Just days after the Sept. 11 attack, Christian Right leader Jerry Falwell had found a scapegoat. Yes, Falwell’s verdict was in.”I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and lesbians that are trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way … I point the finger in their face and say, ‘You helped this happen,’” Falwell announced on “The 700 Club” on the Thursday following the attack. Falwell believes the attack to be a sign of God’s vengeance on America.

Exhibiting an obvious lack of sympathy and tact, Falwell’s statement itself embodies the self-righteousness and self-imposing nature that characterizes much of American foreign policy, a far more likely reason this nation became the target of terrorism. Falwell is imposing his Christian convictions as America has imposed its system of capitalism. Within both models, the norm is privileged.

Falwell’s severe intolerance of different cultures and different values is clearly depicted in his consideration of all members of a group as the same person holding the same beliefs; this ideology is evident in his statement on Sept. 13. This very ideology, combined with the conviction that one is right or infallible, likely fueled the terrorist attack on America, perhaps even justifying for the terrorists the murder of innocent people.

Suggesting further how Falwell mirrors some common reactions to the terrorist attack, this same ideology explains the outbreak of hate crimes against Muslim people in America.

Falwell’s statement is thus in itself an act of terrorism. In his attempt to Christianize and homogenize America, Falwell has justified an attack on these “different people.” One must not, however, adapt Falwell’s reasoning here; Falwell does not represent all Christians, just as Ellen Degeneres does not represent all lesbians.

Falwell’s utterly divisive statement comes ironically at a period of increased patriotism. Everywhere one reads “United we stand…” on store signs. Falwell’s statement forces us to examine ourselves critically as Americans, both in terms of foreign policy and our very psychology as a nation.