The Cold War was characterized by intense ideological struggles between the United States and the Soviet Union, primarily communism versus capitalism, and the stench that the discord of World War II left behind. This ideological rivalry extended into the Space Race, which was a key component of the broader Cold War competition. Both the graphic novel "Laika" and the film "The First Man" provide insights into how these ideological struggles impacted individuals and society during this period, and juxtaposed the political and personal aspects of the Space Race. In the graphic novel "Laika," the story of the first living thing to orbit the Earth, we see the Soviet Union's determination to demonstrate the superiority of communism and to establish superiority in it’s …show more content…
Laika having such a heartbreaking fate puts into perspective the severe risks that were taken by the Soviet Union and America in the race in this dispute between them. Similarly, the film "The First Man" portrays the intense pressure and sacrifices faced by not only American astronauts, but their loved ones and families in the Space Race. The film showcases Neil Armstrong and his journey to become the first person to walk on the moon, showcasing the immense personal and national stakes involved and the slow change in his character deriving from the toll that missions were putting on him. The Space Race was not just about scientific advancement but also about ideological supremacy, with each side seeking to demonstrate the superiority of its political and economic system. The film also highlighted the growing negative effects of the Space Race on the common man. As missions started to fail, people started to grow weary and question if the efforts (like for example, taxes) to keep the Space Race going were worth