This might upset you, like it did me.

[Wayne M.]

I know some of you have seen that famous picture of 3 FDNY Firefighters at the World Trade Center Ground Zero raising a flag at the site. I know one TDR member is using it as an AVATAR. There will be a statue erected similar to this picture, and I say similar. Please go to this link to find out more.



http://www.nydailynews.com/2002-01-12/News_and_Views/City_Beat/a-137991.asp



I don't think history should be bent like this. If anything maybe the faces of all men should be left in abstract so that it might resemble whoever the viewer wants.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Yeah, I read about this on Firehouse.com. It's a shame that there have to be political battles surrounding this tragedy. They could make a different memorial representing all the races while leaving this picture alone, in my opinion. Then everyone would be served without all the controversy.

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

We always seem to carry things like "Political Correctnes" too far in the wrong direction. If we build this it should depict those that were actually there and put the flag up. If we don't we are once again changing history to suit someone elces perception of what it should look like.



I agree with Fireman Dave - put up a Politically Correct - monument to all who sacrificed so much - but leave this one alone.

Bob

 

[Scollins]

So, what's next? The depiction of raising the flag on Mt Suribachi on Iwo Jima needs to depict different races based on the ethnic make up of America?? Give me a break! This should not be a race issue. The statue should be a depiction of what ACTUALLY happened.



On a related note, what do you call "African-Americans" when you personally do not hyphenate "American" for anything. I believe you are an American, or not. There is no "African-American", "Chinese-American", "Japanese-American", etc. , etc. I absolutely detest the hyphenating of "American. " No wonder their continues to be race related isssues in this country, every body wants to identify themselves into a smaller group of Americans. STOP IT! Imagine the backlash if I called myself "White-American" or "Anglo-American. " The uproar would be tremendous.



DON'T HYPHENATE AMERICA!

 

[NVR FNSH]

Scollins,

I agree with you about hypenating 'American' except in one case. If the person is a first generation - ie fresh off the boat - I don't have a problem with somebody calling themselves a 'xxxxx-american'. For me it's "if you were born here you are an American" end of story.



Brian

 

[rmrc]

This kind of "politically correct" crap contunially makes me SICK!!!! We all know who the three firemen were. LEAVE HISTORY ALONE!!! If they happened to be three black men, or two asians and one hispanic, would there be a cry to add one white guy in the picture? If the three fireman were of different or mixed races, then that's how it should be portrayed. They happened to be all white and THAT'S how it MUST be portrayed for the mere purpose of historical fact!

 

[NVR FNSH]

Was the sculpture supposed to be a 'true to life' reproduction of the photograph? I'm having a hard time convincing myself that I could tell the race of the guys when they are all bronze colored... . Are the facial features so clear that I'll be able to tell?



Brian

 

[Wayne M.]

Brian, I saw another article in my local paper showing a picture of the full scale clay model. The faces look pretty sharp to me, but you know how color newsprint quality can be. I have been speaking to FDNY FF's locally, and they're not too happy. This could get interesting.

I have decided to not recgonize this statue if it will be built like this.

 

[Scollins]

Originally posted by NVR FNSH

Scollins,

I agree with you about hypenating 'American' except in one case. If the person is a first generation - ie fresh off the boat - I don't have a problem with somebody calling themselves a 'xxxxx-american'. For me it's "if you were born here you are an American" end of story.



Brian

Yes, I can see that. Good point.

 

[The patriot]

Originally posted by NVR FNSH

Was the sculpture supposed to be a 'true to life' reproduction of the photograph? I'm having a hard time convincing myself that I could tell the race of the guys when they are all bronze colored... . Are the facial features so clear that I'll be able to tell?



Brian

Evidently if theyre talking like this before it's even built, theyre going to make sure you'll be able to tell the difference.

Just another example of how history will be (re) written.

I aint saying there was no minorities there because that's untrue, just they didnt put up the flag. Just my . 02

Eric

 

[danandamy]

Originally posted by Fireman Dave

... . They could make a different memorial representing all the races while leaving this picture alone, in my opinion. Then everyone would be served without all the controversy.

This is exactly what I said when I first heard about this. Why didn't they make a statue of three firefighters charging up a flight of stairs, each of a different race? Instead, they take this picture and stir up a big controversy because history didn't happen the way some pc guy wishes it had. I keep thinking, 'How would I feel if I were one of the firefighters who was NOT depicted who was actually there?' I don't think I would appreciate it much. What a bunch of a$$clowns



pcdan

 

[CJ Johansson]

Originally posted by Scollins

On a related note, what do you call "African-Americans" when you personally do not hyphenate "American" for anything. I believe you are an American, or not. There is no "African-American", "Chinese-American", "Japanese-American", etc. , etc. I absolutely detest the hyphenating of "American. " No wonder their continues to be race related isssues in this country, every body wants to identify themselves into a smaller group of Americans. STOP IT! Imagine the backlash if I called myself "White-American" or "Anglo-American. " The uproar would be tremendous.



DON'T HYPHENATE AMERICA!

Yep, I agree, however, I do know a guy who can actually claim to be an African-American. He was born and raised in South Africa, was a citizen there, and has now become a naturalized American citizen, so, if anyone could be called African-American, it's be him (he refers to himself as simply American though). The funny part is, he's white...



-cj

 

[NVR FNSH]

Originally posted by CJ Johansson

The funny part is, he's white...



-cj

He's a legal immigrant from South Africa the previous home of apartheid. Does it really suprise you that he's white? There is still a lot bitterness towards SA - I wouldn't call myself African-American either... ...



Brian

 

[46mech]

I feel compelled to chime in here too! It's so sad to see this country has stooped so low. I think of a fireman and I think of a "hero" and I don't put any race to it. This statue needs to depict what it was or not at all.

As far as first generation immigrants... ... they're not Americans until they go through the entire legalizing process. Until that happens, they're whatever nationality they want to be; complete the process and they're Americans... flat out! And that's got nothing to do with not being proud of your heritage.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Originally posted by danandme





Why didn't they make a statue of three firefighters charging up a flight of stairs, each of a different race?

pcdan

I like that idea, Dan.

 

[CJ Johansson]

Originally posted by NVR FNSH





He's a legal immigrant from South Africa the previous home of apartheid. Does it really suprise you that he's white? There is still a lot bitterness towards SA - I wouldn't call myself African-American either... ...



Brian

No, the white part is only funny in that in this country, African-American generally always refers to a black person. He didn't understand this at first and caught a bit of hell for filling out various forms and checking the African-American box...

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

There's no way to be PC about not liking this... 1 black , 1 hisp and 1 white guy in the picture is not accurate and does not even match the ethnic ratios in the fire department.



Why make the memorial about race? It should be about bravery and dedication to fallen comrads. Is there anything a politician can't screw up?

 

[Fireman Dave]

Here's some news on this. It looks like they're reconsidering.



http://webpublisher.lexisnexis.com/...id=110003011&did=44XT-3X30-01CV-K32R-00000-00

 

[Wayne M.]

AN UPDATE FROM MY LOCAL PAPER- READ IT BEFORE THEY TAKE IT AWAY!

This is about as close as one could get to what's going on!





http://www.silive.com/news/advance/..._standard.xsl?/base/news/1011363304234545.xml



I'm glad they're reconsidering.