9/11 Memorial And Cultural Memory Analysis

Words: 1546
Pages: 7

Memorials can symbolize different things, but often they immortalize an event or person with historical significance. The article “Remembering 9/11: Memorials and Cultural Memory” by Erika Doss discusses the different perspectives of two different cities in light of 9/11. The article focuses especially on the emotional responses and the debate that sparked in New York City and Pennsylvania in regards to the public feeling when it comes to building a memorial to commemorate the people who lost their lives is the right thing to do. In New York City, Doss presented James Turrell, who believed they should rebuild the Twin Towers using a brand new model, which would not resemble the older version. Artist Shirin Neshat opposed to the idea of building a memorial because he believed that leaving the space empty would be more impactful than building something that wouldn’t hold the same emotion. When …show more content…
Carchidi, previous head of the English Department at Green Mountain College, argued and supported Okigbo’s idea that “perhaps forgetting, letting the dead bury the dead, offers better consolation than succumbing to the never-ending lust to avenge ourselves” (Carchidi 205) because “the Pentagon memorial seeks out the worst in us” (Carchidi 205). Although forgetting certain events occurred may be a good idea for certain situations, it should not be assumed that honoring and remembering this event is crucial because it is part of America’s history. The fact that the memorial is present and acts as a “place marker” and “souvenir”, demonstrates the existence of the victims. It says they were “here” and they mattered enough to be remembered. (Senie 188). The Pentagon Memorial symbolizes a negative and horrendous part of America’s history. If the event and the idea to build the memorial were to be obliterated then people will not experience the sincere emotions people felt when the event