Terrorists Can Shake Our Buildings Sweater

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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.

1 comment:

Olav said...: Can you please tell me who made this sweater and/or where I can buy it? I've tried googling the phrase to find more information, but you're the only result I can find. I just have to have it :); November 1, 2011 at 12:15 PM

Post a Comment

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

Tuesday, June 21, 2011