Flags and Forgiveness
In the context of the events on and immediately following September 11, it is fruitful to explore the relationship between response and identity. How does the way individuals and nations have responded re ect who they are and what holds meaning for them? We can consider two responses, in particular. The  rst one is evident: the American  ag. This response seems to answer the question, “do you know and care about the events of September 11?” The second response is more theoretical. It answers questions such as, “what do we do to respond, how do we feel about these events and those who have caused them, and what consequences will our actions today have for who we will become as individuals and nations in the future?” In other words, how does what we do to respond now and in what spirit, re ect, and shape not only who we are—our identities today—but also who we want to become—our identities tomorrow? To answer these questions, I will argue that the idea of forgiveness is fundamental.