Chapter 4 Doss Thoughts by Erica Schiller

   While most of what Doss has said has been interesting thus far, the most interesting thing about this chapter was that it really made me think, long after I had finished the reading.  Being a deeply patriotic person who comes from a very patriotic family (and area), I have never questioned the American tendency to venerate war and conflict.  I never really thought about how we define ourselves through our militarism, or how choices like the WWII memorial make such a difference in what's what on the national mall.  I didn't know what to think.  I feel very conflicted.  On one hand, I have always enjoyed "war porn"--a term which first offended me--but I'm not sure, upon thinking more deeply, that I want to enjoy it.  I feel guilty, like my society has done something wrong.  I had a friend in high school from Switzerland who occasionally commented on things like this, and it really bothered me.  I used to argue that she just couldn't enjoy the American experience, and if she didn't like our country, she shouldn't have come here in the first place.  But is that really the right argument to make?  I don't know anymore.  I love my country immensely, and am deeply loyal to everything the United States stands for, but my feelings are so deeply tied to our military victories and how we have worked for justice and freedom globally that I'm not sure how to separate my patriotism from our wars.  It makes me question my own judgement and the judgement of my country.  I'm not sure I like that. 

Gratitude Sarah Whelihan

In chapter 4 of her book Memorial Mania, Doss discusses the concept of gratitude. Gratitude is different from thanks because it adds an aspect of appreciation and indebtedness for the sacrifices of others, and giving credit where credit is due. She says that gratitude memorials are necessary to maintain equilibrium in the overall give and take of America, created through the provision of services and utilization of said services by both groups and individuals.  Doss examines the ways in which we show gratitude at memorial sites, and questions whether they are appropriate, which brings into question the legitimacy of living memorials. These living memorials are defined by the way that their visitors interact with them, as opposed to a statue of an individual that people simply appreciate and move on. Examples would include, benches, amphitheaters, museums, airports, parks, et cetera. Mumford suggests that these living memorials do not fully honor the individuals or events for which they are created as they serve an additional purpose for the public, but I disagree with his view. I believe that through the creation of living memorials, the public is better able to gain an appreciation and understanding of the memorial's devotee. In providing an immortalization of great men and women, it makes sense to create memorials to their honor that reflect their commitment to their country, and further cultivate the appreciation and gratitude for their service.

I was especially struck by the author's discussion of "war porn," in relation to video games and movies that glorify war and are so popular today amongst children and young adults. Growing up as an only child I was never exposed to what I refer to as the "brother phenomenon" of boys breaking everything, being dirty, and maintaining an obsession with video games until adulthood. The numerous first person shooter games on the market strive to put players in the position of combatants and soldiers, experiencing the chaos and violence first hand. There have been many controversies surrounding the rating system for video games, and whether or not exposing young children to violent games makes them more likely to become confrontational or aggressive adults as a result of the negative examples that these games set. Studies have shown that children who play lots of video games are more likely to respond aggressively to high anxiety situations, and also learn a skewed moral code, that when they kill multiple people with a single shot for example, they get extra points. So despite scientific findings and parental concerns, why is war porn still widely accepted in America? This could possibly stem from a desire to understand and experience the lives of active duty soldiers as a way to better show our appreciation and gratitude, or the glorification of battle, valor, and braveness that has accumulated over many decades. Regardless, whichever the reason, there are better ways to understand the trials and victories of war than through overly violent material that corrupt the nations youth, the future leaders of America.

Lastly, speaking about the World War II memorial in DC and the city built using ancient Rome as a model, as many cities have been for centuries in an effort to echo the power and scope of the Romans. The architect who created the monument intended to parallel the imperialism, power, and authoritative dominance of the Roman empire. It is because Washington was intended to have a European feel that with the advent of the skyscraper, Congress passed the Height of Buildings Act in 1899 to limit the height of buildings to 110ft tall in a response to worries of the residents that towering buildings would destroy the European feel. This is why I love my city so much, the low skyline is nothing like New York City, it allows light to reach the streets and doesn't distract from the monuments scattered around downtown. In summary, living memorials are an even greater display of gratitude toward an individual or group by allowing the space to have a functionality for the public, "war porn" should be controlled before it affects the future of our leaders and therefore America, and through examining our own expressions of gratitude when visiting and thinking about memorials, we can better understand the importance and relevance of the devotee in the context of their lives and our society today.

Gratitude

Doss explores gratitude in relation to the WWII memorial exploring psychological conditions, morals and its political obligations (Doss-190). She writes that WWII memorials are now popping up as veterans are dying about 1,000 per day. She writes that gratitude must be given “before they are all gone” (190). Additionally, there is a fascination with WWII as shown in pop culture through movies and books.

