I recently came into possession of a LIFE Magazine "100 Photographs That Changed The World," and I'm astounded by the humanity documented within its pages. Not only were there several events I'd never even heard of or had only heard talked about vaguely, but there was also a staggering amount of heroism as well as an unbelievable display of humanity's ability to destroy each other.
What has become apparent to me, through 100 pictures, is that our willingness to hurt each other is ever present and strictly human. And I wondered: Are these pictures, the majority representative of the worst parts of us, reflective of my world as well? If I had to pick, what would be the 100 events or photos in my life that have changed the world?
While it would be a little unrealistic to try to write about 100 events in this article, I decided to focus on 10 different events that have changed my life and the world to help me come to the conclusion of whether today is the same as yesterday.
1. September 2001
Photo by Aidan Bartos on Unsplash
Though I barely remember this day, I do remember seeing the adults that were heartbroken and in shock all around me. Still, emerging from the ashes of chaos and loss appeared heroes of all shapes and sizes who did what they could to repair the irreparable damage.
2. November 2008
Barack Obama was elected and became the first African-American President of the United States of America, giving hope to the whole country that equality is making huge strides.
3. October 2012
Malala's fight sparked global discussion relating to women's education and girls in STEM programs.
Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash
Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head simply for defending her right for an education equal to that of her male classmates. Just a few months later, she became a feminist figurehead that has inspired nations and continues to make change on a global scale.
4. January 2015
#IAmCharlie
Photo by Andrea Maschio on Unsplash
Charlie Hebdo attacks occur in Paris, forcing every human being to question what freedom of speech means and to what extent we can protect this right.
5. June 2015
Photo by Heather Mount on Unsplash
The United States of America finally recognized that love is love is love and granted same-sex individuals the right to marry. Though still a highly controversial decision, there is no doubt that this decision has swayed the course of our country.
6. July 2015
Photo by Chelsea London Phillips on Unsplash
Relations between Cuba and the United States are restored after years and years of conflict.
7. October 2016
Photo by Jasper van der Meij on Unsplash
Leonardo DiCaprio's movie "Before the Flood" premiered, exposing the devastating effects that humans are currently having on our climate. The bleak predictions in this movie blatantly demonstrate our dire need for change in order to save our planet.
8. November 2016
Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
Donald Trump was elected. No matter what side of the aisle your beliefs fall into (this is not a political piece), we can all agree that this most-discussed election of perhaps all time shows how divided America is.
9. February 2018
#ParklandStrong
Photo by Renan Kamikoga on Unsplash
This country witnessed yet again the mass shooting of innocent students in their school. Shock and horror greeted those who watched the coverage and even knew those involved. Any future discussion on gun control will always be spoken under the reminder of that terrible day in our country.
10. June 2018
Photo by Nitish Meena on Unsplash
Marches and protests against highly controversial laws Trump put into place confronted immigration of all kinds in the United States. Now more than ever, Americans are questioning to what extent it is our responsibility to save human life.
Still, as dismal as the world may seem at times, these photographs also give us hope. In the midst of all of these events, certain individuals have risen to the challenge proven themselves to be heroes even at our darkest times.
These people chose goodness and heroism without knowing they were being caught on camera, so let's live our lives the same way. That way, if there happens to be a photographer around, we can make a big difference. So let's not become cynical and pessimistic; there is always hope for this country and this world so long as people are willing to rise to the challenge and put our fellow citizens first.
