Exploration Four

Watching this film gave a very clear idea of the pains and struggles of survivors and victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.  Of the five stories told, Ling Young stood out the most to me.  Thousands of people were injured and killed in the attacks and all of them left loved ones behind.  Ling was one of the lucky ones.  She got to go home to her family.  And while she suffered incredibly, Mrs. Young kept a very positive attitude the whole time.  When I first came into the film, Ling was describing the burns all throughout her body and the forty odd surgeries she has endured.  Having those ailments, it would be very easy for someone in her position to play the victim.  to succumb to her injuries and let them dictate her life.  But she has proven herself such a strong woman in that regard. She lives life the best she can as she says "you have to still live life. One day at a time,"  

By showing the film span over a period of eight years, viewers got to witness the struggle both internal and external of the five victims.  This was a great strength in the film.  I could easily guess that everyone involved was in pain after the attack. But I, like many others I assume, no longer think of the families when I think of 9/11 but of the nation.  But eight years of pain and suffering from one tragedy that affects so many is not something that should be forgotten.  Seeing someone cry over a lost loved one is one thing, but to watch five people breakdown and to see the pain construed all over their faces over eight years and to hear how they try to cope and heal in their own painful way really leaves an impression.  Seeing the video and the span of eight years was such a strength, it made me feel ashamed for not empathizing and remembering the small details that haunt families to this day.  

While each story is something that will always flood back with the topic of 9/11, the underlying factor I grabbed on to is the how long it really takes to overcome a life-altering event.  Loosing loved ones is something everyone experiences.  I think we as a whole tend to pride ourselves on our ability to persevere in trying times, to overcome diversity.  But the truth of it is shown clearly in this film.  And while the nation moved on, those who were directly involved were left behind to endure their pain in their own way.  Stamping the flag on such an event as the World Trade Centers falling is something that inspires a great sense of patriotism, however looking back at the attack and seeing faces stricken with grief as face of the attack is something that has a more personal effect.  We are not just a country that was attacked, but the people of our country who were attacked.