Comparison of Anti- gun and Pro- gun Control Websites

Gun control has been under debate for many of years, whether legislations should be bought in to control the problems it has with gun violence in the country and control the amount of fire arms one owns. Here is two comparative websites which show for and against the use of guns and which seems more convincing to me. 

Pro- gun control




http://www.opencarry.org/

The opencarry.org website is a site that supports in favour of owning a gun in America. What I first found on this website, which I found interesting to see was the photograph, which is pictured here, it supports the fact that owning a gun is a good idea, the fact that it shows a family owning a gun and other types of individuals handling guns, smiling and looking proud because of it. The website then explains gun rights in each state to make sure that people know  their rights with guns and they also explain loopholes for people to show them how to get or own guns without breaking the law.  The site is also used for blog/ forum purposes where people discuss their experiences with guns and discuss what guns they may have.  Even creating friendship circles and even events because of the fact that they own guns. So this site is not promoting the fact that guns are good to protect yourself but because of the fact guns can become a sociable thing amongst people.

Anti- gun control

http://www.bradycampaign.org/

The Brady campaign website was set up after attempted assassination on Jim Brady, here after, this campaign started to fight for legislation to handle gun control. The website here uses mainly statistics and  emotive language to warn the audience about the use of guns in America - ' 87% of Americans want solutions to gun violence- we will keep fighting until those solutions come.' so here it uses statistics to show the problems with guns and why they should be protected by laws. Another way they try to promote anti- gun control is to show the amount of people who has been shot from a gun, for example people shot in America this year, 87, 109 people etc...' this promotes the problems with having guns and how using them can devastating effects, which here is completely opposite of what the pro gun represent where they say use a gun when in need. The site constantly throws facts about the problems in guns to help get the message through to the audience to make sure that their view is getting heard. In all the website brings to attention the problems involving guns using various of ways, which they then use the evidence to back up to help them fight for rights in order to protect the American civilisation against guns. 

After looking at both sites, I believe that the Brady campaign site had more of impact on my views about carrying firearms and that something should be done to prevent any furthur trouble that has already happened in America.

Even when America suffers from devastating events like the cinema shooting in America, Colorado, where 12 people died, no legislation has put in place since as it is hard put an order the right to bare arms without a backlash from people especially the NRA.

Gun control within America.

The Second Amendment is one of the fiercest defended Constitutional rights within America, and therefore gun control is an issue that brings about numerous debates and can impact heavily on a presidential election depending on where the candidate stands on the particular issue.

Pro-Gun Control Attitude:  http://www.bradycampaign.org/facts/

The Brady Campaign is one of the main active pressure groups for Pro-Gun control; set up after the assassination of Jim Brady in 1981 the Brady Campaign focuses on bringing in gun legislation, gun trafficking and more issues evolving around gun control.                    

  http://www.youtube.com/user/bradycampaign?feature=results_main

The Brady Campaign claims that over 100,000 Americans are killed or shot every year by a firearm and with over 1,000,000 people being killed by guns since 1968 the Brady campaign clearly highlights an obvious problem within the United States, however America obsession with firearms means these staggering figures seem to be ignored, where in other countries legislation would be quickly bought into to stop drop this particular statistic. Obama has taken a stance on gun control where he has claimed he does not want  to limit Americans rights to bare arms and has not seemed to concentrate on this issue which has angered some activist groups. Where as Romney has taken a much more active approach to gun control seeing most of his policies turning into legislation when he was Governor of Massachusettes.

Anti Gun Control:  http://home.nra.org/#/nraorg  

The NRA is the biggest Anti Gun control pressure group within the United States currently, and are one of the main groups that go to the defense of the Second Amendment taken certain cases to the Supreme Court; such as after Hurricane Katrina, the NRA took the police force to court after they began to take firearms off residents after the natural disaster.  The NRA claim to have huge influence during a presidential election and arguably this is true; for every 100 Americans there are 90 guns which demonstrates how seriously Americans take the Second Amendment and therefore if a presidential candidate demonstrates a stance for Gun control it is more than likely they will lose that particular demographic; many of the Presidents of recent years have been part of the NRA and have been members.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/nravideos?feature=results_main

The American people fiercely defend the Second Amendment and with many of the American electorate exercising their right to bare arms it is extremely difficult to bring in any legislation that limits this right. This is demonstrated clearly, when numerous mass murders most recently being James Holmes occur and yet no legislation is bought into action. America has an obsession with guns more than any other country in the world, the very fact the right is sewed into their history makes it very difficult to change. I fail to see that anywhere in the near future that any legislation would ever be bought in to limit Gun control.

