Dear Margot, Julie, Vicci, Michael and David.
Really satisfied by your blogs and commentaries - it was a good balance of topics and and some useful insights on the strange "new" world of America - the question for you to answer and consider, what is it about Americans and their society that encourages or allows such peculiarities of behaviour? Why is it still the "New World"? - does it originate from those early founding ideals?
For interest, here's another view of the new world as it was way back during the "Age of Discovery" - an early "imagining" of the Americas
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8328878.stm
( NB Use the enlarge to see the detail)
Have a good week,
best wishes,
John.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
The New America School
I chose this website probably because of it's name (that's the first reason) and then because of the little descriptions talking about the American Dream. Isn't it amazing that a school says that they can help young immigrants fulfill their American Dream ?
The New America School is actually a whole system of public schools that helps immigrants with English language and giving them, to their eyes, a good education. The locations of the schools are chosen in relation to the need (so where there are most immigrants).
De Crevecouer said that in America people were free and equal. These schools want to give the possibility to immigrants to get an education and a better knowledge of the language, giving them the opportunity to be equal to all other citizens (they are not illiterate and understand the language). And by having a good education that means they can enter higher education and compete for better jobs that what they would have got without any education.
And also, by understanding the language and getting an education similar to the one a non-immigrant American would get, that encourages them to be part of the society, not excluded and so be rightly assimilated.
Diet for a New America
http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/books/dietamerica.html
This book was published in 1987 and looks at modern farming methods and how America’s obsession with eating protein has led to the poor health of the nation. The author is suggesting that a vegetarian diet would make a huge difference to the level of things like cancer and other serious illnesses. He looks at how use of pesticides and toxins in the raising of livestock has increased in order to increase the appeal of meat and meat products.
It would be very hard to imagine most Americans turning to a meat-free diet, given the stereotypical view that we have of Americans as burger addicts but if it makes some people think a little more about what goes into their mouths then it might be a good thing. De Crevecoeur makes reference to ‘exuberant crops’ and to being well fed by an employer so maybe having too much of a good thing hasn’t helped.
This book was published in 1987 and looks at modern farming methods and how America’s obsession with eating protein has led to the poor health of the nation. The author is suggesting that a vegetarian diet would make a huge difference to the level of things like cancer and other serious illnesses. He looks at how use of pesticides and toxins in the raising of livestock has increased in order to increase the appeal of meat and meat products.
It would be very hard to imagine most Americans turning to a meat-free diet, given the stereotypical view that we have of Americans as burger addicts but if it makes some people think a little more about what goes into their mouths then it might be a good thing. De Crevecoeur makes reference to ‘exuberant crops’ and to being well fed by an employer so maybe having too much of a good thing hasn’t helped.
How to create a 'New You'
This website http://www.selfgrowth.com/ aims to create a 'New You'. The idea that you can completely change who you are and become a totally different person is one which features commonly in De Crevecouer's letters. Even today, people come to America following 'The American Dream'. However, this is not the only way in which people reinvent themselves in America. Today, the idea that somebody can use a self-help guide to reinvent themself is a very common part of American life. De Crevecouer wrote that it is in America that people "become men", and it is this idea of becoming something else which American's still find so appealing to this day. With the levels of things like dieting and cosmetic surgery on the rise in the States, it's no wonder that people turn to self-help guides in an attempt to become a 'New' person.
American Soul Music
My chosen website in following De Crevecour's example of American 'Newness' is American Soul music, the story of Stax records in Memphis 'Soulsville'.
http://www.soulsvilleusa.com/
De Crevecour in his letter refers to that 'strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country'. By this he is referring to the wide range of ethnic groups consistently inhabiting America.
One ethnic group which are the founders of my source are African Americans. As early slaves they developed an interest in music such as Blues, gospel, Jazz etc. Music that reflected the sorrows and poverty of being slaves and bad treatment from white bosses. From early rhythm/blues and gospel, a new kind of music was formed, music that was unfamilier yet revolutionary in America at that time; Soul music. Stax records founded in Memphis, Tennessee 1959, saw the rise of a number of talented African American soul singers, to name a few: Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Booker T & the MG's etc. Soul music remains an American success today and Stax records, once a record shop in an old movie theatre, grew to become a major recording studio and figurehead of American music.
http://www.soulsvilleusa.com/
De Crevecour in his letter refers to that 'strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country'. By this he is referring to the wide range of ethnic groups consistently inhabiting America.
