Memory and earth shattering events?

Question

Neurologically speaking, what is it about earth shattering events such as the JFK assassination or 9/11 that allows virtually everyone to remember "...where they were and what they were doing"

Answer 1

It's called a flashbulb memory. I learned this in one of my Psych classes. I remember where I was when the Challenger blew up. The event has such impact that it is reinforced in your mind and you are less likely to forget. You may also remember where you were and what you were doing when a parent or loved one dies also.

Answer 2

People like to discuss it, that's why they remember it. It gives them something to compare each other, one person might have been driving, another getting a haircut, another at home. As for me, for example, I wasn't born yet for the first event and during 9/11 I was in my fifth grade class. I remember that someone came into the room, talked to the teacher, then went to get her a TV. We sat there and watched the events unfold on the News. I remember thinking how cool it looked to see the explosion that was created when the plane crashed through a tower. The plane hit the building, and all of a sudden, flames soared through the sides and out the back. (But why am i telling you what it looked like? You've seen it, i'm sure) In truth, it would have been cool had it been in Hollywood, but since it was real life, a couple people got angry at me for making that statement. Why remember it? Because we have no other choice.

Answer 3

We have a tendency as humans to want to remember the important or tragic events in our lives to define our legacy or life. Living a life where nothing happens would not be too fun or interesting. We also like to brag or be boisterous as humans, so we remember the good stories or the good-ole-days.

Answer 4

The reason that we remember is that it's on the news, the news brainwashes us, forcing us to remember these events. After it's on the news people talk about, and, by the time that people stop talking about, IT'S STUCK, DEEP INSIDE YOUR HEAD.

Answer 5

It could be the fact that the media tends to make a huge deal out of it, and proceeds to remind you of the event and day. your mind, ends up taking a "mental picture" of that day because you are subconsciously told to remember that day because it will be a part of "history".

Answer 6

I learned way back in PSY 101, that the things that happened back in our preteen and teen years, and perhaps early 20s, tend to stick in our minds more than any other time of life.

Answer 7

this sounds like the rantings of a psychic! and astrologer! these things are just money making gimmicks to get money out of frightened people who believe in voodoo, hexes, and numbers like the 666 of the devil! get real!