Comparison for Pro gun and Anti gun control websites

Pro gun control

http://www.justfacts.com/guncontrol.asp#ownership

The website GOA- Gun Owners of America is a website supporting the use of guns in America. The website reveals statistics and data which support and promote the use and ownership of guns. The information provided on the website is very in depth and clearly states a lot of research has been done, in order to promote citizens of America to carry armed forces for their own safety and safety of others. The websites states the as a gun owner you are eighty times more likely to protect lives of honest citizens than to take lives. With statements like this it, is easy to see why gun ownership in America is increasing dramatically.  Statics which are provided include; That murder and crime rates have been reduced when guns are carried, the murder rate has reduced by 8.5%, rape reduced by 5%, aggravated assault reduced by 7% and robbery reduced by 3%. Twice as many children are murdered playing football in schools than they are murdered by guns, this statistic is shocking as you preserve football as being a relatively tame sport, and something with hundreds of children take part in, whereas a gun is a powerful piece of machinery which can kill someone instantly with a click of a finger. The website really emphasises that guns are used for self defence purposes and provides research that a gun is used 1.5 million times annually for self defence purposes.  In 1990 accidental gun deaths in homes decreased by 40% with the increase in gun ownership, another way the website is reassuring readers that gun ownership is nothing to worry about. The website also has a particular focus on women and women’s use of guns, statics show that women use guns 561 times a day across America as a self defence against sexual assault.  In 2002 ABC News reported that 3/4ths of the American public believe that the second amendment protects the rights of ‘individuals’ ownerships of guns. Also in 2002, 85% of Americans would find it appropriate for principals or teachers of schools, to use a fun I school to defend the lives of students. The website also explains that criminals avoid those with guns and accidental gun deaths in children declined by 50% in 25 years. Finally the website quotes that ‘Guns save more lives than they take: Prevent more injuries than they inflict’- another reassurance for gun owners in America.

Anti gun control

http://sbcoalition.org/about/principles-goals-and-agenda-for-action/

The anti gun website also contains statics and research but not as much as the pro gun website. The website provided a list of statigies in which the publishers of the website believe will cut down the use of guns and the increase in gun ownership. The website uses short, powerful and effective phrases in order to capture the reader’s attention “Life is short, precious and limited” by doing this, it allows the reader to consider the use of guns and having a gun as a possession, as they can question what is  more important a gun or life? The website continues to state that the idea that guns keep you safe is a myth and the exposure of guns in the media, through television, newspaper, articles, magazines and books, promotes an unhealthy approach to the idea of gun usage for all ages. The information provided on the website is designed to raise awareness about gun ownership. It also supports Obama’s idea to tax fire arms and promotes the Brandy campaign to prevent gun violence. The website also provides the reader with the statement “People of all races, classes, ages, sexual orientation and in all communities have the right to be free from gun violence in their homes, schools, workplaces and on the streets”.

Although I am against the ownership of guns and the use of guns as a weapon of self defence or to be used to cause pain or harm to someone. I feel that the Pro gun website, is more convincing as it somewhat reassures the reader through the use of data, research and statistics that owing a gun can be safe. The focus of the female audience and their role in gun ownership is also particularly effective as it makes the reader feel, that by owning a gun, women are much more protected from sexual assault and other forms of attack and assault. The website uses encouraging and convincing words which also help the reader to feel at ease with the idea of ownership of a gun. Despite this, I still feel that the idea of having a gun for self defence in America says a lot about America and its beliefs. I believe it would be worrying as a citizen of America you only feel safe if you are to carry an armed weapon! 

A Comparison of an Anti-Gun Website and a Pro Gun Control Website

When looking at different websites for gun control in America, I came across a variety of intriguing websites to ponder over.

Pro-Gun Control

http://gunowners.org/

This website was remarkably pretentious at dealing with pro-gun control. For instance, this can be exemplified with statements such as "Americans have lost some of our precious gun rights and WE WANT THEM BACK! This is why GOA is considered the 'no compromise' gun lobby." This is significant, yet, arguably controversial to gun ownership in America. There seems to be sustained optimism present throughout the website, which thus, makes this come from a patriotic view. Ideologically, Gun Owners of America adhere to America's traditional values "GOA has never wavered from its mission to defend the Second Amendment -- liberty's freedom teeth, as George Washington called it." Moreover, one can make the assertion,overall, that this website is controversial in what is being ideologically said, however, to Americans this site would be predominantly convincing and would be hard to fight against.

Anti-Gun Control

http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2012/07/gun-control

This website took a different view from the pro-gun control website. The purpose of this text plays more as a warning about guns and the claim that its too late to do anything about it. For example, the text draws comparisons to other countries, "Perhaps American supporters of gun rights would say that in fact people in every country do have a natural right to bear arms, but their enjoyment of that natural right is denied them by oppressive governments in countries like Britain, France, Canada, Israel, the Netherlands and Japan." From this statement it can be gathered that gun supporters seem self-righteous in the way they look at gun control. The article goes on to discuss how some Americans find the subject of gun control offensive after an atrocity has occurred, "A large segment of the American public these days apparently finds it offensive, not just misguided but actually offensive, to talk about gun control after these sorts of atrocities occur." This implies that Americans don't seem bothered about banning gun control and this is overtly shocking. Lastly, the article finishes by summing up that these kind of gun atrocities will continue, however, there's nothing no one can do about it. "We will continue to see more and more of this sort of thing, and there's nothing we can realistically do about it."

