Europeans! » I need your opinion on something!

Hey, guys.

I'm working on a paper for class, and long story short, I need to know what 9/11 means in to you guys across the pond. Like, what's your gut reaction to a photo of the Twin Towers (especially photos taken before 9/11). What "symbolism" do you attach to it? (e.g.: here, it's often a call to patriotism.)

Thank you~

Well, it's a reminder, obviously, of the terrible tragedy and unforgivable crime that was 9/11. I think that general opinion amongst the public is one of sympathy. However, I'm also aware that (and I mean no offense to anyone in stating this), in more recent years, it has become more of a sign of how Britain, as a result of the attack (the alliance with America, and invading Iraq, etc.), became a very, for want of a better word, disliked nation, particularly among European countries and the EU. So, though it's still viewed as an awful event, perhaps there's a feeling of slight resentment amongst the public that it has turned our reputation to mud (not that it was particularly amazing before).

Of course, it's viewed as a significant turning point in modern history, and there's still loads of sympathy for everyone (of all nationalities) who lost family or friends as a result of it, but the public is perhaps getting a bit sick of hearing about it - or more so because of the war with Iraq, which it inevitably caused (again, no offense meant to anyone).

Sorry if that was a bit clumsily written, it's very difficult to describe attitudes to it as they are here, as they seem to be constantly changing. Hope it helped, though.

Persoanlly, the first thing I think when I see a picture of the twin towers is 'Oh, is that them'. I don't really have much of a reaction any more, I think I've seen and heard too much so I've become sorta desensitised. When it comes up in conversation in my house, we always end up discussing the structure of the building, as opposed to what happened. It might be to do with the fact I was small when it happened -- I don't know, I do remember getting rather sick of it being on every channel, and being rather annoyed that there was no children's television >.>

I think Smurf is right about the more public opinion.

Thank you, both of you.


*returns to essay writing*