After WWII Americans seemed more practical, often opting for living memorials instead of ostentatious statue memorials. They built auditoriums, parks, stadiums, hospitals, airports, art centers, libraries and museums (193). Some Americans were unhappy with these memorials that seemed to better serve the living than to thank the dead, but most of America liked that they were able to live in and use the memorials.

Doss discusses how memorials are built in a manor that is significant to the time. She cites Choay: “very essence of monuments… lies in its relationship to lived time and memory” (212). By nature memorials are political because they have to take a stance on the feelings of those it honors as well as those that come to honor it. This has accounted for many of the grander memorials because the neoclassic style promotes that it is distinguished.

Pop culture in America seems to romanticize war with it featured prominently in movies, books and video games. Doss defines war porn as “the contemporary American lust for war, evinced not only in war movies, war games, war toys, and war memorials but in the general fetishization of war itself on every conceivable level of American society.” She writes that Americans have a giddy pursuit of all things war (220). It is seen as the war on drugs and the war on AIDS.

She also writes to the war dogs that are honored. They are in many ways the most innocent because they don’t chose to serve. They work for a master and will die for them. The dogs were instrumental in the war, but because they aren’t people that are often forgotten. I think that it is important to honor them because they were so important.  

-Charlotte MacDonald

Doss on Gratitude by Ali Burner

In Chapter 4, I thought that the author’s opinions strongly came through when she looked at how we express gratitude. Doss formally defines gratitude as “a gesture of appreciation, an expression of thankfulness” (194). However, throughout the chapter she looks at how we use this expression of gratitude as so much more than this. I thought it was interesting that Doss shows how we use these memorials to quell conflict, to define who we are as a nation, and to show our solidarity. One of the things I found most interesting about this chapter was Doss’s analysis of the World War II Memorial. I have visited this Memorial in D.C., but never thought of it in such political terms. She writes “memorials are made because they correspond to immediate social and political needs” (212). This idea shapes the way Doss looks at the World War II Memorial. The location, the style, and the size of it all suggest political underpinnings. The political undertones of the memorial are what Doss shows have created so much controversy and criticism. Memorials like these represent both political leanings and the way that our ideals have been changed and shaped over time.

When looking at its location, the World War II memorial makes a very grand statement. Its placement between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument not only puts it in a prominent place along the National Mall, but also changes the theme of the Mall from honoring two great men who shaped our nation’s Republican ideals, to the theme of war. The Lincoln memorial becomes a symbol of the Civil War and the Washington Monument a symbol of the Revolutionary War, with the “good war” tying them together (207). Its location also changes the way we interpret other wars. Vietnam was unpopular and controversial. It is considered by many to be a blemish on a previously respectable record. The World War II Memorial’s location, at the center of the national mall, diminishes the importance of the Vietnam memorial and does not give it the recognition of America’s more glorious wars. The point I found most interesting was when Doss pointed out that the World War II Memorial’s placement on the National Mall would serve to decrease the ability of people to gather, march, and protest on the Mall, which had previously been such an important part of our history (215). This memorial, built in 2001 reflects the changing political ideals of the United States and a call for consensus as America moved toward crisis and war.

Doss also discusses how the style radiates militarism and solidarity.  The Style of the memorial is neo-classical and its association with Roman times draws out ideas of imperialism in America. Many critics claimed that it reflected the style of the Axis powers that the U.S. had fought to defeat (214). The style, the scale, and the location of this memorial all serve to transform the Mall from an “active space of civic participation…to a more passive consumption of commemoration” (216).

Doss’s discussion of the focus on the national mall on military victories instead of social, civil, or political ones leads her into the idea of “war porn.” America’s obsession with war commemoration has led us to idealize war and to see it as normal (220). She talks about the National D-Day Memorial is Munster, Indiana, where a memorial has been turned into a “theme park” where children and adults can enjoy themselves amidst scenes of destruction (227). As Doss points out we do not like to see ourselves as militaristic or imperialistic, but when looking at memorials like these and the ones chosen for the National Mall, it becomes apparent that this is what we have become.

Paul Reilly Gratitude

From the beginning of Americas founding memorials have been used to perpetuate ideals of our leaders. Despite cautions one central theme was of a "militaristic empire"(Doss, 209). Ideas such as liberty, freedom, and the republic as described by Doss were themes of early constructionists and continue when modern leaders consider construction of new memorials.

Classical symbols of the Greek and Roman era were used in the construction of monuments of the founding fathers. These include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Horatio Greenough statue of George Washington for example. These imperial symbols were used in promotion of territorial acquisition of foreign territories and military conquests. After 9/11 the World War II memorial constructed under George W. Bush is one example of a monument being used to promote a current war. 

