A day of remembrance: 6 years ago today saw the most violent foreign attacks on the US since Pearl Harbor. Having been born on the anniversary of the other major foreign attack on the US, and recognizing its importance, I have often felt that while the 9/11 attacks, like Pearl Harbor, changed the course of our nation. I have to admit, I have never been a 9/11 activist per se, though, at the time of the attacks, I did have the opportunity to put together a special report for political strategy and market research firm, Wirthlin Worldwide, thus doing my own part in rallying around the flag.
Since then, I have felt that humble, quiet observance of 9/11 is the best way to hold in memory those who unnecessarily died. I cringe at the media that try to capitalize on the events (i.e. Oprah and other shows dedicating their shows to another special human interest story). I think they mock the somberness that should accompany today.
But I can’t help but recognize what I came across today on a local university campus. Standing prominently on campus was a small, humble display consisting of a set of 3 pictures of 9/11, two US flags, and two US Marines standing completely still, heads tilted down. It was touching. It was moving. And yet it was simple. The two US Marines stood their, completely still, their hands on their sides. There were no loud videos or music playing. No shouting, protesting, or rallies. Just a simple artistic reverence.
And it got me thinking about the power of aesthetics. Scholars recognize it as a non-verbal communication cue. Combined with my love for the arts and humanities, I saw this scene as a powerful remembrance–an artistic display equal in power to the Vietnam wall. Nothing was said. No bright colors were displayed. And yet, its meaning was powerful.
Often in communication, we forget that it isn’t he who yells loudest that gets the most attention. With so many messages coming from every direction, it’s often the simple and resolute communication that makes the most meaning on people.
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