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The Personal Nature of the Fall
09/11/2003
This Esquire piece by Tom Junod, constructed around the search for the identity of one of the WTC "jumpers," is moving, and although it's rather long, I recommend at least a quick read if you've the time. This part, I found particularly significant (as opposed to "moving"):
In fact, they did [show images of the Holocaust immediately after the war], at least in photographic form, and the pictures that came out of the death camps of Europe were treated as essential acts of witness, without particular regard to the sensitivities of those who appeared in them or the surviving families of the dead. They were shown, as Richard Drew's photographs of the freshly assassinated Robert Kennedy were shown. They were shown, as the photographs of Ethel Kennedy pleading with photographers not to take photographs were shown. They were shown as the photograph of the little Vietnamese girl running naked after a napalm attack was shown. They were shown as the photograph of Father Mychal Judge, graphically and unmistakably dead, was shown, and accepted as a kind of testament. They were shown as everything is shown, for, like the lens of a camera, history is a force that does not discriminate. What distinguishes the pictures of the jumpers from the pictures that have come before is that we—we Americans—are being asked to discriminate on their behalf. What distinguishes them, historically, is that we, as patriotic Americans, have agreed not to look at them. Dozens, scores, maybe hundreds of people died by leaping from a burning building, and we have somehow taken it upon ourselves to deem their deaths unworthy of witness—because we have somehow deemed the act of witness, in this one regard, unworthy of us.
I don't agree with Junod's "what distinguishes them" assessment. We patriotic Americans have not agreed not to look at the pictures; the media has agreed not to show them to us. Many of the most patriotic people I know make a point of looking at those pictures periodically in order to keep the memory of the people in them alive. For my part, the photographs that I find most compelling aren't those of people actually falling, but of people leaning out of the windows, facing their deaths... deciding. I think of all those times throughout my life that I've looked out of high windows and the child in me wondered if I could climb down. Look carefully at some of the pictures from that horrible day, and you'll see that some people tried.
The distinguishing factor is, I believe, that people of previous eras wanted to know what had actually happened, not a blurred, more-acceptable version of events. The proper attitude to take, post–September 11, is not that we ought to allow the victims' families and our entire nation to "move on," but that we ought not become so complacent that we allow those deaths to have been for naught. We ought not allow other families to have to face similar horrors, and therefore, we all have to face the one that we can already do nothing to take back.
(via Lane Core)
ADDENDUM:
September 11 second anniversary–related posts:
September 11 Writings
The Personal Nature of the Fall
September 11, 2003, Must Reads
Posted by Justin Katz @ 02:16 PM EST
10 comments
Looking at pictures to remember those lost in a tragic event helps us keep in mind what we have lost.
Unless of course we are like those frenchmen preferring the "sanctity" of their long weekend over the death of a relative in the summer Heat Wave!
Barry @ 09/12/2003 02:54 PM EST
This post is right on the money. We should be looking at these pictures with some frequency. It hurts, but that's the way it felt on the sad and dark Tuesday. Let's not let this fade into some textbook abstraction. We owe those who perished and ourselves more than that.
Michael @ 09/12/2003 11:17 PM EST
I agree with you about the photos, and wish to make an additional point.
I wonder if you ever look at pictures of NON-Americans who have faced similar consequences - especially at the hand of America.
I doubt it.
You know that feeling that you an I get when we look at those pictures? And how we feel about the perpetrators? Well, that's how many people all around the world feel - except YOU are the perpetrator to them.
Just think about it. I know how it must hurt to realize or admit how guilty America is in causing so many innocent people to die. It causes immediate need for rationalization, justification, and minimization.
Until we understand and care for each other's suffering, and treat each other as if we are one of our own, this vicious cycle shall continue.
As Americans, perhaps you can (once again) lead the world in this ideology? It's sorely needed.
slickvguy @ 09/15/2003 12:16 AM EST
slickvguy,
I gather you're prepared to offer specific examples of "how guilty America is in causing so many innocent people to die"? Sometimes what may seem to be "rationalization" is actually giving the reason. Sometimes "minimization" is actually pointing out that the evil originates from elsewhere than the U.S. And sometimes countries are left only with the option of taking the least-bad option.
But the striking thing is that it is only against America that such generalized, simplistic, and offensive comments can be made. Those who hate America believe that the United States is complicit in every crime and could solve every problem if it weren't so heartless.
