Positive & Negative Images of America

As soon as we were set this assignment, this image popped into my head. A famed American landmark, supporting the awareness of something not only sweeping through their nation, but the world.  The White House is the executive office and home to President Obama, and in 2008 bright pink lights decorated the exterior of the building – in honour of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  To me, this is an image of positivity because it not only highlights the attention to detail the White House is paying to the rest of the world, whilst they are wrapped up in their own business, but also how a country like America can pull together and display their awareness with such effortless clarity.

This image may easily be seen as a popular positive choice, what with Glee being so popular and the Cheerleaders being rallying enthusiasts for their teams. However, forget that this is actually an image of the Glee cast, and what I actually chose this image for was the stereotypical American high school that we see all through the media. It’s where we have learned that Cheerleaders are hotter than people who read books, and that every single Frat party involves bad music and cheap beer in red and white cups.  Who are we to argue with what we are bombarded with from every angle? To me, this image displays the plastic faces of teen-girl America, with their high ponies and overly white sparkling teeth as they stomp all over the individuality and personality of others with their Sketchers clad, pedicured feet.