Key Takeaways
– Brands should approach posting about 9/11 with caution and sensitivity.
– Some brands with personal connections to 9/11 may have appropriate responses.
– It is acceptable for brands to stay quiet about 9/11 if it does not have personal meaning to their audience or affect their business.
– If a brand decides to make a public commemoration, they should be kind, empathetic, and considerate.
– 9/11 is a day of remembrance and not a day to profit or build a brand.
Brands and 9/11: A Delicate Balance
The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were tragic events that shook the United States and the world. As the 21st anniversary of this devastating day approaches, many brands find themselves grappling with whether or not to post about it on social media. While it is important to remember and honor the lives lost, brands must approach this topic with caution and sensitivity.
Brands with Personal Connections
Some brands have deep personal connections to 9/11, such as Cantor Fitzgerald, American Airlines, and United Airlines. These companies were directly impacted by the attacks, losing employees and experiencing significant financial and operational challenges. For these brands, it may be appropriate to share their personal stories and tributes to honor the lives lost and the resilience of their organizations.
Staying Quiet: A Valid Choice
Not every brand has a personal connection to 9/11, and it is important to recognize that. If a brand does not have a meaningful reason to commemorate the event, it may be best to stay quiet. Attempting to insert oneself into the conversation without a genuine connection can come across as opportunistic and insensitive. Brands should consider whether their audience would find value in their 9/11-related content and if it aligns with their brand identity.
Approaching Public Commemorations
If a brand decides to make a public commemoration, it is crucial to approach it with kindness, empathy, and consideration. This is not a time to sell products or gain brand share. Instead, brands should focus on honoring the lives lost, expressing solidarity with those affected, and offering support or resources to relevant causes or organizations. It is important to strike the right tone and avoid any language or imagery that could be seen as exploitative or disrespectful.
Remembering the Purpose
Ultimately, it is essential to remember that 9/11 is a day of remembrance and not a day to profit or build a brand. Brands should approach this topic with the utmost respect and sensitivity. It is important to prioritize the emotions and experiences of those directly affected by the attacks and to use any platform or influence to promote healing, unity, and support.
Conclusion
As the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approaches, brands must carefully consider their approach to posting about this sensitive topic. While some brands with personal connections may have appropriate responses, others should consider staying quiet if they do not have a meaningful reason to commemorate the event. If a brand does choose to make a public commemoration, it is crucial to approach it with kindness, empathy, and consideration, focusing on honoring the lives lost and offering support to relevant causes. Ultimately, brands must remember that 9/11 is a day of remembrance and not a day to profit or build a brand.
