American Chopper's Fire Bike

Friday, March 13, 2009

American Chopper's Fire Bike

Not a great picture, but everybody knows American Chopper and has seen their bike creations. This toy model is based on a motorcycle created as a tribute to the firefighters that lost their lives in September 11th. The bike features steel from the World Trade Center and the number 343 for the firefighters lost. You can watch the American Chopper episode here.

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About My Collection

I've been collecting objects ever since the events of September 11, 2001. My collection can be classified as everyday items that reflect the events of 9/11 in their appearance. Some of these items are defined as collectible items, but the majority were available to consumers as household goods. I have hundreds of objects, and I use this blog to help document and "catalogue" them. A number of themes also emerge and are reflected by my collection. I felt that these objects needed to be preserved and their story told.

Themes:
1) September 11th influenced/impacted all material culture (consumer goods, collectibles, etc) in way that has never occurred (in terms of the extent, types of goods, etc)

2) Connection of remembrance and memorializing to material culture (basically the idea that buying something will make someone feel better and connect them to that event).

3) The story of each object and its purpose

4) The possibility that corporations used 9/11 as an opportunity and motivation to increase sales (it wasn't just about donating a portion of the proceeds)

5) Companies carried out corporate curating. This "process" involves the production of a material good/object tied directly to 9/11, where a corporation implements their own interpretation and ties themselves forever to the events of September 11th. For example, American Express created a book about the impact of 9/11 of their company and employees. This book is their corporate curated object.

6) My collection as the ideal symbol of American consumerism, and my effort in assembling it as being an American consumer

Collecting September 11th - Collecting 9/11 - Collecting 911 - Twin Towers - World Trade Center

Friday, March 13, 2009