One ethnic group which are the founders of my source are African Americans. As early slaves they developed an interest in music such as Blues, gospel, Jazz etc. Music that reflected the sorrows and poverty of being slaves and bad treatment from white bosses. From early rhythm/blues and gospel, a new kind of music was formed, music that was unfamilier yet revolutionary in America at that time; Soul music. Stax records founded in Memphis, Tennessee 1959, saw the rise of a number of talented African American soul singers, to name a few: Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Booker T & the MG's etc. Soul music remains an American success today and Stax records, once a record shop in an old movie theatre, grew to become a major recording studio and figurehead of American music.
Scientology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1RaKWS6jb4
Religion has always been around in America, and it will be engrained into some cultures and societies for a long time yet; no matter what De Crevecouer thought or wrote.
http://www.scientology.org/home.html
Scientology is a relatively new religion in the grande scheme of things. It was created in the 1950s as a way to give new answers to old questions of who are we, and why are we.
It is written by those behind Scientology that a person who belongs to that movement, no one needs to have the faith, but to instead want to realize their true potential. They can gain spiritual freedom.
De Crevecouer wrote that America regenerates people, there they become men. L. Ron Hubbard believes that the religion that he created helped people become the men they were meant to be. They realized their true potential, and so became regenerated in life. Scientology allows a person to flower as it allows for the letting go of the past. Alot like the Europeans leaving their homes and arriving in a new beginning.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Gabriel Archer tells us the story
Gosnold's Settlement
I decided to explore then Virtual Jamestown website and pick a testimony from there. I found this one quite interesting as not only does it depict the native Americans, but the landscaping is also described, and even though we are, for the moment, talking about settlement and the European view on native Americans, we did study landscaping and it's always interesting to see what marked the English when they first arrived there.
So, in this testimony, a lot of the islands visited are described. They did discover places that they named Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyards and Shoal Hope. I don't know about Shoal Hope, but Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyards are two names I have heard of in the past.
As for what Gabriel Archer says about the native Americans, it is quite similar to what was said in our set reading for the week. They are savages, naked with long hair tied in the back of their neck, wearing only loose deer skins around their shoulders and seal skins around their wastes. Though they do say one, that seems to be he chief, is wearing a black waistcoat, a pair of breeches, cloth stockings, shoes and a hat. Hand they spoke Christian words, thus they had been in contact with Christians.
The author also notes that they paint their bodies, are armed with bows and arrows and had copper plates hanging from their ears, and some of them had copper plates hanging around their neck.
They seem to have helped them learn how to survive, exploring the islands and finding food.
The French explore the Mississippi
http://titan.iwu.edu/~matthews/intro.html
This is an account by a Frenchman, Father Marquette tells us of his first trip up the Mississippi, and the Natives that he meets along the way. His account tells us very little about the actual journey, or conditions aboard the ship - but he seems keen to make an accurate report on the Natives he meets. I found this article particularly interesting, because in contrast to Percy's account of the Natives as savages, he remarks that they are "civil", "liberal", and above all, "very docile". From reading this article, I learned that he believed he could convert the Natives to Christianity. Indeed, in Part 2 of his account on the website, he tells us that there are already "several good christians" among another nation they travel past on their way to the Mississippi.
This is an account by a Frenchman, Father Marquette tells us of his first trip up the Mississippi, and the Natives that he meets along the way. His account tells us very little about the actual journey, or conditions aboard the ship - but he seems keen to make an accurate report on the Natives he meets. I found this article particularly interesting, because in contrast to Percy's account of the Natives as savages, he remarks that they are "civil", "liberal", and above all, "very docile". From reading this article, I learned that he believed he could convert the Natives to Christianity. Indeed, in Part 2 of his account on the website, he tells us that there are already "several good christians" among another nation they travel past on their way to the Mississippi.
the Welsh got there too!
Christopher Columbus has a special day dedicated to him on October 12th, as he was the first European. But is that day and title truly his?
Evidence and folklore combined dispute this claim.