George Bush's speech, "Today as we fight a war against terrorism, we remember our veterans' commitment to our country and their legacy of patriotism"(Doss, 206) is a prime example of using a memorial of a past war to promote a current war. President Bush parallels the patriotism seen in World War II to the soldiers serving in Iraq. This quote shows gratitude to two different eras of soldiers and promotes a policy of the current President.

War Porn is one way of conveying a message by playing on emotions of the viewer. Tableau, movies, and video games make the memorial an active experience. These provide active experiences for the viewer making it more memorable and more real. Memorials of tanks and sunk submarines right after World War II made the war that much more real for viewers. Paralleling this photos and tv footage of Vietnam brought the war home to noncombatants. Even people who never fought could now through technology have an experience of a war.

Paul Reilly

Julia Arena

In chapter 4, Doss addresses the notion of gratitude in relation to memorials. One of the most interesting questions this chapter proposes is whether or not gratitude is appropriate and how. Upon completing the first half of the chapter, I definitely began to reevaluate the importance of gratitude and how it is portrayed in our society. For example, Doss mentions the American fascination with war porn, which can be seen through blockbuster films in theaters, video games, and several memorials. The National D-Day memorial in Bedford, Virginia is one memorial that can act as one of the memorials that feeds the American thirst for a triumphant, heroic, and romanticized view of war. The memorial strives to bring viewers back to the war-ridden beach of Normandy through the display of old weapons and sound effects. Though such a display does create an emotional experience for viewers, it also provides a glorified view of war. Tourists and visitors may believe they have essentially grasped the terrors, atrocities, and devastation seen in Normandy, but they will never actually know what it was like to be there in person. This same false sense of understanding can be seen through the increasing production and popularity of war games like Call of Duty. To ensure their survival, gamers must strategically navigate through explosions and attacks set in World War II scenes. Though the character in the game may get shot, lose an ally, suffer an explosion, or die, the gamer does not die or suffer any deep emotional damage. These games, memorials, and films only fuel the, “giddy romance with all things war” that we see in American culture (Doss, 220). While these images can draw a sense of anxiety, there is almost a greater focus on the amusement and pleasure that viewers feel.

            Doss also touches on how many use gratitude as a tool to erase and relieve tensions. For instance, the Vietnam War caused a great deal of tension in American society and politics. Many troops returned from war only to be criticized for their efforts. The grand showing of gratitude by creating the Vietnam Memorial in D.C. is a way of apologizing and compensating for any lack of support previously shown. Apology monuments like the Vietnam Memorial are necessary for a stable society because they are step towards making amends. Though memorials done to appease tensions or act as an apology, “thanks are given in anticipation of benefits” (Doss, 195).

            Lastly, one final interesting point made by Doss is the increasing number of memorials for Vietnam’s Dogs of War. They are being honored for their dedication, sacrifice, and loyalty to our country. Though it is a touching subject, these dogs raised the idea of forgotten heroes. If we have forgotten dogs that have sacrificed their lives for us, who else have we overlooked. In addition, who are the many fallen or unnoticed heroes who have not been honored for their courageous actions? 

Gratitude-Megan Fricke

Megan Fricke:
I thought that this chapter of Erika Doss’ Book Memorial Mania was particularly interesting as she discussed gratitude and our desire to thank and remember those who lost their lives for our country.  While there wasn’t a national monument dedicated to WII until 2004, the memory of these soldiers continued to live in the memory of citizens in various manners.  The placement of this monument, directly in between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, demonstrates the importance and significance of WWII and the deceased.  The Announcement Stone at the entrance states that this monument was placed here to symbolize “the struggle during the Second World War and [who] made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us: a nation conceived in liberty and justice”.  I was fascinated with the fact that this million-dollar memorial was created out of gratitude and remembrance of these honorable soldiers, but some visitors did not understand the significance of the memorial.  I think that the living memorials that are usable by citizens, such as stadiums, bridges, highways, etc. have more of an effect on the nation and help people to understand the importance of the event.

            War porn is described as “the contemporary American lust for war, evinced not only in war movies, war games, war toys, and war memorials but in the general fetishization of war itself on every conceivable level of American society,” according to Doss.  Society idolizes those who sacrificed their lives for our nation and picture these heroes in great and valiant acts of combat.  We don’t want to forget those who fought for us and strive to remember their actions and sacrifices in the best light possible, despite any surrounding controversy.  Overall, I believe that memorials are necessary, but we should focus on teaching and creating a lasting memory of the soldiers and effected citizens.

