Chapter 4--Kasey Cannon

      Throughout Chapter 4 in Memorial Mania, Doss discusses the importance of gratitude in relationship to memorials. Gratitude is typically understood as appreciation and thankfulness. Doss explains that “feelings of gratitude are crucial to the operation of stable, modern, and moral societies” (194). However, gratitude is often perceived in relationships with reciprocity: of benefits given and received (194). This view implies inauthentic thanks and appreciation; one is merely forced to give gratitude due to society’s moral requirements.

       Doss continues to discuss gratitude in relationship with the World War II Memorial. Doss believes that “national expressions of thanksgiving have typically followed outbreaks of social conflict and episodes of war” (195). She explains how the World War II Memorial continues this tradition of forced appreciation after conflict and war. Previously to reading Memorial Mania, I never would have thought of memorials as forced thanksgiving. However, I now understand why Doss makes such claims.

     I found Doss’ critique of the World War II Memorial fascinating. I have never visited this memorial, but I have always viewed the memorial as striking and very powerful based on pictures. However, as Doss points out, most audiences “struggle for meaning” at the memorial. I absolutely agree with Doss’ argument. Until reading this book, I never would have known the meaning or symbology behind the stars, wreaths, or pillars. Unlike other memorials, the World War II Memorial does not appear as an inviting or contemplative space (205). Furthermore, the National Park Service does not encourage visitors to leave gifts or offers. I believe this takes away from the purpose and personal connection one can have to a memorial.

      Doss further discusses the location of the National World War II Memorial. As Doss points out, situating the memorial in the middle of the National Mall was “entirely deliberate—a concerted effort to challenge the memory and symbolic authority of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial” (240). The World War II Memorial’s location, scale, and style all emphasize the country’s reputation as a highly militaristic empire (215).  I found it fascinating to consider if another memorial, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, had been built in the location of the World War II Memorial. This just points to how crucial location is when constructing a memorial. 

        Doss explains war porn as “an instrument of national consensus, conformity, and normalcy” (220). War porn is viewed as conformity and national identity because of the unquestioned American faith in militarism (221). Warn porn also characterizes American lust for war. This is exemplified through Americans’ love for war movies, war games, war toys, and war memorials (221). War porn is increasingly realized through the growing number of war memorials.

       The growing number of memorials relates back to gratitude. War memorials create feelings of gratitude with “national imperatives, cultivating affective modes of citizenship and patriotism and persuading publics of the necessity of war itself” (251). Some memorials commemorate each individual by name, such as the Vietnam Memorial, while others give thanksgiving anonymously, such as the World War II Memorials. Still others invoke feelings of mourning, such as the Arlington West memorial, by naming and picturing dead soldiers (251). However, the over arching theme among all of these memorials is the gratitude and honor given to soldiers. I believe this is the most important take away from Chapter 4.