Atheist Demographic

I have chosen to show a map showing the most and least religious states in America. I decided to use this demographic to show the growing popularity of Atheism in the US. Personally, as an atheist, I enjoy seeing the growth of it. I have found the following statistics from a Gallup survey conducted in 2009, so it's not completely accurate but is relatively close.
The statistics show that Vermont is the least religious state, with only 42% of people stating that religion is an important part of their lives. Only 3 other states, New Hampshire (46%), Maine and Massachusetts (Both 48%) are under 50%. Alaska is next with 51%. In comparison, it is geographically significant to notice that the top 5 most religious states are all 'Dixie' states, therefore part of the bible belt. The highest was Mississippi, with 85%, followed by Alabama on 82% and South Carolina on 80%. The top 5 is completed by Tennessee (79%) and Louisiana (78%). Interestingly, the top 8 are all 'Dixie' states with North Carolina, Georgia and Arkansas next on the list. Texas is at 11 and Florida at 23. This shows that being religious is much more common nowadays in the South, not surprising seeing as its known as the Bible Belt.

Map of the U.S

Here in this picture you can see the division in what people have googled state by state this may give some indication how each state thinks differently to the other or just the questions in america they are to scared to ask others about. 

The Lincoln Memorial was built in 1920 to remember the work of the 16th president Abraham Lincoln and his work to abolish slavery. President Lincoln did a great deal of work to narrow the gap between whites and blacks but he is probably most remembered for passing the thirteenth amendment in 1864, it released all African Americans of the title of slave. This was a momentous occasion for America seeing as far back as 1660 with the Royal African company slaves had been traded throughout what would become the United States of America. For most Americans this represents a vision of the "Melting Pot" America and progressiveness giving every man and women an equal at chance at life.  

The Second picture I have chosen is of the American prison system, for the sole reason that in the last census though the percentage of African Americans living in the U.S is only around 11% they make up for shocking 37.3% of all prison inmates. This has led to massive protest about of the justice system in the U.S. and its view on race as it seems to counter act the work of Abe Lincoln. so much so there are even courses you can attend if your African American on how to approach the police and know what they are entitled to ask of you. 

America and Liberty.

I have chosen to use an image of the US Bill of Rights to represent liberty and freedom in the United States of America. It was this which gave basic rights, freedom and protection to the people. With out it, the US citizens wouldn't have been given freedom of religion and speech, the right to bear arms, the right of trial by jury and more.

The image I decided to use,  which questions the association with liberty in the USA, is of the inside of death row. This completely contradicts the Bill of Rights shown above, as it goes against the eighth amendment, "Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishments." 

Liberty.

This is a picture of the American frontier. I believe that this shows Liberty in America as it allowed those who had emigrated from Europe to go out and find their fortune in America. These new American's broke free from their European roots and went out into the unknown west and had to make it on their own without the help or restrictions of powers above. This truly showed that people were free from the oligarchic regimes of their european counterparts.

The second photo I've chosen is on of the Guantanamo Bay Prison in Cuba.  Guantanamo Bay Prison is a U.S military base which was opened in 2002. It was opened to detain extremely dangerous prisoners, terrorist and terror suspects. Since it's opening it has been often criticised by human rights activists because of the conditions that prisoners are kept in. Detainees after often said to be tortured and are subject to a lack of human rights. I find it shocking that a country that promotes democracy and the rights of the individuals throughout the world would treat anyone in this way, especially as in the U.S everyone has the right to a fair trial (As stated in the 6th amendment). I feel that this is an obvious crime against liberty.

America and Liberty.

• This picture, to me, is showing a massive connection between America and the word 'liberty'.
• Portrays the idea of freedom. Lifting the American flag over liberated land. Freeing people from oppression of ruthless leaders
• Reminds me of the American war of Interdependence. America breaking free of a crippling British leadership.
• Free America. People standing up for their views.
• Gives me a feeling of freedom and a Country working as one against oppression.

Non-Liberated America.

• Man in Centre, John Brown, goes against the association between America and Liberty. Man martyred for his political beliefs over slavery shortly before the Civil War.
• Showing dead Americans on both sides. Not sharing political views, especially over slavery. An issue that tore the nation apart in the 1800's.
• Whole picture shows Nation at war. Lack of liberty/freedom of speech
• Bible in hand. Not even the word of God is accepted in America at this point in time. Behaviour of The South of America 'confederacy' and The North of America 'Union' sparked war between a 'liberated' nation. 
• I chose this picture because it shows a complete lack of liberty in America.

Liberty and Religion

I have chosen the Liberty Bell as my picture showing American liberty and freedom. This bell has played a part in American history since it was rung for the first time on the 8th July 1776, 4 days after the Declaration of Independence was signed. While there is no proof that the bell rung on the 8th most historians believe that it did so. The bell was instead rung to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Lettering on the bell reads "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof Lev. XXX. v. X. BY ORDER OF THE ASSSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENSYLVANIA FOR THE STATE HOUSE IN PHILAD PASS AND STOW PHILAD MDCCLIII". "The Crack" first appeared when first rung in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by local workmen, John Pass and John Stow, whose last names appear on the bell. The large crack that appears in the picture is rumoured to have occurred in the early 19th century, when ringing to mark the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835.

For a picture that negates American liberty, I decided to use a picture of the Westboro baptist church. This is a group of extreme Christians that believe that they are gods messengers. They often picket funerals of soldiers and even attempted to picket the funeral of Robin Williams. They are known as "the most hated family in America". Some of their signs include "thank god for 9/11" and "pray for more dead soldiers". I feel that this is highly offensive and they represent the judgmental side of Christianity in  America. They have been the focus of many documentaries, such as Louis Theroux. Recently they attracted attention for an argument with comedian Adam Hills over the picketing of Robin Williams' funeral. They are an example of extreme hatred and judgement, and are very hateful of those who don't share the same views as themselves.

Welcome and first posts

Welcome to the blog for my group 2

Josh	BERRY
Harry	CHAPMAN
Lisa	CONNORS
Anthony	COURTNEY
Alexander	JACKSON

 This week - find and post any TWO images which you judge are iconic of “America.” Choose one that affirms the association between America and liberty, and one that questions or negates that association. Images means images, not videos, or music. Please embed them in your post, don’t just insert a link. If you don’t know how to do this, use the Help.