Charlie Karp

Gratitude is the act of saying thank you and the acknowledgment of social debt. Doss points to the parallel between gratitude and humility. It is the feelings of humbleness that is the root of authentic thanks. In other words, a social consensus of indebtedness fuels the demand for memorials. This thanks can take the form of memorials. I found the debate over the legitimacy of living memorials fascinating. Lewis Mumford quote included on page 193, speaks to the argument that living memorials do not feature the same humility as a statue or memorial. This results from the fact that the community gains something for themselves from a living memorial, as it serves to both commemorate our heroes and add functionality. I personally disagree with this idea, because if I were a hero I would prefer to have a function community space than a statue. However, I do understand the nature of the argument given by Mumford. In my view, war memorials are much more about remembering the veteran than celebrating the wars in which they fought. Doss includes the fact that dogs are no being remembered for their service. While I am not much of an animal lover, I do believe that their memorialization will touch many members of the audience. The addition of the dog statues to war memorials brings the sacrifice into perspective for many.

In the text there seems to be a shadow that stands with many memorials, that they serve to celebrate America’s routine militarism. The collective nature of the memorials serves as an artistic rendering of America as a militaristic empire. With this broader view of memorials, the audience can experience “war porn” or the hyper exposure and glorification of war. When I visited Washington D.C. at age fifteen, I did not view the memorials in this way. However, now I can see that when all of the memorials are looked at together they form a larger piece of art that could allow America to be easily mistaken for an empire. This view came after I visited Rome this past summer. While in Rome, I recognized many similarities in the Roman architecture to what I had seen in Washington just a few years previously. The artistic themes taken from the Roman Empire make Washington a beautiful city but also a modern representation of a great empire.

            I do believe that war memorials should exist for they serve the important purpose of remembering those who sacrificed to keep our country safe. However, it is important to remain mindful of the controversy. It would not be smart to be give more propaganda to those who call America an empire. They should exist to allow American’s the forum to feel patriotic and thankful.

Doss Chapter 4: Gratitude and What It Means

        Chapter Four in Memorial Mania discusses several important (and controversial) memorials as well as how the expression of gratitude figures into our memorialization of certain events and people throughout history. Doss also brings up the concepts of 'War Porn' and 'War Dogs' in her explanation and discussion of these memorials. According to Doss, the World War II Monument dedicated in DC in 2004 is America's symbol of gratitude to the fallen soldiers. This memorial is a way to give thanks to those that gave their lives in what Doss later calls "A Good War." The memorial is located in between the Washington and Lincoln monuments on the National Mall, and it is for this reason that the Announcement Stone at the entrance to the memorial reads, "Here in the presence of Washington and Lincoln... we honor those twentieth century Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice" (Doss, 202). This memorial honors the memories of those who fell by displaying pillars with the names of the states (in the order that they entered the union) that the soldiers were native to. Other memorials, such as the Letters Home memorial in Temecula, California, offer a more personal approach as it shows soldiers sitting quietly and contemplating writing letters home to their families during the War. Here, civilians are free to sit and interact with these truly human statues. These memorials put a face to the war effort and make it easier for some people to show their appreciation for the soldiers. Few memorials are more powerful than the controversial Eyes Wide Open and Arlington West memorials that actually quantify those who died in the Iraq War. The absence of any human statues or figures shows the loss that so many families have experienced, and the empty boots of the Eyes Wide Open memorials show what is left behind of a soldier's valiant efforts after they have passed away. These memorials are controversial, I believe, because too often people do not want to face the loss of war; they would rather appreciate the valiant efforts of generals and leaders by making statues and dedicating them in their honor. However, I believe to truly show gratitude to those who gave their lives to the cause, it is necessary to actually see and experience the number of those whose lives were lost, which one can do if they visit Arlington West or any of the Eyes Wide Open memorials.

        When Doss mentions 'War Porn,' she is discussing how Americans express and respond to war. Though it would seem that way by it's name, war porn does not have sexual connotations and is not associated with illicit fantasies about war. She states on page 220, "War porn is the great American cultural expression, not as a form of sexual fantasy and social transgression but as an instrument of national consensus, conformity and normalcy," (Doss, 220). To me, war porn shows why Americans are so eager to honor the dead by erecting memorials in their honor. Americans can't get enough of war heroes; we love to hear the tales of valiant generals leading the underdog to victory, or how by faith in liberty and justice the American armies successfully liberate nations and peoples who are not free. It is possible that even more than war itself we enjoy commemorating war through the media. Countless books, movies, video games and television specials have been released to pay homage to the soldiers who gave their lives for our country. War Dogs are the 'dogs of war' who participated in wars such as the Vietnam War and who will be honored with a national war dog memorial. This reminds me of the statue of Balto that stands in central park, because even though Balto was not involved in any war effort, he was a hero of a different breed who was honored with a bronze statue like many human soldiers have been.