Gabriel Gudding wrote:
>
> apologies for x-posting
>
> If you are tired of the trafficking in poignancy regarding 9.11 and haven't
> seen this salon.com article yet, check it.
> http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2002/09/11/forbidden_letters/index.html
> ("Forbidden thoughts about 9/11: The readers respond")
>
> I suppose in some ways I resent the emotionally and metaphorically
> unimaginative poems of Collins and Pinsky. Solemnity and poignancy are
> merely ways of packaging resentment and self-pity in a socially acceptable
> way. Resentment and self-pity are just muted anger and precursors to
> revenge. These solemnities and these poems strike me as utter lies.
>
> Here's a cut from the salon article, "I love to watch the footage, over and
> over. I'm looking forward to the anniversary just because the videos will
> be played again. People claim they don't like to see the images, but I
> don't believe it for a second. I was sorry I missed footage of people
> jumping, because you just don't see that too often and that is rarely
> replayed.
> -- Graphic artist, 41, Chicago"
>
> Gabe
Great, Gabe - I subscribe to Salon but missed that article. Enjoyed it
enormously. But consider: self-serving or Schadenfreudlich emotions are
part of any emotional response; every emotion is a composite. I don't
think your accusation of "hypocrisy" goes very far here; it could be
applied to any wake or wedding or other formal ceremony. Let's say
you're right, that "packaged" "resentment and self-pity are just muted
anger and precursors to revenge." Would you prefer some real, unmasked
anger and vengefulness? I personally would be very glad to oblige.
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