Meaning: The quote by journalist Diane Sawyer captures the collective shock and disbelief experienced by people across the United States on September 11, 2001, as they witnessed the devastating events of the terrorist attacks unfold. In this quote, Sawyer reflects on the initial reactions of individuals as they processed the incomprehensible nature of the unfolding tragedy.

The quote begins with the phrase "We did exactly what everybody in the country did, watching it," indicating that the experience Sawyer describes was not unique to her, but rather a shared response felt by countless others who were also witnessing the events of 9/11. The use of the collective "we" emphasizes the widespread impact of the attacks and the shared sense of disbelief and horror that permeated the nation at that time.

Sawyer then describes a psychological state characterized by "denials," suggesting that people initially struggled to accept the reality of what they were witnessing. This reaction is a common psychological defense mechanism in the face of overwhelming trauma or tragedy. The mind seeks to protect itself from the full impact of the events by initially rejecting or minimizing their significance. The use of the word "denials" also conveys a sense of cognitive dissonance, a reluctance to acknowledge the true gravity of the situation due to its inconceivability.

Sawyer further elucidates this initial response by stating, "You think, well, it must have been a tragic accident by an amateur pilot." This statement reflects the human tendency to search for rational explanations in the face of chaos and devastation. The mind strives to make sense of events that defy comprehension, often grasping for more familiar and less horrifying explanations as a means of coping with the overwhelming emotions brought on by witnessing such a catastrophic event.

The quote then takes a dramatic turn as Sawyer describes the moment when the second plane appeared, shattering the initial inclination to attribute the first plane's impact to an accident. This sequence of events, with the second plane's deliberate and calculated strike, shattered any remaining illusions of an accidental occurrence and forced a collective realization that the United States was under attack.

In the aftermath of the attacks, the nation grappled with profound shock, grief, and a newfound awareness of vulnerability. The events of 9/11 had a profound and enduring impact on the collective psyche of the American people, reshaping perceptions of security, foreign policy, and the nature of global terrorism. The quote by Diane Sawyer encapsulates the initial psychological responses of individuals as they bore witness to the unprecedented and tragic events of that fateful day.

In conclusion, Diane Sawyer's quote captures the initial reactions of individuals across the United States as they watched the events of 9/11 unfold. The collective shock, disbelief, and subsequent realization of the deliberate nature of the attacks had a profound and lasting impact on the nation. Sawyer's words serve as a poignant reminder of the human psyche's response to incomprehensible tragedy and the enduring significance of that tragic day in American history.