Creating Perspectives
Jacque Greene Period 4
Who, What, When, Where, Why
The Apollo Moon Landing is the very first instance of a man on the moon. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon; he flew there on Apollo 11 and landed in a smaller landing module named the Eagle. He won the so-called "Space Race" for America, defeating the Soviet Union in this scientific marvel.
Media Perspective #1
The Apollo Moon Landing was seen as a huge step forward in scientific progress. It boosted the US ahead of the Soviet Union in the Cold War by showing that Americans had the technological know-how to send men into space, have them land on the moon, and then make it home safely. This momentous event helped strengthen the dream of space travel and gave people a new place to explore.
Buzz Aldrin Coming Down the Ladder of the Moon Lander
Apollo 11 Blasting Off
Moon Landing Faked?
Media Perspective #2
About 6% of Americans(Schwartz, July 13, 2009) believe that the Apollo Moon landing was faked. These Americans believe that the comparatively weak technology of the 60's wasn't powerful enough to send a man to the moon. Several reasons have been presented by these conspiracy theorists; one of which is that the flag is flapping in the wind in the picture, which shouldn't be possible due to the moon's lack of atmosphere. NASA claims that the illusion of the flag flapping is due to the fact that Armstrong had twisted the pole into the ground and the movement caused the flapping, as well as the fact that the flag had been tightly rolled and stored for sometime before being put up on the pole, and it was simply crumpled from that.
Media Bias
At the time of the Moon Landing itself, everyone was very excited for it and the media used it to stir up the political fervor that encircled the nation at the time. It was another example of America's glory, and no one was going to be caught dead going against it. The media itself got swept up in the fervor and it wasn't until many years later, after the Cold War was over, that people began to whisper doubts about the moon landings.
Apollo 11 Moonwalk Montage
Criticism #1
In America, the Moon Landing is seen as an example of the greatness of the nation. People who doubt it are seen as traitors and often have very little belief in the government already. Patriotic people get worked up into a fervor over any kind of doubt against their nation, and the media tends to support this because there are far more patriots than doubters.
Criticism #2
At the time of the Moon Landing, America was locked in the Cold War with the USSR. Even the slightest bit of dissent with the government was seen as traitorous, and the media was often used to increase the patriotic fervor. No one wanted to be seen as a traitor to their country, and media outlets were at the forefront of the patriotic movement with stories to excite the hearts of all patriotic citizens.