Not all influential photographs are grim, shocking images of horror. While such pictures are plenty, there also exist other images, inspirational images, patriotic images. This image is of Neil Armstrong, the first human to step foot on another celestial object, saluting an American flag. This image not only represents the pinnacle of human accomplishment, it shows that the United States of America is proudly at the forefront of this accomplishment.
While simply the fact that this photograph was from THE MOON amazed the people of 1969, it held perhaps even a greater significance in its patriotism. America was locked in the midst of the Cold War, and had seemed to be losing the space race. But then America landed on the moon first, and we planted our flag in the cold depths of space. The upswelling of patriotism was huge. And even today, this image doesn't instill any less pride in our country and in the achievements of humanity (unless you're one of those conspiracy theory commies). Yes, most images that strike the world are ones of death and pain and destruction. But we must also consider the hopeful and comforting ones like this, for they are just as much a part of who we are.
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