THE MAKING OF 9-11
Neil Hodgson
We had already booked our trip to see Denise's brother, Stuart, who
lives in New York. Then, on September 11th the tragedy that shook
the world happened.
Stuart and his American wife, Mary, live in a flat in Brooklyn Heights.
This overlooks lower Manhattan. On that day Stuart was away in Brazil.
Mary was in her flat and watched much of the event in horror. We had
managed to contact her by phone later that day and we knew she was
safe. However the borders were closed and Stuart was unable to get
home for 3 further days.
They were expecting a number of friends, including Stuart's mother,
to come and stay in the coming few weeks. All this had to be cancelled.
They felt very isolated and Denise and I were both determined to go
ahead with our trip.
Just 5 weeks after the tragedy we made the flight from a very empty
Heathrow, and in a very empty plane we arrived in New York.
My first impressions were of the stars and stripes everywhere. This
was the time for National solidarity and they were going for it big
time!
On arrival at the flat we surveyed the empty skyline of Manhattan.
This is a familiar sight for us and the gap just made us stand and
stare. Smoke was still rising from the ruin and, at night, the scene
would take on an eerie glow as work continued under huge arc lights.
We walked right across Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, just opposite
the Woolworth Building. The World Trade Centre once stood 2 blocks
behind this point. The first thing you notice is the security - police
and National Guard everywhere. Then comes the smell, an acrid, choking
smell of burning. Then came the solemnity of the people. Few spoken
words but many thoughts unsaid as people walked around. Yes, there
were sightseers - we were just 2 of those. But it was not a morbid
issue. People were moved, curious and completely stunned by the scene.
Much of the site was screened off from view and you were not allowed
within about 200 yards of the area. But the residual effect was everywhere.
Just about everything was covered in a fine grey dust. Every item
in every shop window was light grey, left as some kind of memorial
to the understanding of what these people went through.
My film making intentions had been planned before we went. I did
not want to make a film on the event itself. This was the first such
incident on American soil and I was curious how they would cope with
it. In the UK we have become almost used to bombings and terrorist
activities. Although, thankfully not on this scale. So I planned to
look at how New York had changed and how New Yorkers were reacting
to the disaster.
Discussions with residents revealed some, in my view; quite irrational
decisions such as 'I will never be going to fly again'. Flying in
the US is like catching a bus here. There was a great deal of uncertainty
and some aggression toward the perpetrators.
But in the communities, away from the atmosphere of Ground Zero,
it was difficult to feel anything had changed. I was fascinated by
the images of Chinatown. The Jewish delicatessen in Union Square was
lively, friendly and welcoming. The chefs seemed to take it upon themselves
to be cheerful and lift the spirits. However, conversation remained
centred upon the event between the customers.
Central Park was a place of mixed reactions. People were relaxing
and enjoying themselves. There was a wedding and street artists. But
in some areas people sat in thought. I felt I knew what they were
thinking about.
On the metro the busy trains were devoid of speech. If two travellers
were talking they did it quietly and almost reverently. When they
got home, the residue of the vigil was still there for all to see.
Burnt out candles, pictures, messages and appeals for help in finding
missing people.
As you walk around New York every Fire Station has a memorial to
brave firemen who died that day. In every large public building there
is a wall of messages and many can be seen out on the streets as well.
But I do feel that, in the same way we did, they will overcome their
grief. They will not forget what happened - ever. But life will get
back to "normal" which in itself will be a memorial to those
that perished.
I am equally certain that this event has changed the world. This
could mean many different actions and attitudes. My fear is that it
will create more divisions than alliances - more deaths than progress.
Time will tell.
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