Tuesday, June 21, 2011

9/11 Poker Chips











Tribute 9/11 poker chips set. The influence and impact of 9/11 is even seen in the gaming sector.


Personally, I'm not sure about playing poker with a set that commemorates September 11th. Maybe other people have a different perspective.






Old Navy T-shirt



Old Navy tribute t-shirt, which has an American flag, United States of America and the year 2001 on it. An example of the corporate reaction to 9/11, and how it was reflected in the products and goods they produce.

Terrorists Can Shake Our Buildings Sweater











A patriotic sweater featuring the phrase: Terrorists Can Shake Our Buildings But Never Can Touch America's Foundation. The sweater has this phrase intertwined with the American flag. This is a unique item, and the second sweater featured in my collection. Like the other sweater, this household item could be purchased by any consumer and worn. It also is visible proof of the impact of 9/11 on all forms of material culture. This sweater could simply have had just an American flag pattern, but a specific decision was made by the corporation producing it to incorporate a statement in reference to 9/11.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Painted Slate Tribute



9/11 tribute painted on a piece of slate. Another great example of a tribute object incorporating American symbols (eagle, flags, colors and firefighters). The item features the classic fire fighter pose of raising the flag that was captured at the WTC site and now has been featured in print and every other format across the world.

Tribute Mints





























These mints are a unique object. They by themselves are not notable, but instead, of interest is the way they are packaged and the story related on the tin they are packed in. The tin relates the events of 9/11, and highlights one specific individual, Major Dwayne Williams, who died during the Pentagon attack. The tin also states that the sale of the mints benefits a memorial fund for his family. Each mint has a bible scripture message printed on the wrapper. Overall, a striking object that has a religious and patriotic message. Also, a perfect example of a household, everyday item that demonstrates the impact of 9/11. In this case, someone make the specific decision to develop a response to the events of 9/11 using mints. These mints accomplish the following: commemorate this tragedy, invoke patriotism, honor an individual and raise money.

Hand Painted Uncle Wobble Doll: Just Has A Ring To It























This Uncle Sam figure, like many other objects featured here, is a direct result of 9/11. Patriotic items flooded the stores everywhere after 9/11, and American symbols like Uncle Sam, the flag, eagle and the colors red, white and blue were incorporated into everything. This example features an Uncle Sam (aka Uncle Wobble) doll dressed up in his patriotic best, which is then packaged in a bright red box featuring the American flag on one side. Over the top you say? No, a truly fitting home for this American symbol. It is worth pointing out that many of these objects were produced over seas. Here the awkwardness ("Uncle Wobble") of the package is hard to miss.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Tribute Pen






















9/11 tribute pen featuring the American flag.

Colorized Coin




Example of 9/11 tribute.

Car Flag



Nothing was more symbolic of 9/11 than the mounted car flags that suddenly became visible everywhere. Here are two examples.

Patriotic Band Aid























This patriotic band-aid came out shortly after 9/11. Clearly influenced by September 11th, these band-aids feature a patriotic pattern. A great example of a household product too. As stated throughout this blog, 9/11 was more than a tragedy, but has and will have an everlasting impact on material and consumer goods.




Hard Rock Cafe Tribute Pin























9/11 tribute pin from Hard Rock Cafe, which donated a portion of the proceeds form the sale. This pin demonstrates the impact of 9/11, and how mainstream September 11th was reflected through material culture.

9/11 Tribute Ornament



















9/11 ornament tribute. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Disaster Relief Effort.