America in two pictures

 

My first picture is that of the Wright brother's innovation in the field of flight. This image shows Orville Wright's first flight in a heavier than air machine that was controlled completely by the human riding it and not by the whim of the wind. I see this picture to represent the freedom of innovation that America offers it citizens under the name of liberty. I feel this picture shows the idea that America is the place where anyone can achieve their dream no matter how crazy it seems at the time.

My second picture depicts the moon landing of 1969.
America's passion for liberty and freedom has, in this picture, potentially taken a turn in the opposite direction. The issue is that with a love of freedom comes a dislike - or distrust if you will - of authority figures that have the power to take away any or all of that freedom. In America's case the federal government is almost uncontested in this role. Due to this one of the most impressive feats of the 20th century - that of putting a man on the moon, which took over 8 years in the making, billions of dollars and at least 10 attempts before success - has been riddled with conspiracy theories claiming that the government staged the entire thing.
Together these Pictures show how in cases liberty, giving people freedom can lead to oppression of other almost similar achievements.
This example is not alone in American history and can even be seen today in similar and Alternative settings. For example Affirmative Action has lead to similar results with minorities given freedoms and opportunities only to have their achievements devalued. For instance Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas opposes Affirmative Action despite being the same ethnic origin as the programme is meant to help; He has often claimed that Affirmative action has lead to people taking light on his achievements as and leading up to becoming a supreme court justice.