The 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is a time for reflection and remembrance. The attacks not only killed 3,000 innocent people in New York and Washington, D.C., but also had a profound impact on the world as we knew it. Suddenly, the U.S was plunged into a worldwide fight against terrorism, leading to new security procedures at airports and office buildings, as well as new wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. As the anniversary approaches, it’s important to look back and remember those who lost their lives, as well as the incredible acts of heroism and resilience that emerged from the tragedy.
One way to gain clarity on the events of that day is through literature, movies and podcasts. “102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers” by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn offers a detailed account of the attacks themselves, while the documentary “9/11” by French documentarians Jules and Gédéon Naudet provides a firsthand perspective of the heroic response from the New York Fire Department.
Opinions on the topic are varied, with some criticizing the 2012 film “Zero Dark Thirty” for its dramatization of the search for 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. However, others praise the film for its unflinching portrayal of the cruelty of the Bush administration’s “enhanced interrogation techniques,” as well as its recreation of the audacious raid that ultimately led to Bin Laden’s demise. Meanwhile, the podcast “9/12” from Pineapple Street Studios offers a nuanced look at how people tried to make sense of the attacks in the years that followed, providing valuable insights into the impact of 9/11 on various communities and individuals.
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, it’s important to take the time to reflect on the events of that day and honor the lives that were lost. Whether through literature, film, or podcasts, there are numerous ways to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of 9/11 and the extraordinary acts of courage and resilience that emerged from the tragedy.