The United States is already trying to spread the ideology that has made it great. The problem is that there's a world full of dictators, radicals, fanatics, and socialists who would prefer that their little games remain in place.
Do you ever argue to your countrymen, wherever you are, that perhaps the world should look more closely at what makes the United States a beacon to the world? Do you ever attempt to understand the American perspective of whatever atrocities it is you have in mind?
A nation can't treat the citizens of other nations as "our own" while those people continue to treat that nation as some sort of bogeyman.
Justin Katz @ 09/15/2003 07:52 AM EST
I understand. I see it was too much to ask of you. No harm intended.
That knee-jerk "patriotism" (?) gets in the way.
You're speaking to a Canadian who LOVES America. Maybe that'll help. I love the country and it's ideals. I love the people. America has no bigger booster than myself. Please trust me on that.
I was trying to get you to take a look at some things that you may not want to or like to, and possibly from a persepctive that you are blind to.
In no way should you view my post as a rationalization of what those evil mofos did. I did not say anything remotely like that. OK?
I don't know about "those who hate America", etc.,etc. As I said, that certainly isn't ME - or my intent or my motivation. Sure, there are people who blindly hate America, but that can be said about hatred toward many nations, groups, races, etc.
Your'e not speakign to some lefty who "blames America first". Far from it. Not a lefy, and I don't blame America. Not at all.
You became very defensive at what I said. That is a big part of the problem. That was one of my points. It's nearly impossible to speak to an American about America. That cannot be a good thing.
Either you'll react the same way to this post, or perhaps, just perhaps, we might have a meaningful dialog.
I am trying to teach you something. That might come off as arrogant, but nonetheless it is true. I do so in a very sincere way - straight from the heart. With love.
So what'll it be? I'll be back. You let me know, please.
Thanks.
slickvguy @ 09/16/2003 04:48 AM EST
slickv,
Well, isn't that convenient. First, you refer to some vague lesson to be learned from facing the painful admission of guilt. I respond that such generalizations don't offer any way to reply except through generalizations. And you reply that I'm being a predictable knee-jerk patriot.
Again: tell me what American atrocities you have in mind, and I'll tell you my response to them. I'm not interested in playing along with your "lesson." Express your ideas, and we'll move on as adults in discourse.
Believe me, buddy, I was taught well in my public and subsequent education how "guilty" America is.
Justin Katz @ 09/16/2003 11:03 AM EST
Justin, just because I didn't choose to write details, does not mean that thre aren't any. The intent of my post was not to bring up particular issues - it was to get you to look at things from a different perspective.
It's not a question of "guilt". I ma not interested in "blame" or "guilt". Whatever has happened - has happened.
It's a matter of being able to self-examine. To self-critique. For many people of various nations, religions, etc., it is understandably very difficult to take a good hard look at themselves. Whether it be the Catholic church, Islamofascists, or America.
The reality is that us humans SUCK at being able to look at things honestly. We love to tell ourselves nice little stories instead. We are ALL guilty of this, at one time or another. Looking at things objectively is extremely difficult. Since that is true, we would be wise to SOMETIMES listen to others - especially our friends - who are trying to point out certain things to us.
My point isn't to name and/or debate any particular things that the USA has done wrong in the past. UNless you are totally blind, you are well-aware that they must exist. Right?
I'm not trying to equivocate. I'm not trying to "weigh" the good versus the bad. Without question, I firmly believe that America has been the saving grace of the world. Period. She has been hugely beneficial to the world, in so many ways.
It is very unfortunate that so many in the world seem to "hate" (dislike) America. Surely you will admit that that is a reality. Now, of course that doesn't make them necessarily right. There ar many reasons for the hatred - fear, jealousy, envy. Some of those reasons are beyond American's control, and not reasonable. However, there ARE inded valid reason for SOME people's mistrust, dislike, hatred, etc. *THAT* is what I'm trying to get you to take a look at.
If someone says somethng bad about my family (or yours), the odds are we are going to react strongly in defense of that family member. It is our nature to do so. It is emotional. Gut-level. Well, generally-speaking, that is the same thing that happens when you try to speak to Americans who love their country, about America itself. Same kind of emotions come into play. Completely understandable. Those Americans who don't like America, do not have that reaction. But quite frankly, I'm not interested in reaching out to THOSE people - because I find them to be the opposite side of the coin, i.e. knee-jerk ANTI-Americanism, which I really have no use for.
