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The “Dull Cleanup” at the World Trade Center: A Brief Response to Zuckerman’s article “Coping with Terrorism Anxiety” |
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Letter to the Editor |
by Karl S. Tepfer, Ph.D. |
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In “Coping with Terrorism Anxiety” the author (Zuckerman, 2002) maintains that the solution to coping with September 11th and subsequent terrorism anxiety is in having our patients realize the “…effects of our culture” and that “…our (governments’ or leader’s) actions contributed to these attacks [italics added].” We must convince our patients that not only is our government at fault, but that we should direct our efforts towards appeasement of our enemies. Zuckerman also stated that the “excessive” media coverage consisted of “bleeding” followed by the “dull cleanup [italics added].” Those who are manifesting a negative cognitive and/or affectual state following 9/11 must be reminded that these horrific images are only “….a symbol for complex geopolitical realities.” This brand of cavalier characterization, along with what the general public must view as pseudo quasi-political psychobabble (-i.e. “real dynamics,” “contextual issues,” “geo-political realities”) helps to perpetuate our profession being perceived as intellectualizing, often ineffectual theoreticians rather than true helpers. As therapists it is of utmost importance to maintain awareness of our own political biases and ensure that they remain outside of the therapeutic environment. Injection of the personal political agenda or bias of therapists is clearly inappropriate. This behavior is certainly not in the best interest of patients nor the overall enhancement of the public perception of our profession. The events of September 11th seemed to have galvanized our country into one nearly unified nation. A nation, not of disparate self-blaming individuals, but rather those millions who did stand united in our shared terror, pain, grief, mutual support and ultimately the resolve to acknowledge, recognize and defend all that is right with our country. They would benefit from knowing that these homicidal terrorist acts were aimed squarely at those with the insight, innovation and drive who have actually dared to embrace and benefit from 20th century civilization. We have met the enemy. They are not us. Dr. Karl Tepfer, who does regularly watch the news on the FOX TV network and proudly displays an American flag at his home, maintains a private practice in Bellmore, New York. Feedback is welcomed at: Sting745@aol.com References Zuckerman, E. Coping with Terrorism Anxiety. The Independent Practitioner, APA, Division 42, Spring, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 113-115. |
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