ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part argues that trauma is not only about the initial terrible experience, it is also about what happens to that experience in the social world. It suggests that culture shapes, and economics is used to shape, the narrative of trauma, very often leading to enforced silence about its causes, dimensions, and consequences. The part deals with New York City firefighters after 9/11 is an illuminating analysis of transmission. It provides a more textured sense of the ebb and flow of emotional life between the generations and invites to consider the families of trauma victims as not only potential victims themselves, but also as resources for healing. The part draws on Jane Fonda's autobiography to tell a tragic family story, a story launched amid the ambitions, fantasies and grave disappointments of Hollywood and played out, among other places, in psychiatric hospitals.
