Positives and negatives of America

This image is of Time Square, located in midtown Manhattan in New York City. It is seen as a major center of the world's entertainment industry. Not to mention is one of the most iconic and recognizable places in the entire World. It is also referred to as the 'crossroads of the world'. I've chosen this image, as to me, it reflects America's power, not only by the amount of different businesses and companies that are run here, but by also the level of attention that it receives  not only from Americans, but from Tourists from all over the world. The levels of tourism at this one section of an American city shows the extent to which foreign people revere the United States. It shows me for all the negatives people find in American, there are places that people will travel from all over the world, just to view a small crossroads in New York.

This image shows one of the negatives of the United States of America. Gun Violence. In america between 40-45% of households has a gun. The 'right to bear arms' signifies a law in which an individual has a personal right to firearms for individual use. This means that significantly more people have easy access to weapons than if the law was not in effect. In 2008, 10,886 Americans were killed through gun violence. The sheer number of Americans living in the United States means that guns are accessible to almost anyone, regardless of age, meaning the number of people killed by a gun is ever likely to increase until something is done to forbid the right to carry or keep a weapon.

Positive+-Negative

This is my positive view of America; July 4th represents Americans' patriotism and historical background. This to me screams America as it the only country that celebrates this date. Citizens use this day to reunite with family and friends to celebrate their independence.

This however is my view of the negative side of America, this picture of a girl who was involved with 'Toddlers and Tiaras' makes me feel uncomfortable just thinking about how TLC aired these children on TV. What is more disturbing than this picture is the fact that most 'pageant moms' push their children into beauty pageants from early ages leading to "an increase in child pornographic images.” (Anonymous: Operation Innocence, Youtube)

Week 1: Contrasting views on America!

This is my positive view on America. The SUPERBOWL!
It's become a mass holiday, where hundreds of millions of Americans tune in to watch two teams hurt one another to win the all important Vince Lombardi Trophy. For me the Superbowl represent real American grit and determination to do its state proud. Also with this game the american spirit and love for the nation is never far away; the flying of its flag and the belting of the national anthem reinforces the unity and pride for its country.

What's negative about America? Simple. Guns.
I immediately think of these horrid, violence encouraging weapons, as giving a person such power in their hand that could in effect change their life and others forever.
The fact that America have a law where they have the right to bare arms, makes me so scared that a person can go into a store and buy one right off the shelf in a matter of minutes. Plus what is so sickening is that there is no federal law that prevents a minor access to guns. Over 30,000 people a year are killed because of guns in America, notably the second highest reason for cause of death.

Week 1 Blog Post

This is my "positive" image of America. It is JFK - specifically during his famous speech in which he states his intentions to put man on the moon.

I chose this because it represents Americas can-do attitude and their drive to make the impossible possible. Regardless of the political background, I believe that the achievement of actually landing on the moon within 7 years in extremely impressive.

It is this kind of attitude that helped build the plane, develop new drugs, expand the original concept of the Internet and create whole new technological fields. While America may not necessarily pioneer the technology, it has the attitude and resources to take ideas to new realms.

This second image is of Paris Hilton and I chose her to represent what I find disgusting about America. She is a modern day female cad without the sophistication, elegance or education. Everything that she is, is due to her father being rich and it is a sad fact about America that money and power does give you the elevated position of being a role model even when you have no place being near other people. It has spread now with the influx of programs like Jersey Shore and The Kardashians and they teach American girls (and Europeans too now) that is ok to be a "stupid spoiled whore" (to quote South Park.)

I have always tried to appreciate famous people even when I don't like them because to get famous and stay there takes a lot of skill and a special kind of talent, but with the dumbing down of American TV it doesn't seem that difficult to get a show on TV, in spite (or maybe because of) the drugs, sex tapes and general lack of contributing anything of worth of society.

Welcome to the blog for AM1111 for William's group.

I will email you about where and when we meet on Monday mornings shortly.

Please make sure to do the first post by Monday. The details are in the handbook, but here it is

Post any TWO images which instantly mean “America” to you. Choose one positive, the other negative and explain your choice.

To post images, click on the icon of the little picture above when you select "new post." Any problems get in touch.

See you Monday