According to a Welsh poem that has been in Welsh Folklore for generations, a Welsh Prince called Madog found the New World in 1170 ad.
Queen Elizabeth 1, was told, by a loyal subject, the story of Prince Madog. Some may say that was for prestige and power, as at that point in time, the English and Spanish were in the midst of territory struggles.
Again the story crept up in history, as explorers stumbled upon Native Americans along the Tennessee and Missouri borders in the eighteenth century. These Native Americans were not like the others of their kind, for they spoke a similar language to Welsh, aswell as fishing in coracles, which are the boats still used in Wales today.
All of these snipets of supposed evidence are dwarfed by the discovery of six skeletons in 1799. all the skeletons wore brass armour with the Welsh coat of arms on the chest piece.
The tribe that Prince Madog supposedly lived with, has since been wiped out in 1837 by small pox. But a plaque was placed at the place they lived to commemorate them.
http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/Wales-History/DiscoveryofAmerica.htm
I personally think that the Welsh did reach the United States. Even if the skeletons didn't exist, the accounts of the explorers must have been based on something. A language being based on Welsh in a Native American tribe, seems to sa far-fetched that it seems hard to dismiss.
The skeletons however, reveal alot to me as it is cold, hard fact. The skeletons were there, wearing Welsh armour.
However, what does make me stand back and think, is that there was no account as to nowadays. With the technology that we have all around us and in the museums, surely there would have been an investigation into these skeletons and their age. If the stories were untrue then the skeletons would have been labeled a fraud. Yet no mention of them has been made after their initial discovery.
Even with that egging at my mind, I still firmly believe that the Welsh were in America, even if it wasn't as early as they suggest. The language and traditions convince me. Not only that, but the article also mentions that there were Welsh style forts dotted around the area. That is another point that has convinced me.
Evidence and folklore combined dispute this claim.
According to a Welsh poem that has been in Welsh Folklore for generations, a Welsh Prince called Madog found the New World in 1170 ad.
Queen Elizabeth 1, was told, by a loyal subject, the story of Prince Madog. Some may say that was for prestige and power, as at that point in time, the English and Spanish were in the midst of territory struggles.
Again the story crept up in history, as explorers stumbled upon Native Americans along the Tennessee and Missouri borders in the eighteenth century. These Native Americans were not like the others of their kind, for they spoke a similar language to Welsh, aswell as fishing in coracles, which are the boats still used in Wales today.
All of these snipets of supposed evidence are dwarfed by the discovery of six skeletons in 1799. all the skeletons wore brass armour with the Welsh coat of arms on the chest piece.
The tribe that Prince Madog supposedly lived with, has since been wiped out in 1837 by small pox. But a plaque was placed at the place they lived to commemorate them.
http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/Wales-History/DiscoveryofAmerica.htm
I personally think that the Welsh did reach the United States. Even if the skeletons didn't exist, the accounts of the explorers must have been based on something. A language being based on Welsh in a Native American tribe, seems to sa far-fetched that it seems hard to dismiss.
The skeletons however, reveal alot to me as it is cold, hard fact. The skeletons were there, wearing Welsh armour.
However, what does make me stand back and think, is that there was no account as to nowadays. With the technology that we have all around us and in the museums, surely there would have been an investigation into these skeletons and their age. If the stories were untrue then the skeletons would have been labeled a fraud. Yet no mention of them has been made after their initial discovery.
Even with that egging at my mind, I still firmly believe that the Welsh were in America, even if it wasn't as early as they suggest. The language and traditions convince me. Not only that, but the article also mentions that there were Welsh style forts dotted around the area. That is another point that has convinced me.
Account by a Dutch settler - 1642
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/mohawks.htm
This is an account by a Dutch minister, Johannes Megapolensis who travelled to the Dutch colony of Fort Orange at the head of the Hudson River in 1642 with his wife and 4 children. He had been given his passage in order to “fill the spiritual needs of the inhabitants of the area”. It doesn’t define whether this means other settlers or the native inhabitants. Megapolensis’s account of the Mohawk people, with whom the Dutch did the majority of their trade, in fur in particular, gives an insight into their way of life including relationships and child bearing. I felt this passage was particularly interesting as it seems that the Native Americans had managed to wage war with more simple weapons until the settlers introduced them to their guns. “Their weapons in war were formerly a bow and arrow, with a stone axe and mallet; but now they get from our people guns, swords, iron axes and mallets. “ There is also mention of the violence of the tribe including eating their enemies but that the settlers didn’t feel afraid of them.
