With every mass shooting or act of terrorism comes the inevitable makeshift memorial. While they are meant to memorialize and mourn the victims there is more to them than meets the eye.  Harriet F Senie is the author of several books and articles on public art and co-founder of the international organization Public Art Dialogue.  She is also Director of the M.A. Program in Art History and Art Museum Studies at City College, City University of New York and teaches at the CUNY Graduate Center.  Previous books include “Critical Issues in Public Art: Content, Context, and Controversy” and “The Titled Arc Controversy: Dangerous Precedent?”  In her newest book “Memorials to Shattered Myths: Vietnam to 9/11” the author explores the subject of memorials from makeshift roadside memorials to national ones like the Oklahoma City and Columbine memorials.

“Memorials to Shattered Myths” by Harriet F Seine begins with an introduction of the subject of memorials and how they came about.  She writes that in the beginning there were no set precedents in the United States in regards to what types of memorials should be used to commemorate political rules, military leaders and war victories.  This also became an issue after the terrorist attacks in Oklahoma City, the World Trade Center and the Columbine shootings. The main difference is that the latter focuses on the victims more than the events.  She also describes the subject of specific chapters and what they cover.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is covered in Chapter 1 including information on the design and background on designer Maya Ying Lin.  Chapter 2 titled ‘Immediate Memorials: Mourning in Protest’ covers cemeteries, roadside memorials, celebrity displays and tributes to deaths in the street, workplace and schools.  It also explains the meaning of objects left at memorial sites.  Chapter 4 ‘Columbine: The Power of Denial’ stands out because it considers the point of view of the shooter.  According to reporter Jeff Kass, school shooters commit their crimes as a type of revenge against the social order.  In his suicide note, Eric Harris, one of the shooters, wrote ‘You need to face the fact that this comes as a result of YOUR CHOICES…You taught these kids not to accept what is different.’  What they all have in common is that after each one of these tragedies come the vigils, memorials, marches and protests for more effective gun control laws.

Overall Harriet F Senie has written a well researched book about memorials complete with ‘Notes’ and ‘Bibliography’ sections as well as an Index for quick references.  Her background is in art and therefore she writes about the art aspect of these memorials which is a different but interesting angle.  It is recommended for readers who are interested in history, art and memorials of all kinds.   The language is easy to understand and the subject keeps readers interested way beyond the first chapter.  They just might find it interesting to read that immediate memorials are a kind of performance art because anyone can participate.

*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was given for an honest review.  The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.