To this end, this website, from an anti-gun control point of view, can be significantly convincing to that certain amount of people, however, to the major population of people who do believe in gun control, this article wouldn't achieve much at convincing Americans to put down there guns. In contrast, to the first website (gun owners of america) the 'too late' article is fundamentally more pivotal, nevertheless, its the pro-gun control websites that will be surfed on the internet more. Most specifically, this asks an overall question of will gun control ever be prohibited? One could argue the 2nd amendment would have to change completely in order for this to ever happen in America.

 

I posted this video as a good insight into the stats of gun control in America. For instance, the two participants in the video dont stand for pro-gun control or anti-gun control, however, they do describe the dangers of guns which is pivotal. Importantly, being American, they recognise the 2nd amendment and understand having a handgun, but are against the use of semi-automatic guns in America. Overall, this video provides a substantial insight into gun control in America.

Prior to the 2012 US elections, I was really unsure as to who would win the vote, although many felt Obama had it in the bag, statistics closer to the election date questioned this view. It is interesting when looking at researching, showing which states won Obama’s vote, and which states won Romney’s. It makes us questions the correlation between the states and the choice of vote. There could be a number of possibilities as to why some states favoured each nominee for example, states in the south have a large black community therefore could have been more inclined to voting for Obama although the only southerner state which received Obama’s vote was Florida interestingly, there could also be connections between, the age variations in each state- states with a considerable amount of young people could be more likely to choose Obama again, for a number of different reasons, such as he is positive and sincere attitude he also reaches out to a broader community of people through his morals and beliefs.  The map shows how Romney received more of the states votes compared to Obama again illustrating how close of an election it was.  I noticed prior to the election the increase of young people, sharing their thoughts on the election, through social networking sites such as, Twitter, Face book and Instergram, people were posting images and support messages letting the world know their vote was for Obama. Images like this were a common occurrence. I also believe the younger generations were very artistic through their ways of showing their support for Obama.  There is a definite difference between the enthusiasm and participation for the US elections as opposed to the British elections and I feel this enthusiasm was defiantly shown through the younger generations a lot more. I feel that Obama demonstrates a classic image of American Dream, he was born in Honolulu Hawaii, he graduated from Columbia University, then graduated from Harvard Law School, he was a community organizer in Chicago, a civil rights attorney in Chicago, he taught in constitutional law at the United States House Of Republicans, he was elected the first black president of the United States and finally he was then re-elected for a second term. I feel that Obama really illustrates how hard work and determination can result in outstanding consequences.  Statistics show that 49% of young Americans aged 18-29 voted in the election, this really says something about the young people’s participation in the election, and shows how politics has a big impact on young people’s lives too, therefore being able to vote is very important. Quotes from celebrities also help illustrate the support for Obama, Jay Z quoted that;

“Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama's running so we all can fly.” – I believe this quote is an excellent example of how the black community in America has developed over the years dramatically.

Obama, has a lot to be proud of not only is he the first black president of the United States, but he has managed to be re-elected for this role for another four years! Could this say something about the change in America, how the American citizens are becoming less racist? The thought of America having a black president 40 years ago would have been unimaginable. The fact that a black man is now running the United States, when previously the black community could not even use the same water fountains as white people, I believe really shows how America is becoming a nation of acceptance and racial awareness.  Although there is a conspiracy theory as to whether Obama is actually classified as an American since he was not born in the US, there is also the question of Obama’s religion and the belief that he is in fact Muslim. These theories have a big impact on the vote for Obama; however he has managed to overcome these beliefs. Despite all these theories, I believe Obama is a brilliant example of the new American image, although this ideal American image has somewhat altered from previous years, where traditionally the president of America would have been white, I feel that through this change and alteration it really says a lot about how America is changing its idea of the typical American. 

 

 

The 2012 Presidential Election

Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney

The Presidential Election of 2012 saw Obama fight for his second term in office as President of the United States against his closest opponent to date, Mitt Romney. There has been a huge amount of speculation (especially from the Republicans) as to whether or not Obama won the election because of the Democratic party's policies or because as a nation they just like Obama. 

For almost the entirety of the campaign the contest has been neck and neck, which both confused and worried Americans and people around the globe. It was a shock to see that Barack Obama had a really close competitor on his hands and he really needed to prove to the American people that he was the right man for the job. Many have seen Mitt Romney in a negative light due to his persona of being a typical wealthy, upper class American; who didn't really come across as a likeable person or very representative of his countrymen and women. When you compare him to Barack Obama you can't help but feel he makes you squirm a little bit. For me, what really stood out was the notion of 'Anyone But Bush' - which to me is a huge factor in his first success of being put into office. I think that Barack Obama looks, speaks and acts like a true leader, whether or not his policies work, he always seemed to be the man for the job. But in reality, anyone but Bush.

