The Uncanniness of September 11th

Abstract

Sigmund Freud's concept of the “Uncanny” can serve as a means by which we can more fully comprehend the depth of our individual and collective reactions to the tragic eventsof September 11th. Through the interplay of the familiar and the unfamiliar, life and death, as well as through the concepts of “the twin”, repetition, and the evil but powerful figure, Freud helps us to understand how deeply this day in our history made signficant inroads into our psyche. The person of faith, in turn, can utilize these concepts to help with the “hermeneutical” process of making sense of what otherwise cannot be fathomed.