towers when I wasn’t much older than you. Regarding the kids who laughed...I hope you can realize that type of reaction can oddly be a normal way of dealing with seeing something so traumatic. I know it seems strange but it’s really a sign of their own psychological weakness. As time goes by they will be forced to contend with their own perspectives, one way or another.
Lots of stories and people having lived there and family there. 9/11, the Patriot Act, and the overwhelming crush of technology that boomed at this time...society is very different. I’m glad I knew America before it all, but, also work at seeing what’s positive today. And, there are many things. Anyhow..