Transcending The Tragedy:9/11 Memory And American National Identity

The 9/11 terrorist attack is acknowledged as one of the most traumatic events in American history,which caused thousands of deaths on American soil and shattered American long-established sense of security and superiority.How did Americans wrestle with this tragedy? How was it remembered? In response to these questions,this thesis attempts to explore the impact of 9/11 on American society from a perspective of collective memory.It focuses on the conscious efforts of American presidents,journalists and movie makers to shape American collective memory of 9/11 by putting it within the framework of national identity.Through the analysis,the thesis finds that during the process of 9/11 memory building,the government set the tone,and the newspaper and movies reinforced it by giving a helping hand.Due to their joint manipulation,9/11 has been crystalized as a national spirit showcasing American unity,heroism,freedom,love,hope and resilience and transcending American individuals' tragedy.The thesis also points out that American 9/11 memory building process involves collective amnesia as well.Those negative narratives unable to fit in with American national identity were marginalized and abandoned.American 9/11 memory is highly selective,political and ideological.