America exists today as one of the most intriguing countries in the world, primarily due to the preponderance of positives and negatives that constitutes the general perception of the entire nation as a whole. The United States is known for its dominant history in a militaristic sense, only having one war fought on its on soil. It is also known in economic terms, still widely considered today as the world’s sole remaining “superpower”, a title that was once shared with the Soviet Union before its collapse. Most recently it has gained prominence in regards to social life because of the country’s technological advancements, that now actively promotes social media in all aspects of life (for example the workplace and schools) which subsequently allows people from all over the country to connect. Despite the amount of benefits there are of living in America, there are also negatives that have been predominantly affecting the country for hundreds of years that are still in existence today. These unfavorable aspects are significant because there existence alone vividly contradicts the perceived ideal foundation that America was built upon. The idea that all men are created equal, and are given unalienable rights, most importantly life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is what America wanted its basis to be. However, America’s past, present and future all seem to be strongly digressing from these ideas, and the most controversial aspects that have been dividing the country since its existence are race and poverty.…
Because America acknowledges the freedom of press and speech, our nation has become very diverse in it's culture. Diversity in a society is important to create unity amongst groups of people. If a country restricts diversity, the populace will produce ginger bread men out of the same cookie cutter, generation after generation. This will usually slow down…
America is a country that was established by the principle that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, it is apart of what sets us apart as a nation and it’s what this country was founded on. American’s have the luxury of freedom of speech and religion. Yet when a person decides to voice their views nationally they are ridiculed, just because it is felt by some to be inappropriate.…
When people think of America, opportunity comes to mind. It is a place where any individual can work hard to get to the top. However, just like all countries, there are flaws and people are not treated with equal opportunity. Society looks at certain people and is criticized for being who they want to become and because of this, they question their own identity. They would rather fit in and be normal like everybody else. In the book, The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin, and, The Feminine Mystique, by Betty Friedan, they describe the alienation they are experiencing. Baldwin and Friedan both have been taught not to challenge anything that might disrupt the status quo.…
In Sedaris’s reading “Six to Eight Black Men” American traditions versus other traditions in different culture have different ways they celebrate Christmas every year. Sedaris got to meet up with a guy, Oscar, who explained to him how they celebrate Christmas in their culture.…
The Encounter between the Europeans and Native Americans was one of mutual cultural that brought both several favorable and unfortunate outcomes to each other. These two different cultures exchanged many ideas that changed the ways they had once lived before. When these two different worlds collided they were both introduced to multiple crops and animals they had never seen, tasted, or even heard of. Numerous crops that grow around the world today came from the Americas. But these two also came across some severe results. Many diseases were brought into the lives of each other that many had never had before.…
“They have no central leadership, no master plan, no fixed structures, and no self-representation as a single entity. Their actions as a group are the result of local contacts and temporary synchronizations. These forms of collective performances are responsible for numerous ongoing cultural, social, and political transformations.” (Fischer-Lichte, 2009:1)…
America is a capitalistic Democracy that thrives on hard work and dedication, and values the voice of it’s people through elections. Another factor that relates to the freedoms granted to American citizens is the right to marry. In many countries, marriage between people from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds is forbidden. Gay marriage is also illegal in most countries and members of the LGBTQ community lives are threatened by those who do not support “alternative” sexual…
Coming from Fayetteville, Arkansas, in the southern United States, the differences, as well as the similarities to my own Southern culture, fascinate me. Much of the south was settled by Scots and Scots-Irish and I can feel the connection, though distant and faded, to my home. It is very humbling to pack up one's life at the age of 42 and start anew in another country. Painting provided an anchor for my immigrant experience and supported me through the many challenges. That being said, it is also incredibly invigorating to pick up one's life and start again and Scotland has provided an ideal backdrop full of atmospheric beauty, ancient layers, and majestic nature that influences my work daily. I feel that the arts are a priority; understood,…
Differences I found between being African American and Iranian American is that some people believe that African American are the same as anyone from Africa, and some Americans think that if you’re Iranian American you’re muslim. African American are judged by their skin color and Iranian Americans are judged from the country they were born. African…
America is a "melting pot" of many different people, ideas and beliefs; that is why it is called the "Land of the Free", it is as unique as each citizen that lives here. The American population is made up of many different ethnic groups; some coming over from Europe, Africa etc. When the country first started, people came over to experience the "new" world. Today, people come over to escape their lives in hope for a better one. Whatever the reason, people come here to mix into the melting pot by bringing their own beliefs and value systems with them. Our country's laws are based on the Constitution, which gives it's citizens the freedom to live their lives as they wish, with lots of opportunities. There are many different sub-cultures or countercultures…
Times have changed, and so has the virtues and ideals that build up what we know as an American. America has portrayed an image of a “perfect nation” along with a diverse and equal society, however this is far from the truth. If you think that the United States is the most advanced country in the world, you have missed the bullseye and hit the edge of the dartboard. The concept of equality simply does not exist in today’s society. With one look, people already believe they know everything about you. In simple words, an American today is just simply a hypocrite.…
There was a world of difference between the two cultures , Europeans and Native American.…
Everyone who migrates from one country to another, always value their cultures. It may be the same world, but the cultures will always differ from each other. Mexico and the United States share the same border, but share two completely different customs. “No custom is good or bad, right or wrong in itself; each one must be examined in light of the culture as a whole and evaluated in terms of how it works in the context of the entire world.” Mexican culture and American culture vary within marriage, celebrations, and education.…
It seems like people forget why our ancestors originally came to America; in order to escape persecution found in political, economic, and religious institutions. In modern America, these problems have resurfaced. It is incredibly hard to move up in class, everyone has to be on a side, and if you…