I stayed up to watch most of the election on the BBC before falling asleep half way through, I was anxious to see again how neck and neck it was. The map that showed what states Romney and Obama had won showed that the majority was in the Republican's favour. However the amount of Electoral College votes received obviously went to Obama and the Democratic party. Obama received 332 electoral votes compared to Romney's 206. This was something that shocked many people considering how close the competition was throughout the entire Presidential Campaign and I was convinced it would be Obama literally by the skin of his teeth. I think that many people thought it would closer due to how close it was prior to the night of the election. Some days Obama was in the driving seat, other days Romney was. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-19415745

This specific article within the BBC news website shows a line chart of how the favourability differed between both candidates from May to November. You can see that there are many different fluctuations and specific key events that affected their percentage of the votes. You can see that Obama had a huge spike in his campaign when he expresses his support to gay marriage. There is also a dip in Romney's favour here in his contrasting view of opposing gay marriage. Further down the line in around the time of the first Presidential debate you can also see a spike for Romney as he was declared the winner of the first debate. Again this was another significant event for a lot of people when they seemed to have witnessed their leader beaten by his fiercest opponent. Personally I saw this as a huge shock, I didn't expect Romney to beat Obama at all. However Obama didn't seem to be as a bubbly and valiant as he usually is, could this have been nerves or a fear of his first true opponent? 

To summarise, there are many factors to consider as to why Obama got voted back into the White House for another term. You could say that Obama won by a popularity vote, which some say is the sole reason and is against the main reason of electing a President. Another way you could see the election is was Mitt Romney the best candidate for the job as the main representative of the Republican Party and the Republican supporters around the country? He was criticised heavily throughout his entire campaign for certain mishaps, and loopholes in his policies. Don't get me wrong, so was Obama, but Romney seemed to suffer the worst of the two - again, is this due to popularity and representativeness? 

My View of The 2012 Presidential Elections

The 2012 election, Obama VS Romney. 

Obama has once again has been re- elected for another four years for America. It has been under debate that Obama only won because Republicans did not put forward a 'electable' candidate for president otherwise Obama would of lost. http://www.divinecaroline.com/33/121326-obama-win-2012 

The fact that Obama won Swing states like Ohio and Florida shows that the republican side needs a reshuffle possibly picking a better Candidate to represent them. The states that Romney did win were the states that usually vote Republican  for example Texas has voted Republican for the past nine elections. Showing that they rather stay the same, keep the same values which Obama does not want as he would rather 'look in to the future' and 'move to the future' possibly meaning changing values etc. 

This above website explains why they think Obama won. One of these points includes religion  as Romney is deeply religious, who practises under the religion of Mormon. Many say that because of his religion, it had made it hard for him to pick up many other ethnic groups like Latinos etc. 

I believe that many American's chose Obama as he appealed to many young voters and he promoted himself through many shows and through the first lady, for example going on children's channels. The storm Sandy, I believe also gave Obama a few more votes as he went out and met the families of the disaster  giving out aid, showing his dedication to America.

 Another reason I believe that Obama won the election is because he gained majority votes from the black race, 72% of the population of black, African- Americans last year voted for Obama, this could relate to this years election as many wanted there own race as president instead of a stereotypical 'rich white man'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jun/15/obama-africanamerican-jewish-voters


picture from; http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1241&bih=584&tbm=isch&tbnid=RG2aLqmPPbhLdM:&imgrefurl=http://365daysof39.blogspot.co

 One could say that the election is possibly a popularity contest, meaning many Americans vote for there favourite rather than the best candidate for the future of America.

2012 Presidential Election, what I think.

Obama Vs Romney 

The 2012 Presidential Election, saw America's first black president re elected for a second term; and the question must be asked, is it Obama's policies that won him the election, his charisma and ability to connect with the electorate? Or was it the Republicans poor choice of presidential candidate, and focus on a demographic that is quickly decreasing? 

A prime example of this, would be New Mexico. The state which used to be a solid Republican seat, was won by the Democratic party 52.9% to 43%. This being due to the fact that New Mexico has seen its Hispanic population grow significantly in recent years and therefore the Republican focus and policies did not appeal to this particular demographic, hence why the state was lost to the Democrats. This reasoning can potentially be applied to future elections, with the Hispanic and Black demographics increasing in states such as Arizona it could easily be predicted that this could be a state lost by the Republicans in the next election. Furthermore, the white older generation, a demographic that the Republicans focus towards are slowly disappearing. 

Therefore, perhaps this election more than any other has shown the Republican party that a complete re design of the party is needed, new policies thought out, new candidates bought to the forefront and a mandate that incorporates a wider demographic. Obama's re election was also significantly helped by the winning of swing states, such as Virginia and securing the vital state of Florida, with its 29 electoral college votes, which was so important in the 2000 election between Bush and Gore. Furthermore, the Democrats winning of the highly populated states, those on the west and east coasts compared to that of the Republicans who dominate the central states, but which aren't populated to the same degree.

By re-electing Obama, America demonstrated it still had faith with its President; despite many political commentators and critics focusing on Obama's lack of progress with many of his policies Romney's obvious flip-flopping reputation over rode any negative focus that was put onto Obama. Furthermore comments within certain states damaged his campaign, such as comments about 'rape' within America, and 'A child conceived by rape is still a gift from god.' 

