“Portraits of Grief,” Reflectors of Values: The New York Times Remembers Victims of September 11

Abstract

The systematic examination of obituaries can provide a useful tool to explore the values of Americans of any era. Such an examination can help in understanding an important aspect of American culture, the public memory of its citizens. In the aftermath of 11 September 2001, the New York Times began publishing “Portraits of Grief,” small sketches recalling the lives of individuals lost in the terrorist attacks. This study examines the portraits as commemorations more than chronicles, as reflectors of values and memory at what may prove to be a significant turning point in American history.