Many events influence our society's perception on what is most popular at that given time. The unprecedented attack on September 11, 2001 made a crucial impact on popular culture through television, music, and fashion. Television's concern at the time was the Twin Towers and finding those who were responsible for this heinous crime. A patriotic message was sent out through music as well as fashion and its sudden burst of flag accessories. Popular culture is always changing to adapt to society and its current state of mind. .
After the first plane crashed into the Twin Towers, the media immediately began recording the event. Throughout the day there were no commercials and every show was canceled. Most people had no reception on their televisions due to the loss of the antenna that stood atop one of the towers. Some would say they were lucky. Those who had cablevision were subject to watching the news all day. Rerunning the attack over and over again became sickening to most. All people could think about were how many people died that day either working in the buildings, or trying to rescue them. Everyone grew depressed and vulnerable, some even angered and vengeful.
Watching sitcoms such as "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Friends" took away any depression or any worries about the Twin Towers that they had. Even if it was just for thirty minutes, those shows were a way to escape and bring comfort. For others, watching sitcoms such as "NYPD Blue" , "The West Wing", and "Third Watch", shows that dealt with themes similar to September 11, gave them hope and anticipation that everything was going to be alright. By seeing in the end the good guys always win, helped those to feel that life will not stop. Caryn James, a TV critic says, "I think now you see a real split on television between shows like "Friends" or "Will and Grace" that are escapist and don't want to deal with it and shows like NYPD Blue that are immersed in the difference, whether they deal with it explicitly or not.
