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.

American Studies - Post 1

My first image is of the famous painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. I chose this painting as it marked the beginning of American ideals and freedom which is still referred to today. This painting represents the start of belief in liberty and rights that the newly independent America wanted to set out to make sure the American people would always have democracy and the freedom to live how they chose. I believe this event was also significant as it represents the foundation of modern day Americas constant fight for liberty and freedom which was originally fought for by the 'Founding Fathers'.

 

My second image, however, shows the struggle the American people have with the Government over many issues and that they feel they have to make a big scene to have their voices heard. This image therefore shows a lack of liberty and accomplishment by Americans as they are displeased with the way the country is run and feel that their freedom is being taken away from them when they are unable to protest due the backlash of law enforcement.

American Studies Blog 1

To me, outside of the obvious Statue of Liberty, I believe that the gold coin has a strong association between America and liberty. Liberty is “a right or privilege” one that is enhanced with the opportunity of money. The gold coin has always been associated with stability and security since it’s creation around 1795. In todays society money is often seen as providing more opportunities. Although the United Sates Declaration of Independence proclaims; “all men are created equal”, without money, this isn't realistic. Therefore I would suggest that the gold coin largely associates America with Liberty as it is a true sign of freedom when gained.

Picture from Google Images

Contradicting this is the Wall Street Crash in 1929. Where the once stable and secure gold coin failed and as a result associates a weakness in the Liberty of America. The fact that America largely relies on something so vulnerable that can crash at any moment makes you question how liberated American people are. The Wall Street Crash resulted into a massive economic depression, with unemployment levels reaching to 13 million. Many people ended up living in ‘Hoovervilles’ all over America. People view liberty through having a good life, living the ‘American Dream’ and unfortunately without money to support this, it is questionable to what extent, American's are liberated.

Picture from BBC Bitesize : http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/usa/walldepressionrev2.shtml

Felicity Martin

America in two pictures

My first image is a famous painting of Manifest Destiny. I think this image is representative of the United States as it is one of the first images created by English American's, designed to motivate the new settlers to expand their culture across the land, showing the beginnings of US innovation and technological development. It signifies the hope and potential for the United States that was prevalent when the first non-natives settled there, showing America as being a land of liberation in the perspective of the settlers. Manifest Destiny was the idea that the unsettled land in the US was given by God to the new settlers, to do with as they felt right. 

I think my second image captures the problems, very well, that arise with the legality of gun ownership in the US, and the irony of the shock that sparks from gun crime. This opposes the first image as, even though the legality of owning a gun can be seen to give a person more freedom, as soon as that gun is used against someone else, the victim loses their freedom, which is essentially in the hands of the government. The ever-increasing development of technology in America has resulted in the development many good things, such as computers, cars and space innovation. However, the development of weapons is also a result of this innovation, and the increasing availability of weapons because of this. 

Welcome and first posts

Welcome to the blog for my Group 1

Jess BICHARD
Felicity MARTIN
Lori-Ann WYATT
Francesca DOIDGE
Alex HUMPHREYS

 For this week - Find and post any TWO images which you judge are iconic of “America.” Choose one that affirms the association between America and liberty, and one that questions or negates that association. Images means images, not videos, or music. Please embed them in your post, don’t just insert a link. If you don’t know how to do this, use the Help.