English

Personal history or memory is inevitably biased and one-sided. Historical discourse is challenged by the factual evidence of the past. This is paved by the historical memory of an individual which prevents the biased mentality from drawing clear conclusions. Whereas memory is influenced by suggestion, emotions and the senses which makes it highly subjective, and affects the way in which it is perceived. We are shown this throughout the prescribed text, Smithsonian National Museum of American History September 11 website, via the visual, audible and emotional structures and representations which are prevalent throughout, the related texts the website, ‘Erika Van Hesteren tells her Story’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, a feature article by Steven Bach.

Our culture is led to believe that history is, at its best, an unbiased account of the past, whereas memory is highly subjective and affects the way in which it is perceived. The use of a website in itself is sufficient that the historical context of any event is under a rapid rate of change. The Smithsonian September 11 website is continually being amended where over a short period of time; major information may be added or even removed. It is of great concern that we recognise that the use of such features is highly beneficial and is required when the contrast between documented evidence and personal history is studied.

Although the purpose of the website is to inform, the intended audience is intentionally "selected". "Did you fly the American flag?" refers to the "common" question that is asked with every "story" leaving foreign audiences being the judgers rather than the subject of the event: "How did you witness history on September 11th?" It has always been argued as to wether "History is Memory". Can History remember more than memory? Through the use of open ended questions, the website constructs the view that documented evidence is reliable. In addition, it provides the biased factual detail of "an individual's...