It’s the extra-sized sixth and final episode of a six-part miniseries that examines the books, movies, music, comics, and other popular culture that directly addresses or is about the attacks of September 11, 2001. This time, I look at an assortment of items, including “The Falling Man” (and an Esquire article written about the photo), an ominous PostSecret postcard, rumors and urban legends debunked by Snopes, Gordon Sinclair’s “The Americans” radio broadcast, the French documentary 9/11, comedy courtesy of SNL and The Onion, and the New York Mets’ return to Shea Stadium. Then, I close things out with listener feedback and final thoughts on the 20th anniversary.
A quick content warning: Though these events are now 20 years in the past, they are still traumatizing to many, and I also discuss some of my personal feelings and views, so listener discretion is advised.
And while I did answer feedback this episode, I still would love to hear from you, so feel free to leave leave comments on the Pop Culture Affidavit Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or email me at popcultureaffidavit@gmail.com. I’ll read your feedback on a future Pop Culture Affidavit episode.
Here’s where to listen:
Apple Podcasts: Pop Culture Affidavit
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Some extras for you …
Gordon Sinclair’s “The Americans” radio address:
“The Falling Man” — Wikipedia page about the famous photograph
Tom Junod’s article from Esquire about the Falling Man photograph (courtesy of the Internet Archive)
Various Snopes rumors covered:
- Rumors of Israelis staying home from their jobs in the Twin Towers
- Supposed Nostradamus predictions of 9/11
- Stories of companies supposedly banning the American flag after 9/11
- A story of a flag being taken off a fire truck in Berkeley.
- Starbucks’ “Collapse into Cool” ad campaign.
- The infamous “9/11 Tourist” photo
Salon’s “Forbidden Thoughts about 9/11” and The Readers’ Response.
The September 11 issue of The Onion
Mike Piazza’s home run against the Atlanta Braves:
The Washington Post Magazine article about how 9/11 changed things
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