In class, we have talked so much about the secular apocalypse recently in class. Usually, we attribute the secular apocalypse to technology or disease. I never really thought about anything else that we could attribute to a modern-day secular apocalypse until now. During last class, I mentioned that it was still too early to tell what secular apocalypse story plagued our generation. But I think that Broderick and Jacobs have the answer for me. Their essay was quite convincing: we are living in a society where post-9/11 apocalyptic stories dominate our culture. Similar to the effect of the Cold War on the apocalypse narrative, I do agree with Broderick and Jacobs that 9/11 is permeating our apocalyptic narrative.

As the authors point out, I think there are a lot of similarities in the attitude of Americans post-9/11 with the attitude during the Civil War. I think this is quite evident in the examples that the authors have provided. In the past Cold War apocalypse narrative and the present day post-9/11 narrative, the fear of a nuclear attack on Manhattan remains constant. The only difference is who plays the role of the Other. I think it has grown more subtle over the years, but right after 9/11, there was definitely a strong fear about more attacks on Manhattan. There was a paranoia that hung over New Yorkers that was similar to what others had experienced during the Cold War. Instead of fearing Communists, we fear[ed] terrorists.

I enjoyed the variety of examples that the author has provided because they showcased all different forms of media. I look forward to what the exhibit on Tuesday will present.