This is an account by a Dutch minister, Johannes Megapolensis who travelled to the Dutch colony of Fort Orange at the head of the Hudson River in 1642 with his wife and 4 children. He had been given his passage in order to “fill the spiritual needs of the inhabitants of the area”. It doesn’t define whether this means other settlers or the native inhabitants. Megapolensis’s account of the Mohawk people, with whom the Dutch did the majority of their trade, in fur in particular, gives an insight into their way of life including relationships and child bearing. I felt this passage was particularly interesting as it seems that the Native Americans had managed to wage war with more simple weapons until the settlers introduced them to their guns. “Their weapons in war were formerly a bow and arrow, with a stone axe and mallet; but now they get from our people guns, swords, iron axes and mallets. “ There is also mention of the violence of the tribe including eating their enemies but that the settlers didn’t feel afraid of them.
An account by an early German settler in America
My chosen account is that of an early German settler in the US. http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/7439/
Francis Daniel Pastorius was the founder of the first German settlement in Pennsylvania. He founded Germantown, a gateway for latter German immigrants into the US. The account describes his 'voyage' across the Atlantic and his initial impressions on arriving in Philadelphia in 1683. From reading the article I learned that he was a religious man, giving me the impression that intended to promote Christianity in the State as he quotes: 'to follow His holy teachings'. He describes the treacherousness of the journey including the poor conditions on board the ship, he quotes that the 'fish' was so 'rancid' that him and his crew 'could hardly eat half of them'.
The way he describes his first perceptions of the Natives I find very interesting. Firstly he refers to them as 'inhabitants' perhaps respecting the fact that they were there first; he then goes on to write: 'for if I were to call the former savages...'I should do great injustice to many of both varieties'; a sharp contrast to that of Englishman George Percy's account refering to them as savages. Whats more interesting is fact that he also quotes at the end of paragraph 9 after eating 'Turkey' with them he proceeds to write that 'we have nothing to fear from them', a much different attitude to that of the English consistently living in fear of attack.
Francis Daniel Pastorius was the founder of the first German settlement in Pennsylvania. He founded Germantown, a gateway for latter German immigrants into the US. The account describes his 'voyage' across the Atlantic and his initial impressions on arriving in Philadelphia in 1683. From reading the article I learned that he was a religious man, giving me the impression that intended to promote Christianity in the State as he quotes: 'to follow His holy teachings'. He describes the treacherousness of the journey including the poor conditions on board the ship, he quotes that the 'fish' was so 'rancid' that him and his crew 'could hardly eat half of them'.
The way he describes his first perceptions of the Natives I find very interesting. Firstly he refers to them as 'inhabitants' perhaps respecting the fact that they were there first; he then goes on to write: 'for if I were to call the former savages...'I should do great injustice to many of both varieties'; a sharp contrast to that of Englishman George Percy's account refering to them as savages. Whats more interesting is fact that he also quotes at the end of paragraph 9 after eating 'Turkey' with them he proceeds to write that 'we have nothing to fear from them', a much different attitude to that of the English consistently living in fear of attack.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Week 3: News from the USA....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8310000/8310325.stm
An interesting view of daily life on the Great Plains - one of the empty areas of America. Why?
Thanks for an enterprising set of posts on Wednesday. Enjoy the weekend and don't forget to post for next Wednesday - good luck with the library exercise.
John
An interesting view of daily life on the Great Plains - one of the empty areas of America. Why?
Thanks for an enterprising set of posts on Wednesday. Enjoy the weekend and don't forget to post for next Wednesday - good luck with the library exercise.
John
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Algeria's point of view
I found this interesting article, in french, from an algerian newspaper Le Quotidien d'Oran.
This article was written by Abed Charef and was published on the 17th October 2005.
