As someone who was born in 2001 right after the September 11 attacks and who’s always found interest in political war topics, I thought that this was the most appropriate topic to write about. This is especially relevant considering I have recently visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan which sparked my interest in the topic even more. I think what fascinates me the most about this discussion is how one day managed to shape an entirely new political realm for the whole world. It’s important to note, however, that everything changed on that day but the build-up took much longer which is what many people tend to forget. The long build-up of intervention in other countries and the sanctioned or unsanctioned support of militias and third parties fighting our enemies on foreign soil like the Soviet-Afghan war all contributed a role to this coordinated and sinister attack.
The topic of whether the 9/11 Memorial and Museum fosters agreement around war or resistance is difficult, as the institution serves several functions: a place of grieving, a history lesson, and a space for meditation on the nature of conflict and peace. On the one hand, the memorial and museum may be regarded as promoting consensus around the concept of a righteous war on terror, emphasizing solidarity, resilience, and the protection of democratic ideals in the face of extremism. The narrative can be perceived as validating the feelings of grief, anger, and determination that propelled the United States and its allies into military action, fostering a collective memory that emphasizes the legitimacy of national security measures, even though those measures prompt debates on civil liberties. On the other side, by displaying the terrible facts of loss and the global impact of the attacks, the museum encourages critical reflection on the repercussions of conflict, potentially fostering resistance to the cycle of violence. The personal stories and artifacts humanize the costs of conflict, prompting visitors to ponder the complexities of geopolitical plans, the difficulties of reaching peace, and the role of diplomacy and understanding in preventing future tragedies. This part of the monument and museum can spark discussion about the efficacy and ethics of military responses to terrorism, enabling a more nuanced examination of how peace and security can be reached without resorting to further violence. Finally, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum holds a distinct place in the cultural memory of the United States and the world. They do not present simple answers but rather inspire deeper reflection on the catastrophic effects of terrorism and conflict. The institution's somber commemoration and instructional aim can both reinforce a sense of legitimate defense action and stimulate a critical rethinking of how such battles are fought and concluded. This duality highlights the complexities of responding to terrorism and emphasizes the significance of remembering the past to influence future actions.
I think the biggest comparison I made when I visited this memorial was our class observation of Occupation: Dreamland (2005), specifically how the memorial made the people around me feel. I attended the memorial with a friend of mine and his reaction resembled much of what the soldiers in Occupation: Dreamland were feeling. This emotion of being angry at someone and that someone has to pay for what was done but lacking the guidance or logic of how this could be done practically which in turn became raw hatred towards the “other”. Even though it was explained to us in the museum that the attacks were done by terrorists holding Saudi Arabian citizenship and being sheltered in multiple countries, the lack of understanding still made people justify attacks on Iraq and not look beyond political implications.
Lastly, all of this not only left me with the emotions of wanting to seek more knowledge of the conflict but also be involved in conflicts to come. Speaking from a personal perspective, I am someone who only a couple of years ago also considered enlisting. As of right now, my goals have not changed much as I am considering joining the Marine Corps as an officer and learning more about what is often taught to us to be the “other” from the inside and being present in the field. As explained to me by my recruiter and the campaign ads that we sometimes see, everyone has their own calling and the simple fact of enlisting does not universally define that person. Just because someone joined doesn't mean they are there for the purpose of hatred, but rather it can sometimes be quite the opposite.
References
1) About the 9/11 Memorial: https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial/about-memorial
2) Occupation: Dreamland: Olds, Ian and Scott, Garrett. Occupation: Dreamland. GreenHouse Pictures., 2005.
3) Stewart, Emily. “The History of US Intervention in Afghanistan, from the Cold War to 9/11.” Vox, 21 Aug. 2021, www.vox.com/world/22634008/us-troops-afghanistan-cold-war-bush-bin-laden.
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