Thank you Carol for expressing this idea much clearer than I have. While
the almost obligatory inclusion of the three different races can annoy, it
is not inappropriate. We may fool ourselves into thinking that monuments
are for the dead, but they are just as much (if not more) for the present
living and the future. This monument will also have different meanings for
each generation that passes. I think that it is very important to really
consider what this monument is for and what we are trying to express, not
only for ourselves but for our future.


At 04:58 PM 1/13/02 -0500, you wrote:
> >     Now is an inappropriate time to debate the 'subjectivity
> > of truth' as, in this case, everyone knows who raised that
> > flag.  Let the monument be truthful in representing the
> > three who performed this act.
>
>I think the question is whether a monument should be a literal expression of
>a particular truth - a 3-D reproduction of that particular photo (chosen
>from among thousands of photos at Ground Zero because it seemed to express
>an idea of patriotism and American strength rising from the ruins) - or a
>more generalized, symbolic, abstracted version of all the truths of that
>day - that many people, everywhere, expressed their grief, support, and
>patriotism. The designers of the statue in question chose the second way -
>to include the concept that people of all races, colors, creeds, backgrounds
>were all one that day, all Americans, all expressing their will to overcome
>and rise from the ruins.
>
>I don't see anything wrong with going for the symbolism. It's not necessary
>"PC" in a way that distorts the truth - it presents in abstract form a
>deeper truth. That's what memorials do. We have the photo - we've all seen
>it - it will live on - why simply reproduce it in bronze? And it's not the
>only memorial there is or is going to be - different artists and different
>groups will obviously all seek their own truths. The point of the statue is
>not just to honor those 3 particular men, only, is it? Will there be
>individual recognizable statues of every rescuer that day?
>
>And, in this of all times, I don't choose to forget that truth is
>subjective. Aren't we all in the business of understanding multiple meanings
>in objects in their time and place and other times and places? That shows no
>lack of respect for the dead, the brave, or the living. We can accept that
>others see the world differently, without ceasing to support and argue for
>our own ideas of truth, value, and meaning. I believe. Anyway. Still do.
>Even now.
>
>Carol Ely
>Museum consultant
>Louisville
>
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