9/11, for some reason

I’m in a bit of a pickle again concerning French perceptions of American history and culture.

Some of my students emailed me to ask for help with their upcoming play. I didn’t even know that there was going to be a school play, so I was thrilled to lend a hand. The students said that part of the play is in American English, so they were requesting help with their pronunciation — they want to sound authentic. I asked what the play is, and the students said, “Oh, it is called September Eleventh, Two Thousand One.”

Uh. What?

They emailed the script to me. Here is an excerpt, copy and pasted, completely unchanged:

Hi Jacked.

Jacked

Jets Jackety Jets,

Hijacked Jets

Jets

Hit Trade

World Weird

Worderly Trade

PentagonTwin Towers Falling Down Falling Down FallingGone

The Twin Towers Are Falling Down Falling Down Falling Down.

Like, what on earth is this?! Is this a song? Is it supposed to be London Bridges? Is it supposed to be funny, or is it a genuine unfortunate misfire attempting to be emotionally striking?The entire script is like this. It ends in a multi page dialogue between George W. Bush and Bin Laden. And no, the students did not write this — it was written by a professional French poet and playwright who, and I researched this, has won awards in literature.

I’ve noticed that French people think about 9/11 probably more than the average American. They certainly strongly associate it with us. I’ve had crêpe vendors notice my accent and ask me if I remember the plane hitting the second tower. Students in particular seem to spend a lot of time studying 9/11 in school. Don’t believe me? Here is photo evidence:

A poster found in one of the language classrooms

A paper maché display of 9/11. Notice that one tower has already fallen

Not sure what my next steps are here. I still want to help, but this play… I’m uneasy with it, but I don’t know how to explain that to French people. I guess I just have to help them out, keep my fingers crossed, and get a ticket when they come up for sale.

Bises,Allison

P.S.: I found a cat café in the city. Even though a cup of tea was five euro, I will be returning.