September 11th 2001 as many of you know and remember is the day that America changed, the day innocent lives were lost for millions of loved ones and the day a war started and still continues today.
Above is a picture of the south tower collapsing behind the Saint Peter Church cross, which is ironically in front of the debris from the falling south tower. When I first looked at this picture it had many different statements to me, but one popped out automatically as I’m sure it did with you also is the cross. The cross in this picture is the main object; it’s a part of the American culture. Look at how strong the cross looks in this picture. The cross is the representation of America; the cross still stands strong even though falling debris from the tower falls all around it. Being an American, I find that this symbol of the cross in the fore front of the smoke and debris in the back ground indentifies us even more. The cross could be looked at as a signifier, a symbol depending on what religion you are or what you were brought up with. The signified would be the meaning of the cross, to me, that is God. Being that Is, this picture has a very symbolic meaning to it and many Americans including me would use this strong symbolism to identify themselves with. We stay strong, we stay together, and we overcome any obstacle that gets in our way.
I love the contrast between peace and serenity as the focus point and chaos and trouble in the un-focus background.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely, it does create a sense of identity. It's either you are the strong church, believer in god, or you are the destructive muslims in the background. And in some case, it's false. The church is revered as the American "religion" and the muslims as the enemy, as we all know is 100% false........ Nevertheless, this pictures makes me feel that I should take the position of the church, of America, and of God even though I do not go to church.
This picture symbolizes more than what the eye can see..... but I will be writing my own post if I analyzed it for myself.
I think this is such an interesting picture that truly defines the tragedy of 9/11, but also the hope and trust that came after this horrible event. I agree that the cross is the main object of this photo. It's a standout color in the middle of the more neutral colors. I also agree that the cross is a representation of America, but also the hope that we always have. I think America as a whole is known for standing strong no matter what comes at us. Recently when president Obama spoke (his 10 year 9/11 speech) he read Psalm 46. I don't think he was trying to start up any controversy, I think it's just universally known that the bible is a strong and well-known/well-respected book. Similarly, the cross in this picture shouldn't be viewed as only a religious symbol, but a symbol of peace and trust, or whatever a viewer takes as it.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the response above as well that this picture symbolizes more that what the eye can see. I'd hope that people look at this picture and view it as a sign that we stick together as a country more than just a picture with a cross in the center. It's not a controversial symbol and I wish that more of the world thought of it this way.
I love this picture which deeply show the will of people of United States. On the one hand, this picture reflects the tragedy brought by 9/11, on the other hand, it also present the courage of all citizens of American aganist terrorist attack.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that the cross is the represetation of America. America people never fear any kinds of unjustice and disaster just like the cross, strongly stand on the church.