The article, in a few words, is about the american will to democratize the arabic world. Yet, in the eyes of the writer, America only offers dishonor or suicide to the countries it invades. The article quotes Syria and how America forced a political retreat. And in Iraq, the USA had talked about finding mass destruction weapons, instead of finding them it led to the country's auto-mass destruction.
America only gives the choice to submission or war and destruction.
Unfortunately, the subject then derives to illegal immigration from North African countries to Europe. So, let's leave that part behind.
It seems that Algeria sees the war with a very critical eye and a certain animosity towards America. America is a threat to the freedom of arabic countries. America, though, sees itself as a savior of those countries, liberating the people from a harsh oppression, giving them a new democracy. Well, it seems that they should have stopped themselves from doing it, if you'd have asked the arabic countries.
Russia's views on America
http://en.rian.ru/valdai_op/20090930/156302512.html
The article which I have chosen comes from the Russian newspaper Ria Novosti. The author argues that even now, twenty years after the end of the Cold War, "Russia’s political decisions are often made 'to spite Americans.'"
I thought this article particularly interesting because it shows us that Russia still think of themselves as 'better' than the United States. "Many people responsible . . . in Russia do not believe in the possibility of honest and practical cooperation with America." Even though doing things like trading with the US would benefit Russia more than anyone else, they still refuse to do it. The article tells us that the ruling class in Russia are "afraid" of opening up the country and it's economy because they think that if the Russian people got a chance to see how the rest of the world lives, they wouldn't want to stay the way they are now.
After reading this article, I get the impression that the author is jealous of the way things happen in the United States of America, he argues that political policies in Russia are often made purely based on "the official who holds this or that post.", whereas in America things make a lot more sense. He's convinced that large-scale cooperation between Russia and the West would be of great advantage the Russia, but it is their "foreign policy arrogance" which stops them.
The article which I have chosen comes from the Russian newspaper Ria Novosti. The author argues that even now, twenty years after the end of the Cold War, "Russia’s political decisions are often made 'to spite Americans.'"
I thought this article particularly interesting because it shows us that Russia still think of themselves as 'better' than the United States. "Many people responsible . . . in Russia do not believe in the possibility of honest and practical cooperation with America." Even though doing things like trading with the US would benefit Russia more than anyone else, they still refuse to do it. The article tells us that the ruling class in Russia are "afraid" of opening up the country and it's economy because they think that if the Russian people got a chance to see how the rest of the world lives, they wouldn't want to stay the way they are now.
After reading this article, I get the impression that the author is jealous of the way things happen in the United States of America, he argues that political policies in Russia are often made purely based on "the official who holds this or that post.", whereas in America things make a lot more sense. He's convinced that large-scale cooperation between Russia and the West would be of great advantage the Russia, but it is their "foreign policy arrogance" which stops them.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
An American's view on how Mexican citizens view the US
The article I chose is a rather interesting perspective from an American point of view in June 2008.
http://www.webloggin.com/houston-chron-mexican-citizens-view-the-united-states-in-negative-fashion/
The article reveals the feeling of an American towards Mexico, it reinforces the stereotypes of Americans being ignorant of other nations. It concludes with the patriotic quote: 'How we look to other nations and what they think is what is destroying this nation'. The article is littered with emotive language, hence the use of the word 'destroying'. The article refers to a survey stating that 47% of Mexicans have a positive view of the US, down from 68% a decade ago; 9% down this year as a result of anti-immigrant backlash angering Mexicans. The article also offers a survey of percentages in Mexican views towards American political leaders, 29% of Mexicans having confidence in Obama, 16% in Bush and 19% in McCain, underlying the authors perceptions of Mexico being a 'cynical' country. The racist undertone is evident throughout so it doesn't help to change the initial perception of Americans being ignorant.
http://www.webloggin.com/houston-chron-mexican-citizens-view-the-united-states-in-negative-fashion/
The article reveals the feeling of an American towards Mexico, it reinforces the stereotypes of Americans being ignorant of other nations. It concludes with the patriotic quote: 'How we look to other nations and what they think is what is destroying this nation'. The article is littered with emotive language, hence the use of the word 'destroying'. The article refers to a survey stating that 47% of Mexicans have a positive view of the US, down from 68% a decade ago; 9% down this year as a result of anti-immigrant backlash angering Mexicans. The article also offers a survey of percentages in Mexican views towards American political leaders, 29% of Mexicans having confidence in Obama, 16% in Bush and 19% in McCain, underlying the authors perceptions of Mexico being a 'cynical' country. The racist undertone is evident throughout so it doesn't help to change the initial perception of Americans being ignorant.
