It is interesting to experience my own increasing openness to this kind of humor as time passes.
For context, I'm an American, I was an adult when this happened, and have worked for one of the involved airlines since before the attacks, but was nowhere near NYC and didn't know anyone directly impacted.
But even still, probably 5 years ago I'd have been a little skeeved out my this. Now I chuckle.
Yeah but I think I'm okay with Germany's stance on it, as I understand it at least.
It isn't avoidance or denial, it seems to me, as much as total repudiation.
It strikes me as an appropriate response for a nation that is host to such an abomination, and worthy of emulation by any other nation that should ahem manage to make any similar mistakes.
Honestly that's a good thing. People sometimes get too uptight about this stuff. I'm not saying it's always right to make a 9/11 joke, but context matters
Different cultures and different people deal with this sort of stuff in different ways.
I wasn't in NYC at the time, but I had been in the twin towers one month before the attack. I was working in London during the attack, my building for evacuated. Still, when I heard that a radio station had played "it's raining men" during the attack, it was a big oof but also a very good if tasteless joke. And that was the same year!
The British have a great sense of humour for dealing with tragedy. After the 7/7 bombings, an old chap on the news was saying "I've been bombed by a better class of bastard than this", and the next day office staff across the whole financial centre, at least, all lined the roads at 11am. Both in remembrance, and in defiance of the attackers.
Some people find stuff sacrosanct and feel it can't be mentioned, let alone be the basis of a joke. And some feel humour is a way to humanise, process and deal with a tragedy. But let it be clear it is never mocking the tragedy or victims, it is usually looking for some funny angle on something inconsequential compared to the tragedy.
(Of course there are examples to the contrary, I'm giving an overall view of the reaction there at the time and since)
I remember a while back when this was new and someone in a video tried to use it as a coupon and they honored it. I can't find the link to the video though... 🙁
Nah I'll get like a 6" combo (drink and chips) for like... $12.
Footlongs are probably about the same. They're not even great sandwiches, idk how they exist when there's jimmy johns and jersey mikes. Way better for about the same price.