How Did 9/11 Influence American Culture

Unbreakable: How Artists Influence American Values After 9/11
September 11, 2001. Even fifteen years later the very mentioning of that date conjures deeply buried emotions in Americans. Clearly, America has not forgotten the events of 9/11, but neither have its artists of all mediums. Photographers use their camera to arouse these guarded emotions by employing rhetorical devices to create arguments. An image, capturing but a single moment in history, can communicate a profound argument and evoke deep emotions by employing rhetorical devices. These devices are used to create specific arguments by creating unique angles of vision, which dictate how a viewer understands an image. For example, the images produced during the attack and today during ceremonies continue to influence the citizens’ perception of the attack. Some of these images related to 9/11 are separated by years and create arguments specifically pertinent to their respective time periods in the nations healing process. A Getty Images photograph taken on the day of the attack, and Evan Vucci’s photograph taken on the White House …show more content…
Like the image from fifteen years earlier, the author captures elements that clearly pull at the viewers emotions through symbolism. Although this image is clearly staged, it is still evident that the picture evokes a feelings of reverence of those who were lost. The image also projects the value of togetherness through the continuing support from the America. The First Couple stands front and center of the image while being flanked by two group of people facing towards them. Directly behind them, a group of Marines stand at attention in front of one of the most iconic buildings on Earth. These symbols send a clear message to anyone viewing the image. The image projects hope and evokes beliefs that are deeply rooted within American life, like having resolve, and standing up for what American