"I think we have lost our groove as a country. One of the reasons was the attack on 9/11. We got knocked off our game. From a country that always exported hope we went into the business of exporting fear"

Thomas Friedman's quote reflects a point of view on how the United States has developed considering that the tragic occasions of September 11, 2001. According to Friedman, the nation as soon as viewed itself as a beacon of hope, innovation, and optimism-- a country that set an example for others to follow. The metaphor of having "lost our groove" recommends a disturbance in America's historical trajectory or identity, suggesting a shift in nationwide concerns and international understanding.

The expression "attack on 9/11" refers to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which had profound implications for the United States locally and internationally. In the aftermath, America started prolonged military engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq, substantially modifying its foreign and domestic policies. This reaction, while focused on safeguarding national security, probably altered the worldwide perception of the U.S., transitioning from a promoter of democratic ideals to a nation more focused on counterterrorism and military interventions abroad.

Friedman's usage of "exporting hope" contrasts starkly with "exporting worry". Pre-9/ 11, the U.S. was often viewed as a leader in democracy, individual flexibilities, and financial opportunity. These values were not just main to the American identity but were likewise promoted around the globe as perfects to aspire to. The shift to "exporting worry", nevertheless, suggests that the U.S. became more connected with the propagation of military power, the execution of rigid security steps, and the recommendation of dissentious rhetoric. This shift likely engendered suspicion, worry, or resentment in some parts of the world, instead of the appreciation or aspiration the nation when taken pleasure in.

Thus, Friedman's reflection casts doubt on the path the U.S. has actually taken given that 9/11 and challenges the nation to reconnect with the perfects it when so happily promoted. It encourages introspection about the balance between national security and the preservation of a confident, positive global influence.