the British Publics view of America in 2007
My article is not necessarily about policies of America but the growing animosity felt by the General public that may effect our relationship with the Worlds Superpower.
http://britainandamerica.typepad.com/britain_and_america/2007/01/british_public_.html
The article tracks the British Public opinion of America, and so shows that there is a 52% of the public that have a negative view of America. Which is not surprisingly beaten by Israel, however, Russia did not have such a negative view. This may be as America is always in the forfront of our minds and daily lives, yet Russia is not. The same can be said for China.
The reason this particular article caught my eye was because some politicians are driven by the Publics Opinions. By the public viewing the United States as a "Villian", those politicians find it hard to make a case for American Foreign Policy. Many of this Countrys politicians are now "apparently" driven by the public opinion, America may lose some of its sway with us as a country.
So although the article is not particulary about Americas Policies, but instead our view of them. The whole fact that Britain is turning against the Greatest Country, holds some importance of opinion against the America view and way of life.
The paragraph that paints Gordon Brown as a bit of a Hero, did make me chuckle. Alot. Seriously.
http://britainandamerica.typepad.com/britain_and_america/2007/01/british_public_.html
The article tracks the British Public opinion of America, and so shows that there is a 52% of the public that have a negative view of America. Which is not surprisingly beaten by Israel, however, Russia did not have such a negative view. This may be as America is always in the forfront of our minds and daily lives, yet Russia is not. The same can be said for China.
The reason this particular article caught my eye was because some politicians are driven by the Publics Opinions. By the public viewing the United States as a "Villian", those politicians find it hard to make a case for American Foreign Policy. Many of this Countrys politicians are now "apparently" driven by the public opinion, America may lose some of its sway with us as a country.
So although the article is not particulary about Americas Policies, but instead our view of them. The whole fact that Britain is turning against the Greatest Country, holds some importance of opinion against the America view and way of life.
The paragraph that paints Gordon Brown as a bit of a Hero, did make me chuckle. Alot. Seriously.
Week 3; News from Iran.....
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Index_view.asp?code=205555
A view of American politics.... valid? How do you check the quality of such a view?
A view of American politics.... valid? How do you check the quality of such a view?
Monday, 12 October 2009
Website - kashmirwatch.com
Article: US-Pakistan relations amid growing security – 8th October 2009
The article I have chosen was written by an Indian Research scholar and is concerned with the recent announcement of an increase in aid to Pakistan, to $1.5 billion. It criticises the US influence in Pakistan and suggests that there is lack of trust between the two nations with America trying to exercise control over the country by imposing conditions on the use of the aid to suit its own ends. It gives a strong view that the Pakistani people see the US as the enemy (a recent poll says that 64% of Pakistanis feel this way) and that this aid is used in a bullying way. It appears that the comments relate also to the relationship between Pakistan and India – historically a volatile relationship.
Article: US-Pakistan relations amid growing security – 8th October 2009
The article I have chosen was written by an Indian Research scholar and is concerned with the recent announcement of an increase in aid to Pakistan, to $1.5 billion. It criticises the US influence in Pakistan and suggests that there is lack of trust between the two nations with America trying to exercise control over the country by imposing conditions on the use of the aid to suit its own ends. It gives a strong view that the Pakistani people see the US as the enemy (a recent poll says that 64% of Pakistanis feel this way) and that this aid is used in a bullying way. It appears that the comments relate also to the relationship between Pakistan and India – historically a volatile relationship.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Week 2: Where? Why there?
Thanks for a very productive and enjoyable session on Wednesday - top marks for your blogs, comments and discussion.
Have a good week - check on the next blogs & reading for Week 3 -
Good wishes, John.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
The united States of Fastfood
In the USA alone, there are over 13,000 McDonald's. Yet, McDonald's isn't everywhere in the States. Some places have very few numbers of McDonald's, as shown on the map.
