Analysis of Arlene's Depiction of My 9.11 Story

Where were you on 9/11? Interview

On this occasion I was the interviewer. I spoke to Danielle on what her 9/11 experience was. She lived here in New Jersey, and was a senior in high school when it happened. She had a very descriptive story, and remembered the 9/11 events in more detail than myself (I was only in the sixth grade).

Q: Where were you on that day? How did you find out?
A: She walked into class and saw the news footage on T.V. FACT As soon as the images of the plane crashing into the first building appeared, the teacher had her class shut everything off. FACT There were people screaming, very scared and worried about what happened. Emotion Later on there was a school lock. There were students trying desperately to get out of school to get their loved ones.

Q: Compare & contrast your feelings about 9/11 from then and now.
A: At the time there was a lot of anger. Rationalizing Emotion There was very strong anti- Muslim sentiment, since everyone needed to put the blame on someone in order to feel (somewhat) better about what happened. RATIONALIZING EMOTION However, after she found out what was really the cause of this incident  (incompetence in our leaders) there was more a sense of disappointment in our leaders.

Q: What do you feel was the mood overall of the nation/others at that time? How does that vary from your point of view?
A: She says there was more of a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood Rationalizing Emotions following the 9/11 events. I point out that it is a travesty that these horrific events are often times what it takes for there to be sense of togetherness in a nation.

Q: Could you tell a story of a friend or someone you know and their experience?
A: Danielle's best friend lost a loved one. After they saw the footage in class, they went to the senior lounge to listen to the radio about what happened. FACT She just remembers her friend screaming and very overcome with emotion.

Q: How do you feel about the memorials?
Danielle points out that there has been debate over whether or not these 9/11 memorials should take place anymore, since it has been eleven years since the attacks. She says that she feels it is very important to conduct memorials, since it is important to pass on to our children the significance of these events.

Summary:

Danielle’s oral history of 9.11 is based more on emotional sound bites that she remembers throughout that day rather than hard evidence and fact.  She attempts to rationalize the emotions of others during that time period with facts that she came to learn after the fact.