September 11 in the media

Twice in history American magazines have come together united by tragedy. The first time was featured in a recent book United We Stand that chronicles when nearly 300 magazines took part in the campaign by placing the American flag on their covers in July of 1942. On September 11, 2001 the same thing happened with the images of the twin towers or simply the numbers 9/11. (see video) Five years later we return to September 11 with some really good essays and reflection like the ones in the Economist and Time, some very distasteful birthday cake to celebrate the birth of terror (as if terror were born on September 11) and some who thought that what we are teaching our first graders takes precedent over the memory of September 11. Either way I hope that the images attached will give us a moment to reflect on the power of print engaging the country in in-depth thinking and reflection and showcasing what no other medium can provide: the visual impact of photography and typography.

United We Stand (July 1942)

5th Anniversary September 11 Covers