It's very difficult to speak to people who I consider to be like-minded, who love America like I do, and get them to take a deeper look at some VERY important issues. There's so much of this "fuck them if they don'tlike us" attitiude. So much defensiveness. While it is completely understandable, it is not a good thing.
I believe that this is hurting America. THAT is my main point. If the people who truly love her don't change the way they look at themselves and the world abroad, then I'm afraid yu get a situation very much like what we have today. Being the world's lone superpower is an awesome responsibility. But it should not be the sole objective of a nation. That's where the USA is sorely lacking. Winning - isn't everything.
It's all too easy to say "they are wrong", and "we are right", and that's that. Much too simplistic.
I'm trying to get people to look at things differently, in the hopes that America and the rest of the world can bridge the gap that now exists. A huge task, to be sure. But if wise Americans, who love their country, are unwilling to change, or to bend, or to reconsider some things, then "we" are on a collision course. I dont' want that to happen. I'm sure you don't either.
Sorry for the rambling. I hope you've gotten at least SOMETHING from what I have written. The bottom line is that America needs to change - for HER OWN good, and the good of the world. The current situation is a direct result of the past. Unless we change something, the same dance will continue.
What's required is maturity and wisdom. Might sound corny, but we need more expressions of CARING and more LOVE. Not "fuck 'em". Being the strongest doesn't mean that you should always act the toughest, or impose your will just because you can. There is a downside to that.
Anyways. My intentions are good. I'm sorry if I haven't been able to articulate what I am thinking as well as I should. It's a tough thing that I am asking of people. I am fully aware that most people can't handle it. Neither can I - sometimes.
We must evolve. And if anyone can do it - it will be America! It sure as hell isn't going to be the Arabs or the Chinese or the Russians! They are lightyears behind, philosophically-wise. Humility is so hard, eh?
You wanted specifics, so I will throw out a few off the top of my head. But PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not attempt to justify the actions, because I am not accusing America. I am not blaming. I am not finding guilt. I am not saying "you shouldn' thave done this" or that you "should have done that". NO. I am only trying to get you to see something as a fellow human being. And these are justa couple of things off the top of my head, there are literally hundreds of events that come to mind. Some involve violence, war, etc. But most don't. Most involve international relations. Blown opportunities.
Let's take Afghanistan. Getting rid of the Taliban was completely justifiable, right? I believe America's actions have been very good for many people who live in Afghanistan. Liberating. Did the US try to keep casualties down? You betcha. And that is the right thing to do. But imagine this...YOUR CHILD is one of the "collateral damage". A US plane drops a bomb, it goes off, and your child loses their life. Gone! Why? No reason. A totally innocent child is vapourized, because of events far beyond his/her control. Now how do you think those parents feel? What do you think they are thinking? Now, you can say "life sucks, that's life - innocents die". And that is absolutely true. I am only asking you to CONSIDER what it would be like for a foreign nation to drop a bomb and kill innocent men, women, and children. Oops - they did. It's called 9/11.
Same thing in Iraq. Let's see...just a few days ago a mistake was made, and a bunch of Iraqi "police" were killed accidentally. Does it matter tht it was an accident? Not to their loved ones. They will onyl see it as "dead because of America". Too simplistic and unfair of them, I know, but that's how they will view it.
Multiply that by hundreds of thousands of lives throughout the years. Yes, hundreds of thousands (if not millions). All those lives killed, injured. All those families and friends who are impacted for the rest of THEIR lives.
OK. So that's just one aspect of it. All that killing at the hands of America. Please don't ask me for the long list of all the killings. You damn well know what they are. All voer the world. And each one of them has some kind of REAONS or EXPLANATION or JUSTIFICATION. That, my fiend, os total bullshit. That's the part that Americans lie to themselves about. The truth is that America has killed many, many people are harmed many, many families. Some deserved it, without doubt. Many did not. If you can't be honest and admit that to yourself, then this dialog is pointless.
The next major area, is the failed international relations, which is also an extension of an American "fuck all of you, we're the king, we'll do whatever we want" attitude. As I said before, just ebcause you have awesome power, does not mean you should USE it. If anything, it should make you much less inclined to use it, and much mroe inclined to reach out and help others. YES! America does reach out and help others at certain times. (Foreign aid, etc). And she deserves so much credit for doing so! Sincerely! But, she has also bashed other nations over the head (figuratively speaking) many, many times. The result? The anti-Americanism you see today.
