The Consumption and Commodification of Death: Representational Practices at the 9/11 and Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorials

On September 11th 2001 the Twin Towers, the embodiment of American capitalism were reduced to rubble within a few hours with the loss of almost 3000 lives. Since then, America has struggled to come to terms with how to commemorate such an event. Americans felt suddenly vulnerable and subsequently paranoid. It was extremely important to commemorate the attack in the appropriate way. The resulting memorial, as well as being a tribute to those who lost their lives, is also a symbol of defiance. The values associated with Ground Zero are those of freedom, resilience, renewal and commemoration. This thesis aims to examine the intersection of commodification and commemoration, using the poignant example of the 9/11 Memorial along with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp as a comparative. Opened in 2011, 10 years after the tragedy took place, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a self-proclaimed “Educational and historical institution honoring the victims and examining 9/11 and its continued global significance” (http://www.911memorial.org/ Accessed 7th December 2015).