It therefore be said, that perhaps rather than America choosing Obama for Presidency, they were forced to choose him; a lesser of two evils it could be said. The electorate were pushed away from Romney throughout his Presidential campaign and this was evident when it came to the vote. Obama in his acceptance speech said "The best is yet to come," many Americans will be hoping to see changes that perhaps did not occur in Obama's first term, or we could quickly see Americas and the worlds love for Obama quickly disappear.  

What I think about the 2012 Election

I think the 2012 Election has told the world a lot about America and American politics at this existing time. In particular, there has been a conflict with those wanting a surge into equality and moving forward, whilst the rest of America wanting to hold on to the traditional American values such as religious and constitutional values. Most specifically, its Mitt Romney who wants to keep these traditional values, whilst Obama believes in the notion of moving forward in America.

As the map depicts, Romney had more of a popular vote and, interestingly, won more states. However, Obama won through the electoral college making it, on the whole, a close contest. Its also worth noting that, similarly, the campaign was a close contest between both Romney and Obama.

I have posted this video of Obama's victory speech to illustrate what he wants for America over the next four years. The video describes how Obama plans to meet with Mitt Romney to discuss how they can work together to bring the country forward. Notably, when Obama says "the best is yet to come", that is highly significant as it emphasises the 'newness' notion that Obama overtly believes in and one can argue with this notion in mind, Obama will work rigorously to make sure this becomes a reality.

Moreover, it goes without saying that, despite most of the nation shifting towards the right of the political spectrum, one must identify how it did not gain a win for Romney overall.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/11/07/us/politics/obamas-diverse-base-of-support.html

The website I have included demonstrates how Obama did win the election. Importantly, its vital to add that Obama maintained his women votes almost the same as how he did in 2008. In addition, the influence Obama has over ethnic minorities proved proficient in the election as there was an increase in support from Hispanic voters, particularly, in the swing state of Colorado for example. Lastly, Obama also maintained his young voters from 2008, however, the swing states gained him some more voters this time round.

Above all, the election of 2012 was significant for America. History is still being made by the second term of America's first black president, nevertheless, the overwhelming cheering from Obama's victory speech tells the world that they believe strongly in Obama's motivation for working hard and achieving the "best is yet to come" notion. Its also important to note that Obama working along side Romney for a greater America will be intriguing to witness over the next four years and America could be in a far more substantial position then they are in now.

A 19th Century View Of America.

'Kindred Spirits' by Asher B. Durand (1849)

'Kindred Spirits' was an oil painting by Asher B. Durand, which focuses on the nature of New York state and the friendship between the two people on the rock ledge. The people in the painting are Thomas Cole, who was an American Painter who founded the Hudson River School of Art, and William Cullen Bryant, a poet.

The picture is based in New York and is a very different image of what the state looks like today.  Durand includes many different forms of nature, including the tree's, the rock ledges which seem to be untouched and there is a waterfall in the background.  The painting was drew from memory, to outline what they first saw when they arrived in America. Faintly, you can see birds which could establish the freedom that the New World seemed to embellish to the new settlers.  The birds could also suggest the other forms of wildlife and could advocate that America is a rich and resourceful country if wildlife and birds are already surviving in this huge landscape.  Furthermore, deep in the background you can see many huge mountains that arise in the distance which could further propose the vast landscape.  Durand focuses a lot on the tree's; further past the waterfall seems to be a forrest which lead to the mountains and there is also tree's surrounding the friends on the ledge. The tree's could also imply the immeasurable range of resources that the country holds because they could represent a prosperous landscape.  The men on the ledge appear to be discussing but also taking in the new, untouched countryside.

This painting was meant to represent the nature of America and the friendship of the men in the picture in relation to this sonnet, named 'Sonnet to Solitude';

'Yet the sweet converse of an innocent mind,
Those words are images of thoughts refin’d,
Is my soul’s a pleasure; and sure it must be
Almost the highest bliss of human-kind,
When to thy haunts two kindred spirits flee'.

I think this further shows that the painter was attempting to convey the freedom America witheld to the new settlers that arrived, which I think he portrayed with the use of the untouched nature like the tree's, the waterfall and the depiction of the mountains in the background and also the birds which are liberally flying in the state which is now New York City.

Nineteenth century image of America

I have chosen the painting by Bagram Ibatoulline, called; From the foundation up. The style of this painting is often referred to as The American Romantic Movement. This painting is typical of the 19^th century style of painting; romantic valley paintings were very popular during this period. I believe this image is very symbolic of its period in time, for a number of different reasons.  Firstly the position of George Washington is very important in this painting, he is stood on higher ground, which could suggest his superiority, his body language is also significant, and he is stood tall and looks powerful, with one foot in front of the other this could suggest he is stepping forward and accepting the change? He is overlooking the  Hudson River, which is where he grew up this could be symbolising how he is overlooking his place of birth and how it has developed and changed due to the significant period in time, showing how the states are slowing moving to the western way of life. The image shows green spacious land, which appears bright and inviting, much how the American Dream is persevered. There also seems to be a pathway into the few settlements which are shown which again helps to make the painting seem more inviting – a pathway leading to something new and exciting! There are also a few settlements which are shown in the painting, this could suggest, how it just the beginning of the movement to the west, and this new way of life. The shadows from the tree and from Washington himself could suggest how he has not entered the new change; he is possibly trapped in the past- in the dark.  This also demonstrates how he is powerful, and different from the American citizens, who are in the small settlements in the valleys, there is a significant contrast between, the dark and the light. Another significant feature in this painting is the scroll Washington is holding in his hand again this emphasises on his authority, power and intelligence.  Finally I believe idealising the nature and the image and concentrating on the amazing scenery takes the focus of off the real image of power, control and scenes of leadership from the political side of things this is shown through George Washington. This painting is very different from other painting of its time period in that, this image is presented as very calm and peaceful. Whereas some other images show people, and animals all rushing to the west and is presented as panicked image, where everything is busy!