The east part of the country possesses more McDonald's than the west, and there is a massive concentration on the costs (west and east), though some areas like around the Lake Michigan or even Austin (Texas). The numbers of McDonald's is linked to the density of population. In fact, the places where the density population is quite low, the numbers of McDonald's are lower and the distance between them bigger; for example the States of Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, in fact, most of the inner country States.
McDonald's is the world largest chain of fastfood having restaurants in 119 Countries, on the six continents.
And let's face it, fastfood, therefor McDonald's, is one of the first things that come in mind when thinking of America.
America has a motto - ‘In God we trust’. Each of the individual states also has its own motto, as well as state flower, tree, bird and a nickname. This map shows all the state mottos in map form. These mottos vary a great deal, but collectively they demonstrate to me that Americans, whilst being proud to be American are also proud of their region. This is understandable given the size of the country and the diverse cultures. Florida’s state motto is ‘In God we trust’ – could they not think of one of their own!
positive and negative images of America
I chose the image of Lady Liberty on July 4th, with the fireworks behind her as she is the symbol of America. The Lady Liberty was given to America by the French in 1886, to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of independance over a century before. Also it was in recognition of the friendship that blossomed between the two during the war of independance.
The date of July the 4th is significant as it was the day that America was officialy independant from Britain.
In the image the national holiday is clearly showed. The day of independance is a huge celebration for America. Fireworks and the Lady Liberty put together show that feeling of celebration to a degree that words are not needed. The image clearly does all the talking.
It shows a degree of Patriotism that seems to have been lost in Britain.
It shows a degree of Patriotism that seems to have been lost in Britain.
To me, the image shows a feeling that I can not really comprehend. Pride in my country.
This is an image from Oma
ha, Nebraska in September 29th 1919.I chose this image, although horrific, to portray my disgust in what America was, and to an extent is still today, hidden away in small societies.
For such a modern and forward thinking country, some of the ways of life are extremely backward. America was very slow to keep up with the likes of Britain, when slavery was abolished. It was only recently that Blacks were even given the same stand as the WASP. That is a concept that still seems debatable. Segregation may now be illegal, as is lynching. But has it really been forgotten and stopped?
It was only really in the last 15 to 20 years that Black actors were really accepted.
To me as an individual, I think of America as the country of progress. The image makes that thought take a step back. America has its prejudices. It may have a very high percentage of minorities, mainly due to its melting pot policies in the late 1800s, but it definately did not make those minorities feel safe or at home during the 1900s.
Many good people had to die in order to make America think. Not one of those people died well. This image does convey in me a feeling I am familiar with. Pity.
I pity them as many life changing discoveries could have been made at an earlier date. Black people are good on an intellectual level, aswell as just canon fodder during the war.
Monday, 5 October 2009
My Positive and Negative images of America
My positive image is one of Martin Luther King a key activist in the civil rights movement. He spoke out against racial discrimination through non-violent means. For me he embodies the fact that racial prejudices can be overcome and a racially segregated nation can be drawn together in communities where everyone is treated equally and not judged by the colour of their skin.
My negative image of America would be that of the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) a racist hate group intent on violence and oppression of other ethnic groups to 'protect' the rights of white Americans. They symbolise the underlying racism that still exists in the US. While they still exist the US cannot call itself a racism free nation; but by electing Barack Obama as president its a step in the right direction.
Pictures of America - Positive and Negative
For my positive image of America, I have chosen a picture of President Obama. This image serves to remind me of what is commonly known as 'The American Dream'. It shows us how anyone in American can become anything, there's no limit on what one person can achieve.
For my second, negative, image I have chosen a picture of Michael Moore. He is a man that some people love, but many hate. He embodies what much of the world sees as a stupid, fat, ignorant American. He demonstrates how the world sees America, as a country that is only looking out for themselves, who believes they are better than everyone else and who aren't ashamed to admit it.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Pictures of America
The first image of the flag and the Statue of Liberty make me think of the national pride that Americans always appear to have. It embodies the feeling of belief that the nation is a beacon of hope, the symbol of a better life for those who live there.
The second image is less appealing. It demonstrates how much Americans choose their own comfort over much wider issues like the environment. Whilst there may be many Americans who understand these issues, they still like the big 'gas guzzling' 4 x4 vehicles.