The 9/11 Report

After reading "The 9/11 Report" I was surprised by the format of a graphic novel. I thought it was rather strange that a cartoon format was used for such a historical event. I would have been more impressed if the pictures were real photos that captured the essence of that day more vividly. I understand that the point was to get across to the "general public" but before this class I have never even heard of such a report. Although it is a good substitution for the actual report, I would have liked a different approach rather than the one taken.

While I was in D.C. last semester I was able to go to the newly built newseum which had a section devoted to 9/11. It has various pictures and a video of people's accounts along with footage of that horrible day. It was very effective in showing the emotional and heartfelt aspect of what happened. Again, this reiterates the idea that pictures are much more effective than a cartoon. It makes it as if it's a fairytale of sorts, and odd to combine the two worlds of reality and fiction.

Although I did not like the format, I thought the report was very helpful in the background as well as timeline of events that took place on that fateful day. There were some things I did not know so the book helped me understand those events more thoroughly. I was only in 8th grade when 9/11 occurred. It was actually strange because my school lied to us due to fear of a panic. They told us that there was a plane that hit the Lincoln tunnel and so if our parents worked in NY they would probably be delayed getting home. After coming home and turning on the television I realized the horrible realization that the World Trade Centers were hit. I find it pretty odd that my school didn't tell us what really happened, but I somewhat understand.

The book, however, was an easy read for the most part, but I am somewhat skeptical as to the actual events (in terms of the governments knowledge and lack of interference). The actual events on the day of 9/11 are clearly accurate, but I question what was said and done behind closed doors. It is clear that there are many sectors within the government that need to collaborate in order to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. Hopefully we don't repeat history.

Overall I liked the report minus a few things. Although I dislike the format, I think it is good in the sense that it is simple and to the point. This helps broaden the spectrum of people who have the opportunity to read it.