In today’s society, people from all over the world are beginning to learn new information everyday about other countries through research and observation. That being the case, each country has been able to take cultural parts of other countries and make it their own. Through the analyzing, contrasting, etc. of images it can be proposed that the United States is one of the most unique countries. Based on specific images from Hunter Lindell’s comic, “America the Great,” it can be argued that America is the greatest country on Earth.

One of the most noticeable advantages about living in or traveling to the United States is the variety of travel destinations and weather. Each city and state not only has unique attractions and venues, but also have completely different weather which allows for more choice and preference. The first image from “America the Great” taken from the deck of a cruise ship in Alaska is a form of argumentation that America is the greatest. While this photo was taken in July, the air temperature was consistent around 65F. The photo was taken from a low angle of the basketball court, giving a perspective view of the glaciers in the background. This effect turns a boat ride in the middle of a lake into a luxurious vacation in the ocean. The contrast in color of the terracotta-colored basketball court and the blue water provides makes for a distinct observation. The staircase in the back right side of the court leads to the proof that it is a cruise ship, however, it could be argued that this photo was taken from a pier based on the visual evidence provided. Cruise ships allow travelers and people just trying to get away a chance to play typical sports played in America with a great view and weather.

Another iconic feature of the United States of America is the food. Not only has America generated some of the most well-known food items, the country has also adopted foods from other countries and innovated them to become unique. The second image is a close up of a cheeseburger which originated in the state of California. The most noticeable piece right off the bat is the American flag sitting on top of the bun as a form of symbolism. Underneath the top bun is a pile of onions, shiny tomatoes, and thin green lettuce. The patty has juice dripping out every side with the yellow glossy American cheese (what a coincidence) melting over the edge. What makes this burger have that American feel, as if it already doesn’t, is the fact that it has sizzling bacon on top of the patty like there wasn’t already enough meat. America offers larger choices and better quality food than some countries and it is one of the most prevalent features of the country. 

While music is important in the lives of many regardless of what country they live in, it can be argued that it is a lifestyle for many in certain places. The music market in the United States is more than triple the size of any other country’s coming in at projected $15.1 billion for 2016. One thing that sets the United States apart from others in the music world is concerts and the experience that takes place. America has some of the biggest and most well recognizable venues such as the Madison Square Garden as featured in the third image. There are so many people pictured that with the combination of the darkness and spotlights it’s difficult to tell who is even playing. The hands in the air are moving rapidly as the camera was unable to focus on all of the movement. On the flip side, it is a possibility that the camera couldn’t focus due to the sound instead and maybe it was so loud that the entire arena was shaking. The fact that there are hands straight up in the air shows the energy inflating in the arena. Many of the most popular musicians today only perform at the biggest venues and there only a handful of places in the world where you can get experience such high quality music live with so many people at once.  

One of most obvious strengths the United States of America is its sports. The U.S. is the only country to have a professional American Football League, and other sports such as basketball, baseball, and hockey are more prominent in the United States than any other country. As pictured in the fourth image, the South Carolina Gamecocks, home to undergraduate Hunter Lindell, come leaping out of the tunnel as the 80,000+ fans at Williams-Brice Stadium are on their feet. The white smoke in the background turns the game of football into a show as the pregame is all about pumping up the crowd. #24 of the Gamecocks shown front and center from a medium angle of view is in the middle of a dance move. The smile on his face behind that reflective silver visor with his bright white teeth showing ricochets his passion for the game onto the rest of his teammates. The combination of these visual elements is what makes football more than a sport in America but rather a gathering of a family and an experience that only happens four or five times a year.

A problem that has existed for years even in the United States is racism and segregation. Although the issue has improved over the years, it still remains an issue in many locations. The fifth image depicts how closely the United States is coming together and has done so even more recently. Long ago it would be unacceptable if an African-American person even talked to a Caucasian, but now there are interracial marriages and America is getting closer to recognizing that skin color doesn’t mean anything. The different skin tones of the hands in the image are significant because they all form a circle surrounding a map of the U.S. which shows just how much the people are coming together. It is significant to notice that the hands aren’t actually touching each other, but they are overlapping to suggest that the United States is so close to coming together. However, the fact that they aren’t touching each other explains the idea that our nation is still far away from perfection. The map with the flag in the center provides a patriotic feel and it adds reassurance that this is something that stands out in America. The colors of the flag all fit into the map of the U.S., and it is symbolic that the hands of different colors surround it.

It is difficult to debate another country could be better than the United States as the United States excels in some of the most important parts of life. There remains question as to whether or not the gap between the United States and the rest of the world will increase anymore. For the rest of the world to experience the amount of success and happiness that the U.S. receives, it is at the hands of all Americans to assist other nations and make it our priority to share the wealth not only relating to money but anything else that can be provided.  
