Thinking about Terrorism – Part 1 – Commodification, Media and Memory

Commodification and Memory Preservation

The authors illustrate how commodification transforms sites like Ground Zero into consumable experiences, describing how tourists “pose for a picture: mix disaster and death with stardom and beauty.” While raising ethical concerns, they acknowledge commodification as an unavoidable tool in a capitalist system, often necessary for funding preservation and education. They recount a firefighter’s initial outrage at curators photographing wreckage but later acceptance of the act as essential for creating an archive that preserves the tragedy’s legacy. Still, they warn that without intentionality, commodified artifacts risk becoming shallow symbols that erode the profundity of human suffering.

From my perspective, commodification, though often seen as exploitative, is sometimes a practical necessity in a capitalist framework. Communities affected by tragedies are frequently left to their own devices when state support is absent, and commodification offers a means to raise funds for preservation, education, and advocacy. However, this process requires a sense of purpose and responsibility. Community leaders must ensure that proceeds from commodification are reinvested into initiatives that preserve the human dignity of the tragedy, such as awareness campaigns or educational programs. These efforts not only safeguard memory but also help prevent future tragedies by addressing systemic issues that lead to such events.

At the same time, I share the authors’ concern about the potential erosion of meaning over time. As generational memory fades, symbols like Ground Zero risk losing their connection to the events they memorialize, becoming tourist attractions devoid of deeper context. The transformation of Ground Zero into what the authors call “Groundzeroland” is a sobering example of this phenomenon. To counter this, I believe reinvestment in storytelling and historical context is essential. By continually framing these spaces as places of education and remembrance, rather than mere attractions, communities can ensure that memory remains meaningful, even as it adapts to the demands of modernity.

The Media’s Role in Shaping Narratives

The authors also explore how media shapes public perception, amplifying the psychological and cultural impact of terrorism. By saturating coverage with dramatic visuals, such as the collapse of the Twin Towers, the media embeds these events in cultural memory but risks turning them into cinematic spectacles. They critique this “totalitarian trajectory,” where relentless media attention leaves “no sanctuary for the banalities of ordinary life,” perpetuating fear and embedding the terrorists’ goals into the public consciousness.

I agree with the authors that the media’s sensationalism often amplifies the psychological effects of terrorism, turning profound tragedies into spectacles driven by profit motives. Dramatic visuals and fear-inducing headlines attract attention and generate revenue but often distort the complexity of these events. While the media can provide critical information and unite communities in mourning, it frequently prioritizes emotional resonance over objective reporting. This framing has long-term implications, influencing not only how societies remember these events but also how they respond to similar threats in the future.

To address these issues, I propose a system of accountability where biased or sensationalized coverage results in financial penalties, with funds redirected to the affected communities. This could help ensure more ethical journalism without infringing on freedom of the press. However, regulating online discourse presents additional challenges, as social media platforms dominate public discussion. Taxing revenue generated from political or terror-related discourse could be one approach, though it risks influencing what can or cannot be discussed. Ultimately, the media’s role is a double-edged sword—it can inform and unite but also manipulate and divide. Intentionality is essential to ensuring it serves the public good rather than undermining it.

The Fragility of Symbolic Targets

The authors also examine the power of symbolic targets, such as the Twin Towers, to shape collective memory and national identity. They argue that these attacks go beyond physical destruction, aiming instead to dismantle shared realities tied to those symbols. Ground Zero, described as an “absence” that memorializes loss, is both a site of mourning and a space vulnerable to reinterpretation. Over time, they warn, symbolic targets risk losing their original meaning, particularly as historical memory becomes disconnected from lived experience. Commercialization further complicates this, turning tragedy into a consumable experience and diluting its cultural significance.

I share the authors’ concern about the fragility of symbolic targets, which often carry the weight of collective memory and identity. These symbols serve as anchors of shared history, connecting individuals to a common narrative of loss and resilience. However, as the authors suggest, their meaning is not fixed and can shift as time passes and new cultural contexts emerge. This process leaves symbols like Ground Zero vulnerable to being co-opted or reframed by movements or agendas far removed from their original intent. This is particularly concerning when those who directly experienced the events pass away, leaving interpretation to secondhand narratives.

To preserve the integrity of symbolic targets, I believe ongoing efforts are needed to contextualize their meaning for future generations. Educational programs, oral histories, and inclusive memorial practices can help maintain their relevance and ensure they remain connected to their original purpose. However, I also recognize that some symbols are more resilient to reinterpretation, particularly those with deep cultural or spiritual significance. By balancing preservation with adaptability, societies can ensure that these symbols continue to reflect collective identity while evolving alongside changing cultural realities.