http://www.ourwhitehouse.org/foundationup-theIllustration.html 

A 19th Century photograph of the American Landscape

Here is an painting called 'The Oregon Trail' which was painted by Albert Bierstadt in 1869. 

Albert Bierstadt travelled west to find inspiration in his work. He accompanied a party into surveying a new waggon route. They were also charged with negotiating with the Native Americans as the new route would affect them. 

In the background very faintly you can see Native Americans in there natural habitat. I believe that this picture was painted to show the 'amazing scenes' and natural beauty of west and encourage people to travel west and encourage western expansion. We can see this in the emphasis and the over exaggeration in the mountains and how much detail we can see in them, also in the detail in the trees makes the place even more appealing to settle there however the fact that Bierstadt has also painted the Natives in background could also show and portray a sense of danger to others, I also think that the natives were painted faintly in the background to show how the natives are slowly fading away and show the power and development of the people and other settlements around them.
On another note, at the bottom of the painting shows live animals grazing the land which look healthy and fat which again portrays the area full of food. Also in the painting we can see bones and a broken strove which can show previous unlucky travellers. 
Finally the picture, I think looks stereotypical of emigrating frontiersman, though as the artist said he was there, it is hard to question the painting but there has been some questioning of the authenticity of the panting as we can see wagons being used when in 1869 the transcontinental rail road was completed. 


source of information- http://www.butlerart.com/pc_book/pages/albert_bierstadt_1830.htm

19th Century Painting/Photography Analysis

The Last Spike

This photograph was taken by Andrew Joseph Russell at Promontory Summit, Utah on May 10th 1869. It shows the ceremony of the driving of the golden spike where the railway lines met to form the first Transcontinental Railroad from East to West in the United States. 

This was the first time that both coasts of America had met to create their first real means of nationwide transportation. 

To me this picture shows a great sense of unity and happiness. You can see this from the body language of the workers who are facing each other and what appears to be sharing a drink in the top middle of the photograph. This image is a great representation of what the American's were capable of doing and how passionate they were for their country at the time. It shows development over time in which they started their 'Manifest Destiny' to go from the east to the west. Another thing that could be pointed out is the difference in clothes and the different model of train that the Americans had. One could think that these two different sides of people are a completely different race as it's in black and white and difficult to tell. I could only really think that as one group is from the east and one is from the west that they are clothed differently and equipped differently because of where they are situated. The eastern boarder of America was obviously the hub for many years until the west was settled by the Americans so I guess it would be easier to say that the people of the east were better clothed than the people from the west at that time. 

One last thing is how trains are also facing each other, which gives the picture great power as they are posed to represent the end of a journey or a new chapter in their history. It really adds to the image of the two groups meeting up together in the middle of a vast quest that has taken them many years to fulfil, which is suitably so that they are celebrating.  

A Contemporary View of America - 'What is an American?'

Global Power and Prominence

'Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labour and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world'

This quote was taken from the third letter 'What is an American?' of De Crevecoeur's 'Letters from an American Farmer', which is probably the most quoted and referenced part of his book. I chose this specific quote to represent a contemporary image of America because of what was interpreted in the 18th Century and how it has been developed into what we see as a 'modern day America'. 

To me De Crevecoeur is trying to elaborate how diverse and influential the United States was at that time and how he predicted big things to happen in the world. This is highly relative to today in that America is the leading power globally, economically etc. with China on their tail. I think that it's within the diversity of the settlers of the 13 colonies that has give the United States it's work force and it's power in the sense that it has been blessed with a variety of different cultures and lifestyles. Within these cultures is contrasting methodologies and viewpoints that have all been moulding into one, creating a completely new 'man', 'the American' as he puts it. Also the term 'continent' was used to describe America. This evokes a sense of space and sheer size; again - directly relating to power. This was no mere country that the settlers had discovered, it was on a far broader spectrum.

Another direct quotation that can still be relative in a contemporary manner is 'Here they [the settlers] are incorporated into one of the finest systems of population which has ever appeared'. Again this term of incorporation and this overall metaphor of the 'melting pot', which was directly assimilated to the Europeans that colonised the western boarder of America. 'The finest' I think is probably the most powerful part of that quote, which can still be related to the way America works today. They are always striving to be the best and to be on top in the world. As a country they can't settle for anything less.

