Before I make any comments tonight, I'd just like to make it known that my heart goes out to all of those people (and their families) who were injured or lost their lives in this week's tradgedy. Now, on with my comments.
Over the past few days, people in our company have been sending around a TON of global email messages with forwards from all of their friends containing stories and suggested memorial rtuals. These included (but are not limited to):
- "On Thursday, wear only red, white, and blue and show your patriotism!"
- "Tonight, light a canld eout in your front yard and we'll light up the sky with American pride!"
- "Wear a blue ribbon to show your support!"
- "Wear a red ribbon to show your support!"
- "Wear a yellow ribbon to show your support!"
- "Display an american flag outside your home for the next 30 days!"
- "Display an American flag outside your home for the next week!"
- "Light a candle and put it in a window in your house tonight!"
- "Also, in memory of the victims, travel with your headlights on today and
tomorrow."
Do you see what I mean? Why do so many people feel the need to come up with so many different rituals in a time like this? I understand that people feel the need to express their emotions, but this means of it seems kinda dumb. "Hey, let's all stand on one foot with our right hands in our shirt pockets and a red, white, and blue candy cane in each nostril on Friday!" And the crazy thing is how many people will be doing these things.
Now, as I said at the beginning of this post, I feel just as terrible about everything that has happened, but I feel like the country needs to continue with their normal everyday activities and try to let life go on. Yes, it is normal to mourn and feel sad (and even angry), but this country has basically been at a stand-still for the last 3 days..and don't look to return to normal until Monday..maybe.
I guess my point to all of this is that expressing your emotions has to come from deep within yourself..not from "canned patriotism" that have been circulating around our office the past couple of days. Feel free to comment below. I'm totally prepared to be flamed. :)
Posted by Jeff at September 13, 2001 11:44 PMI've also heard that on Friday at 7pm, everyone should go outside where ever you may be and light a candle.
Posted by: Jack at September 14, 2001 03:30 AMActually, you've said what I was about to write in my own blog. All of the chain mails I've been getting are really getting on my damned nerves.
~ Enough with Nostradamus. He's a fraud.
~ Enough with the Canadian "Cheers to America" article.
~ Enough of the HacKeRs UniTe emails, calling to arms.
Let's stop the madness. Sure, we can fly our flags. Hell, I've always thought that more people should fly their flags.
This cutesy stuff though, with the ribbons and all is going to happen. There are way too many email newbies out there who are sincere and caring that simply don't understand that the author of the emails had two intentions:
1) To vent their own frustrations
2) To see (curiosity) how many people could get that email.
...You know what #2 is? That's called spam. Happy spam and bad spam, Christian message spam, "Jesus loves you" spam, "friends are forever" spam, "hot and horny teens who want your long member" spam.... it's all the same.
And again, it's heartwarming to see that people care, but please-- let's focus on helping groups that can actually help, not stand by and make a symbolic gesture that no one will see.
Let's give to the red cross, who has authority to actually pull rubble off of people. Let's give blood perhaps, or join the military...whatever. The candle lighting is sweet and it helps people to cope, but I'm starting to feel like I lost a family member and a week later people are still saying "if there's anything I can do..."
I'm tired of it.
If it's closure you need, get it. But please don't fill my email box with it. I have my own outlets for venting. (http://www.peer2all.com)
And although I support your message, I won't participate in helping others do the same, because it's only going to evert my emoptions and bring me down again. Do whatever you need to do to face this tragedy, but stop the emails. Please. I'm tired of it.
So thanks Jeff. I realize now that I may not be speaking for you (as I tend to go off the deep end on the drama when I vent...err.. write I mean), but thanks for giving me the opportunity to belch this on your site.
Now, if you'll just sign your name here with a $5 check....
...just kidding.
Posted by: Brian Korte at September 14, 2001 11:53 AMAdditionally....
It's as if the people who send these around think that instead of giving blood or donating clothes, they can "do their part" by disseminating this spam. This isn't doing your part, people. You aren't helping anyone by hitting "forward." Get out there and do something, if you're so determined! If you're so passionate about it, go do something!
Posted by: Brian Korte at September 14, 2001 02:27 PMDude, you just said exactly what I was trying to say in my entry. Thanks! :)
Posted by: The author at September 14, 2001 02:31 PM