I have chosen this image to represent the positives of america, as like previously discussed, flags are more symbolic in america than anywhere else. However I also feel this image shows how patriotic America, as a nation, is. In this image you also see the people with their hands on their hearts/chest which connotes the national anthem which is known by the majority of American citizens, which cant be said about other countries. Their high levels of patriotism often serve to act as a common connection almost all Americans share, which helps to unite them in times of grief or hardship, therefore I would argue that America's patriotism is a positive side of America. However it could also be argued that this is a negative thing because their high levels of patriotism can be discriminating to other countries or nationalities. However i feel this image shows the multicultural and diverse aspects of America as well.

On the negative side of things, I have chosen this image of the tragedy of the "Jonestown Massacre", 1978, which i believe is still relevant in that it shows how unfair the american society was at the time. The majority of the people who were 'charmed' by Jim Jones, probably only followed him to escape the every day oppression of being a minority in America. They were promised salvation and paradise to end their suffering, and were taken to. If America is seen as 'free', then why was their so much suffering for those who differed from the social and cultural norms. This also helps to prove that the American Dream is just a myth and doesn't actually exist.









Image 1 sourced: America’s most patriotic cities | WHAS11.com Louisville
Image 2 sourced: The Jonestown Massacre | Infoplease.com

Positive & Negative American Images

The image I have chosen to show a positive side of America is this photograph of the famous singer/songwriter Bob Dylan proclaiming that he can’t sing. For the last 50 years Dylan has become one of the most important cultural figures in America, constantly adapting to suit the current music scene and pushing it forward. Although not a great singer by conventional standards, Dylan has used his voice instead to protest some of the most shocking events of the past half-century, joining the ranks of famous Americans who have used their freedom of speech to stand up for the rights of others despite the risks that go with it.

For the negative side of America, I have chosen an image showing the aftermath of the massacre of hundreds of American Indians at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. On December 29 1890, around 500 members of the US cavalry invaded the settlement of Wounded Knee in the aim to drive the Native Americans further westward as white settlers spread their numbers across America. This massacre was the result of many broken promises made by the US government to the American Indians that their land would not be invaded and that the white settlers and Native Americans would live in peace. 

Positive and Negative

The first image, showing 'The Boxer' by Simon and Garfunkel is for me an iconic positive  image of America; not only because American music has been so influential but also because the song itself represents the 'American Dream'. The hope and persistence that many people associate with this concept is embodied by the 'Boxer' who keeps fighting despite 'every glove that laid him down'. This consequently inspires the boy who was close to giving up his dreams of improving himself because of the loneliness and poverty he experiences after emigrating to New York and in turn, I feel, gives people new hope in the 'American Dream'.

The second image shows the Wall Street Crash in New York, 1929 which followed the 'Boom' of the 1920's and led to the Great Depression in the 1930's which affected not only America but many other Western countries. The reason this image is an iconic negative image of America is because (though on a smaller scale) is seems to keep recurring and America continues to find itself in serious financial difficulties. As recently as 2008 America became the world's largest debtor revealing how the economy continues to be a negative for the United States.

Iconic American Pictures

When I think of America, I think of how huge it is and roads that go on forever. I also think of small towns and the pioneering, enterprising spirit. I chose this picture because the diner is iconic of the American way of life - truckers and high school society. I also think it is more iconic of small town life than the big cities. This diner I chose in particular because it looks like it is out in the middle of nowhere, which ties in with the pioneering spirit.

For a country that describes itself as the Land of the Free, a lot of people seem to want to clamp down on human rights. For examples, the pro-lifers who want to dictate the choices a woman has over her own body. Another iconic view of America to me is the picketers and fundamentalist Christians who want Creationism to be taught instead of evolution. I chose this picture because I think it shows the more sinister side of what goes on in America and the power that religion has over there in comparison the more secular attitudes we have in the UK.

Welcome to the blog for AM1111 for your group. For the first exercise, post any TWO images which are iconic of “America.” Choose one positive, the other negative and explain your choice in 150 words or so. Please don't link to images - post them to the blog as images (use the picture icon that shows at the top of the page when you start a new post.)