In his series, Created Equal, Detroit-born photographer Mark Laita explores social inequality by placing photos of US citizens who appear to be the opposites of each other (punks teens and Amish, for instance) side by side. The series took eight years to complete and is meant to show the “successes and failures that America has experienced in its short life.” Click through for a gallery of photos from Created Equal, discovered via Bored Panda, and visit Laita’s website for more info on the project and the book that came out of it.
“Gang Member/Mafioso.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Marine/War Veteran.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Baptist Minister/Ku Klux Klan.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Astronaut/Alien Abductee.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“French Chef/Short Order Cook.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Female Body Builder/Drag Queen.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Lingerie Model/Woman in Girdle.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Coal Miners/Male Exotic Dancers.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Vegetarian/Butcher, 1999-2004.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“CEO/Messenger,” 2005-2006. Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Indigent Couple/Wealthy Couple.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Ballerina/Trucker.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Homeless Man/Real Estate Developer.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Company President/Janitor.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Amish Teens/Punk Teens.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Catholic Nuns/Prostitutes.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Fitness Model/Heart Surgery Patient.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“College Graduate/High School Dropout.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Showgirl/Librarian.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.
“Rock Band/Polka Band.” Photo Credit: Mark Laita.