Why the Moonwalk Isn't a National Pastime

Significant progress in technology and space exploration is often met with awe and wonder, but sometimes these advancements fail to translate into widespread cultural practices or national pastimes. A moonwalk, which originated from Michael Jackson’s iconic dance move, remains largely underutilized in the entertainment industry, let alone becoming a national pastime.

When we discuss the moon landing and its legacy, it is indeed tempting to ask why a dance move named after this monumental achievement is not more widely recognized or celebrated. The moon walk, also known as the moon landing dance, remembers the extraordinary feat of human daring and ingenuity that captured the world's imagination in 1969. Yet, it seems that, much like the invention of the airplane and the song “Surfin’ Bird,” the moonwalk remains more a novelty than a cultural phenomenon.

However, why does the moonwalk not resonate more as a national pastime? To answer this, we must delve into the history of the space program and its impact on societal culture and priorities.

Space Program Priorities: Aligned with Ego or National Security?

The early successes of the space program, particularly the moon landing, were indeed momentous achievements for humanity. Yet, as time has passed, the focus of the space program seems to have shifted from the exploratory goals that drove early efforts to more business-as-usual operations. For instance, since the early 1970s, the space program has failed to truly capitalize on the private sector's potential to drive space exploration.

The current paradigm of space exploration predicates on a continuation of government-led initiatives, such as the space shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). While these initiatives have their merits, they were more about ego and national security than pure exploration. The fear of falling behind in the Cold War competition with the Soviet Union partly fueled this approach, as some believed that space dominance would ensure national superiority. However, this sinister outlook overshadowed the opportunity to engage the private sector and foster innovation.

By giving “fat government checks” to defence contractors for projects like the space shuttle and ISS, the space program missed a valuable opportunity to leverage private enterprise. Leading private companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX might have pushed the boundaries of space exploration in novel and cost-effective ways, had they been incentivized to do so. This missed opportunity reflects a more profound question about how we prioritize our technological achievements and their cultural impact.

Alternatives to Government-Driven Space Exploration

One alternative is to redirect funding and incentives towards fostering private sector innovation in space. By doing so, the space program could focus on long-term goals and leave the day-to-day operations to private entities. This model is more akin to how aviation developed and how the internet and smartphones revolutionized communication. Private companies can innovate, take calculated risks, and deliver results more efficiently than government agencies.

Moreover, such a shift in focus would allow for a broader cultural relevance of space achievements. If the space program had been more reliant on private companies, we would likely see more integration of space themes in popular culture. Dance moves like the moonwalk, once seen as a tribute to exceptional human achievement, might become part of the fabric of everyday life. Consider the ways in which planes, trains, and automobiles have been integrated into song lyrics, film plots, and even fashion trends. Similarly, space-themed dances and other cultural manifestations could become more common if space exploration was more driven by a market capitalist model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lack of a moonwalk as a national pastime is not simply a failure of cultural appreciation, but rather a reflection of the current priorities of the space program. The space program’s historic emphasis on government-driven initiatives has resulted in missed opportunities to engage private enterprise and foster broader cultural integration. By recognizing this, we can advocate for a new vision of space exploration that leverages the creativity and innovation of the private sector to bring space achievements into the mainstream of our daily lives.

To sum up, the moonwalk, as a tribute to the moon landing, deserves a place in popular culture and society. A shift towards more private sector involvement in space exploration could help bring this achievement to the forefront of our daily lives, making the moonwalk a true national pastime.