(salam) Both of you brothers bring about excellent points. I hope you don't mind me adding a few comments to the discussion. It is quoted in the books of hadith and by the `ulama that the women of the Bani Hashim did not feast or celebrate for years after `Ashura. This point holds more importance than just refraining from celebration. In this time, many sons were born to the Bani Hashim, and many girls, also there were weddings and life did contine. However, contrary to the customary celebrations that tribes/families would have at these events, the women of the Bani Hashim did not only refrain from celebrating, they would refrain from gathering together in one home for a single night of dinner and fraternity. From this many of the Shi`ah have understood that although public displays of mourning (i.e. latmiyyah, matam) may prove hurtful to the general masses; within the Bani Hashim the day of `Ashura remained every day for them, and the land of Karbala remained every land for them. In reference to your point regarding rememberance: any mention of the Imams can be considered an act of `ibadah, whether this be in du`a, dhikr, or latmiyyah. Regarding the "Shi`ah Nation:" Although it is true that many people can share in our understanding and education through Karbala, the fact of the matter remains, that Imam Husayn (as) is understood the most through his offspring and their supporters, friends, and students. Thus who can to truly appreciate `Ashura when they cannot even appreciate Islam or Nubuwwah, or Imamah, or Walayah? These are all aspects that tie into the reality of Karbala and the Shahadah of our Imam (as) . You should look into the history of the usages of Latmiyyah by the Bani Hashim and their Shi`ah in preperations for the Lesser Jihad (revolutions against the corrupt and injust caliphs). Moreover, please look at what is happening in the cities of the Bani Hashim today? Look what travesties befall the Shi`ah of Najaf al-Ashraf! There was once a time that at any given moment you could stumble into a backroom Husayniyyah in Karbala and find the Shi`ah crying and lamenting their martyred Imam (as) . There was once a time when the youth of the Bani Hashim and their Shi`ah would beat their chests in preparation for their beloved marturdom, so that they could join their martyred Imam (as). Please consider all these points and try not to worry too much about the image. And please make du`a for the re-apperance of our Standing, Beloved, Imam Aba Salih al-Mahdi (`ajjalallah ta`ala farajuh ash-sharif) and for Allah to Bless His Fathers and Mother, the Lady of Light, Hadrat Fatimah as-Saddiqah az-Zahra. (salam)