What America cannot control or impact or change, nothing can be done about. For example, if the French want to hate America because of what happened in WWII or whatever - then there's not much you can do about it now. To that, I say "tough shit".
But there ARE indeed many things America/Americans could do to improve things with the rest of the world. That requires a change on various fronts.
Look, my friend, America has two choices. She continues down the current path, and things will keep getting worse. Or, she gets wiser, changes course, and things just might improve. Which shall it be? Becoming a superpower is an astonishing achievement - but no nation can stand still. Just like in business - if you aren't constantly re-inventing yourself, and you rest on your laurels, inevitably you fail.
What has taken place over the last 50 years is remarkable. but what has worked in the past, will not work in the future. Ten, twenty years down the road we could all be in BIG trouble. Freedom's a precious thing. If we don't continually nurture it and tend to it, then it can die.
America is in a tremendous position to do so much good in the world. And while it may not be fair, yes, the burden does rest mainly on America's shoulders. Who else is going to do it? You alone have the strength, and are in this unique position, to be able to change the world. Prosperity is only one aspect of life on this planet. I wish America to be as successful in OTHER endeavours - as she has been economically and militarily.
slickvguy @ 09/16/2003 06:33 PM EST
Justin,
Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to put some thoughts down on "paper".
I have never read your blog before, and only wound up here because of a link on Instapundit.
I am going in for heart surgery tomorrow, so I will be out of action for a while.
I hope you did not take any offense by my posts - none was intended.
Best of luck to you and yours.
slickvguy @ 09/16/2003 09:09 PM EST
SlickV,
Sorry to have delayed in responding; I'm inundated with work.
I think we differ on some basic assumptions. For one thing, I think Americans have spent more than my lifetime being unduly self-critical, and in that time, I think other nations have worked to fashion the world toward their own self-interests. There are more threats to world peace and freedom than may be obvious.
Moreover, I think I might have more faith than you in the people of the world, even where what we consider to be education is sorely lacking, to discern from whom the horrors of their lives derive. Ultimately, I don't believe that oppressed people will consider their losses, though horrible, to be the fault of those who removed their oppressors. There are, of course, many ways that the United States can misplay its hand around the world, some of which would involve too much consideration of world opinion.
At any rate, I thank you for your contribution, and now that you've elaborated on your point take no offense at all. My prayers go with you into the hospital room. God bless.
Justin Katz @ 09/16/2003 09:20 PM EST
slickvguy,
You had me with you for the most part, until the paragraph that began, "OK. So that's just one aspect of it. All that killing at the hands of America..."
You then seem to go just a little off-balance and for all of your comments that you were not looking to place blame, it appears that that is exactly what you do, squarely on the shoulders of the US.
There is no question that the US has done wrong things and backed ill-advised political stances. I shake my head regarding some of those things. I will also acknowledge that being the world leader magnifies all of the US' actions. Being the biggest kid on the block makes your responsible for being the best-behaved kid on the block, by definition.
On the other hand, reasons are incredibly important for understanding what happened and why, and should not be dismissed as "shit". If your alternatives are 1) allow a destructive dictator to exploit and kill his own people with abandon or 2) potentially but unintentionally kill far fewer while trying to rid that country and the world of said dictator, I'd say that makes for justifiable reason to opt for 2. Simply dismissing the logic behind the decision smacks of irrational distrust and hatred.
America has much to learn, and sometimes I feel that with her as the world's only remaining "superpower", it seems like the blind leading the blind. The answer ultimately will have to come from a concerted effort by ALL parties to continue the linear movement we have seen through the ages toward civility and peace.
If you don't believe that that is the movement, I only remind you to consider the last criminal left hanging off London Bridge as a "warning" to criminals, or the last time a person had their hand chopped off for stealing (in a Western culture), or the number of nations moving to eliminate the death penalty (an area where the US is actually behind). Your own country, Canada, strikes as one of the most evolved in terms of culture and civility, by the way, and America would benefit greatly by looking at some of your culture as a role-model.
We are getting there, albeit with glacial progress. If you are feeling impatient with that progress, you are in extremely good and common company.
Hope all went well with your surgery.
MDS @ 12/30/2003 04:36 PM EST