 | Illustration by Billy Reiter |
Letters from the Editors
As the nation tries to come to terms with the most horrific and deadly act of terrorism to occur on U.S. soil, students across the country and the world try to cope with what will surely become one of the most gruesome hallmarks of our nation's history. Fearful, anxious, and confused are words that all seems to deflate when used to describe human reactions to the recent violence of September 11. The human casualties will no doubt reach unfathomable highs, and the rebuilding process will take years and millions of dollars. But, the emotional scars left by such a heinous and seemingly senseless act of mass-violence will be with this generation and this nation forever. The terrorist actions will shape this generation the way no other national incident has before. And it will be a testament to our resilience and strength for those of who refuse to live in fear, but instead teach healing, love, peace, and fairness.
-Lamaretta Simmons, Editor
In times of crisis, I turn to the arts for solace - music, poetry, film, dance - and feel so thankful to be here in Chicago and at this school, surrounded by other people who are interested in creative pursuits and who are interested in asking questions about their world and existence, and in sharing that dialogue with others. As an editor, I believe we have a unique opportunity at F to offer a space in newsprint for open creative and intellectual dialogue. I encourage you - students, faculty, and staff of the school, as well as those in the Chicago arts community - to take advantage of this forum, to read the myriad thoughts of others around you and to write to us if you want to add to the discussion. Thank you to everyone who has submitted writing and spoken at recent forums. I'm inspired by your words and your bravery.
-Heidi Broadhead, Editor
In the week following the devastation of the terrorist attacks we all struggled to feel some sense of normalcy. We returned to work, our streets, the train, our neighborhood coffee shops, and some semblance of our normal lives. When we returned to class here at SAIC, I was inspired by a professor, who in that first class back, dared to ask us how we were, how we felt, and asked could we please make sure that we have a friend to walk to the subway with after our night classes end?
More than words, more than the beautiful escape of art, it has been the act of reaching out whether from teachers, family, loved ones, friends, or strangers that has consoled me in recent days. My hope is that we continue to reach out to each other, and that maybe this issue of F will offer a smidgen of consolation as well.
-Joanne Hinkel, Arts Editor
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