Little more than two months after the events of September 11, I have noticed some concerning attitudes displayed by me and my fellow humans. Primarily, with fires still burning at “ground zero,” the once powerful feelings initially displayed by the people of America appear to be fading fast, perhaps into distant memories. It seems we are so wrapped up in our lattes, sports cars and checking account balances that the tragic events of just a few weeks ago are cast aside for “more important business.”
I was startled and concerned at my own lack of emotional response to the attacks. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not saying I don’t care. I just feel desensitized. The events are so far removed from my reality that the images just bounce right off me.
I am, however, more than moderately angered, if not flabbergasted, when I see multi-billion dollar companies use manipulative marketing ploys in their advertisements in order to capitalize on this nation’s newly awakened patriotism to promote their products. Companies are feeding off of the events by using images such as an American flag waving in the wind, the selflessness of the rescue workers, or military personnel apparently preparing for duty. These are the same companies that last week tried to get our attention by thrusting beautiful half-naked women in our faces (not that I particularly mind that, but you see my point). They show U.S. military airplanes gracefully floating through the skies, and then announce the discount airfares that will last until Thanksgiving (some conditions do apply). Does anyone else see this as repulsively sick and indecent? Our bottom line capitalistic society has gone too far when it blatantly uses a national tragedy as a marketing ploy. And I’m not just talking about a few companies.
It seems that every other commercial on the radio or television is some large corporation (many of which probably are not even based in the United States) flashing images to evoke patriotism or pridefully boasting of the relief fund that they have set up for the victims’ families. Incidentally, did anyone else here think that many of these relief funds may have been a bit shady in their handling of the donations? It seems that with no one to actually witness and regulate the incoming donations, some of these fund operators have possibly been taking a little cut for themselves. Any company that attempts, through the use of shameless marketing ploys, to use this tragedy for monetary gain should be considered heartless, soulless and unacceptable.
Richard Gere, an actor whom I don’t particularly care for, happens to be a Buddhist (well known proponents of peace and non-violence). He recently appeared at one of those benefit shows that have been going on to raise money. When he got on stage he spoke of forgiveness and non-violence and subsequently was booed off the stage. What?! Was he asking for something unreasonable or offensive? A well-known carpenter from around the year 0 (that’s zero) spoke of “taking the log out of your own eye before pointing out the splinter in your brothers.”
Let’s face it, we live in the richest nation on Earth, yet people starve and freeze to death every day. All the while corporations are raking in money by the billions. One of the biggest news stories, only hours after the attacks, was the condition of the stock market. Does everything always have to come back to the dollar with us? Is that our god? I am not downplaying the hideous attacks. I just feel that there is something desperately wrong going on here. Why does it take tragedy to, even in the smallest way, bring people together? What we have now is an opportunity to pull together, as a nation and as humans. We would indeed be remiss if we let this opportunity pass by, because we were too busy checking the stock reports and talking on our cellular phones.
Brandon Decker is a junior studying philosophy and theology.
