Franklin Morse's Political Cartoon May 20, 1969.
Morse combined journalism and poetic commentary in order to illustrate the climate of the United States just before the Apollo 11 moon landing. At the time the country was undergoing a great social unrest such as the Vietnam War, civil rights issues, and economic inequality and many Americans felt that their struggles were being unheard. The title itself is meant to convey broken promises that the government had made to the American people.
Although it was a historic achievement, this work shows how at the time some American's didn't view it as triumphant. They felt that the massive resources poured into space exploration could have been better spent solving poverty, hunger, or environmental issues. This perspective showcases the nuance of technological innovation and its social effects.