Independence 

'It is not composed as in Europe, of great lords who possess every thing, and of a herd of people who have nothing. Here are no aristocratical families, no courts, no kings, no bishops, no ecclesiastical dominion, no invisible power giving to a few a ver visible one, no great manufactures employing thousands, no great refinements of luxury. The rich and the poor are not so far removed from each other as they are in Europe'.

I decided to use the entirety of this quote because of how it summarises the direct cause of the Europeans immigrating to America and how it shows the foundation of their independence. The direct point of this quotation that De Crevecoeur puts forward is to compare the new colonies of America to the different political and governmental stance of Europe. He explains that within America there is no class and no higher power that pushes them around, and that from this they are free to start their own governmental infrastructure. Another key point he raises is 'the rich and the poor are not so far removed from each other as they are in Europe', this shows a level of equality from all of the settlers which wouldn't have been so prominent in Europe at the time, it was a 'new race' of people being created.
I think as well with all of the different elements of Europe he describes he is having a 'dig' or a stab at the leaders of the European countries for being responsible for the millions that emigrated to America to start with. I'm not saying that it's a solid criticism but more of a calling card to make the point clear that these people are leaving their country of origin to start a new life and they're going to be more healthy, happier, wealthier than they could ever be in Europe. One other important thing I noticed whilst reading this chapter was how De Crevecoeur realised that not everyone who worked was actually able to put food on their table. He uses an examples that relate to a man being a farmer of wheat and not being to get a loaf of bread for himself. That on hand he then explains that in America whoever farms or works will be directly rewarded for their hardwork and everyone will have an equal share.

De Crevecoeur is trying to imply here the foundation of the American independence, which is still so prominent today. America is known for it's at times over-the-top patriotism and love for it's country. To be honest I don't blame them because when you look at the whole scheme of the founding of America it was a very courageous and bold thing for these Europeans to have to do - to sail across the North Atlantic ocean 3000 miles without knowing what was going to confront them when they got to their final destination. Again I don't feel that he is anti-Europe, but more in the way of explaining how this new America or 'new American' will prosper because of their decisions to move.

A 19th Century Photograph of the American Landscape

This photograph I picked is called "Laying tracks on the extreme front of Prescott and Eastern Railroad in Arizona Territory." It was taken in 1898, right at the end of the century. However, this is pivotal because its overtly highlighting the developing notion of manifest destiny and modernisation in the west of America. Most specifically, the photograph has been taken in the State of Arizona, which is in the far west of America. This exemplifies the sheer scale of development that has ensued through the latter part of the 19th Century. 

One could argue, covertly, that the workers in the photograph represent immigrants from different cultures. Albeit this could be implying slavery from a particular sense of Americans who still ideologically believe in slavery.
It could also be debated that the motion in the picture has been staged for patriotic purposes, however, there seems to be no signs of brutality taking place, thus its necessary to approach this claim with caution.

Above all, this photograph is a significant source of the developing American landscape in the 19th century. With the ideological beliefs of manifest destiny and Americas continuing modernisation of the country, this is a fundamentally substantial source to exemplify this. It is important to note the hidden meanings that could be demonstrated in this photo, however, it is difficult to place these claims as being accurate in the purpose of the photograph.

A contemporary vision of America

One of the key factors in De Crevecoeur’s novel is the upbringing of the American children, this is greatly emphasised in letter three- ‘What is an America?’ Many of the ways of life during that period of time are similar to ways, in which some Americans live today, particularly in the Amish community.
“How they treat them at home, and what they are taught in their places of public worship” I believe this quote is suggesting how the upbringing of children is very important because it reflects on their parents, it also shows how religion is also helping up bring the children of America. This quote could relate to how some Amish communities think today. Religion is a major part of the Amish way of life, and the Amish believe a lot is learnt through religion.

I believe the popular television programme, ‘Worlds Strictest Parents’ is a good example of how some of De Crevecoeur’s discoveries of the past American way of life, are still being adopted today in modern America.  “They are gently held by an uniform from silk cord, which unites softness and strength”. This belief of you have to be cruel to be kind is often still practiced today in many American families. From the clip of Worlds Strictest Parents, the parents describe a number of beliefs which they feel are important in upbringing children, one of them being that if the children are honest and trust worthy, the more freedom children are then aloud to have. They also state that guidelines and boundaries are set in order to keep their children controlled. Another quote which supports the beliefs in the clip from Worlds Strictest Parents is “follow steps of their parents” in the clip the children, explain that they want to be like their parents when they are older, I believe this quote is particularly effective because if every child was to believe this about their parents, then there would be a very similar way of upbringing in America, this believe may only be felt by certain individuals and possibly the Amish community.

“Older parents attached to their business, constantly following useful occupation, never quality of riot, dissipation or other irre- gulaties cannot fail to train up children of the same uniformity” this again supports the believe that if you bring up your children, a particular way in which they follow strict guidelines and boundaries there is no doubt that they will then become more like you as parents. Again something this is still believed today, in religion and other communities.  In the clip, the parents state that their community is counting on them, as though to say it is their duty to bring their children up in a certain way, and it could also be seen that, the parents are referring to America as a whole when they use the word “community”, something which De Crevecoeur previously states in one of his letters.

Another similarity between, De Crevecoeur’s discoveries and today’s modern world is the quote from letter three: “ At schools they learn to read, write a good hand until they are 12 years old” this is still carried out today, in the Amish society, children study at private Amish schools until 8^th grade, which is around the age of 12 years, and then they are free to choose what they want to do as work, however the freedom is limited and much like some of the discoveries Se Crevecoeur made , there would have been separate roles for work depending on gender again something which still occurs in the Amish community. Finally De Crevecoeur quotes that “Duties of Christianity as not to be offered the divinity by the commission of evil deeds; to dread his wrath and the punishments” this quote shows how religion has an effect on the upbringing of children during this period of time, and how religion is very important, children should practice religious ways of life in order to live a happy life, they should be made aware of the consequences of not being a practicing Christian and should feel scared and threatened by the consequences. The Amish community also quote that “Family and religion are the most important units in the Amish culture”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmcy4X_zaDw 

(Example, of how the Amish are very relgious and find it difficult to see others who do not share this belife)

A Contemporary Example That Shows A Vision Of America.

 The United States Government.
  This particular quote from the third letter of De Crevecoeur's "Letters From An American Farmer" highlights the beginning of the laws and the establishment of laws within America and by the new American people.

"The laws, the indulgent laws, protect them as they arrive, stamping on them the symbol of adoption...This is the great operation daily performed by our laws. From whence proceed these laws? From our government. Whence the government? It is derived from the original genius and strong desire of the people ratified and confirmed by the crown. This is the great chain which links us all."

 I believe the contemporary example and vision of this within America today is the United States Government. Congress, the Senate and the Supreme Court protect the American citizens that live within the borders of the United States. The United States government along with the courts uphold the rights of the American people and continue to protect the constitution ensuring that nothing damages or changes what they consider to be the "correct" way America should be. 

Furthermore within the third letter, De Crevecoeur's also quotes "Here they rank as citizens." This highlights the fact that any citizen of America is protected by the Government, and when these letters were written those coming across from Europe would be classed as "citizens" and therefore automatically protected by the laws already and first governments established by the already settled Americans. 

TRANSPORT. 

 The second contemporary example of America that De Crevecoeur refers to and that I believe is relevant today is the establishment of the roads and transport systems, "Good roads, orchards, meadows, and bridges, where an hundred years ago all was wild, woody, and uncultivated!" Being the size America is and with a population of approx 311 million, an effective and efficient transport system is vital, not only in order of travel but for communication, for one side of the country to be able to get to the other in quick time. The speed in which the transport systems have been established is also remarkable; with a country that only has a history of about 500 years, the way in which Americans and early settlers have connected the country and connected to each other is exceptional. In that time, America has built some very iconic features within the States, for example The Golden Gate Bridge, and the famous route 66.











 

A Contemporary Vision Of America, according to Crevecoeur.

'Every industrious European, who transports himself here, may be compared to a sprout growing at the foot of a great tree; it enjoys and draws but a little portion of sap; wrench it from the parent roots, transplant it, and it will become a tree bearing fruit also’.



Franchising: In  the previous quote, I believe that Crevecoeur is establishing the leadership role of America already, by using the metaphor 'great tree' to compare the authors country to the rest of Europe.  He also states that 'Europeans... will become a tree bearing fruit' if they follow America's footsteps. This is a bold statement, considering the last letter was written 7 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. I believe Crevecoeur already assumed the importance of America due to the extensive landscape ('fair cities, substantial villages, extensive fields'), the equality of all the people at that point residing in this new country ('We are the most perfect society existing in this world') and the independence of the country.  I chose to represent this quote as a child eating McDonalds food due to the global spread of the fast food restaurant and whose current headquarters reside in America.  The McDonalds company was started in the USA in the 1940's, and 70 years later the buisness is known worldwide.  McDonalds relates to the previous quote as Crevecoeur talks about Europe following America's footsteps, which I feel this is a direct example of because the franchise was made huge by the role that America plays in the world and the huge importance it has on every other society around the globe.
'Here are no aristocratical families, no courts, no kings, no bishops, no ecclesiastical dominion, no invisible power giving to a few a very visible one’.

America's Independence: I chose this quote because I believe that Crevecoeur isn't actually focusing on the lack of Royalty in America, but the independence it witholds; due to the Declaration of Independence, its short history of early settlers and the freedom that people saw it for.  Settlers moved to America to enjoy a better life, with a richer environment and more opportunities to go from being poor to rich.  Furthermore, America felt a more democratic approach to beginning a Government that everyone had the opportunity to decide on was by electing a 'President', unlike the hereditary approach to a Royal family.  This is perhaps also typically American due to the extensive money and advertisement that is involved in Presidential Elections, which suggest the importance of these occasions to all Americans.  Crevecoeur states 'no invisible power giving to a few a very visible one' meaning that he believes his country will always be democratic when choosing a leader; someone who counts as a leader but who doesn't necessarily have full control, which is what being a President entails.