The future of America

"Thus Europeans become Americans."

Four words in letter III that sums up Europe now. Kids all over Europe are being brought up with American films, American ideology and American politics. In the UK it is almost as if we have embraced it and allowed it to happen. This may be because most of what we watch in Cinemas is American. The old class of Europe are trying to resist it, vigorously. In Asia, despite such heavy cultural differences, it is slowly being turned towards. Despite the American system falling apart, China and other countries still embrace the Capitalist ideologies, in fact it is these ideologies that have built China up. However, though America's short term future looks bleak, and there is a very real possibility of a major war. Americans have 3 advantages: Firstly, they already have a built in social system that can be tweaked and is adaptable, which can be seen with how people (not often) can come from nothing to being something, people now have rights whatever their background. Secondly they have a very strong intelligent & innovative class Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, W. James McNerney jr.. Thirdly they have the word "America". This country rose from nothing 400 years ago to becoming a world superpower on the premise that it is the greatest nation, they always think they have a little more, despite countless imperfections, millions of problems, you can always be sure of one thing: the Americans ability to pull together.

When Osama Bin Laden was shot, my reaction, as well as many Europeans, was should of been taken alive. To America it had just killed enemy number one! They were outside the White house, spontaneously, shouting USA USA USA. In Europe many people laughed, in America they felt pride. America is set up to run as a country ready for anything. It's biggest threat is not a renegade Chinese commander and a war, because America would win. It isn't a global economic crisis, America can pull through. its not even when the world catches up and becomes American. It is from it's self, if it fragments, Americans become Californians, Texans, etc. and it's companies like Apple, continue to build there goods in China, giving Chinese jobs and not American jobs. The American system can kill itself and in europe we should be worried because it is the same system we are in that is in fact killing itself. Then when that starts to happen, debt does become a problem.

Week 5: The New American

http://blogs.census.gov/directorsblog/2011/03/the-future-of-the-us-advertising-industry.html
"Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world." P.44

This quote from De Crevecoeur's 'Letters From an American Farmer' is an interesting quote that highlights a contemporary aspect of America that is still relevant today. Although the website where I found the above source focuses upon the notion of consumerism, the point about America's population is relevant to what I am discussing. It is fair to say that the power and influence that America has has encouraged migration and as a result America has become a multi-cultural society. America is one of the main places in the world where cultural diversity is prominent. De Crevecoeur makes a lot of references to 'The New American' throughout Chapter III. For example, De Crevecoeur states "...that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country. I could point out to you a family, whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman, and whose present four sons have now four wives of different nations...They will finish the great circle. The Americans were once scattered all over Europe. Here they are incorporated into one of the finest systems of population..." P44. With reference to the above graph, it is clear to see the vast increase from the 1850's to 2009 of people who have migrated and had families within the USA. The purple bars show the population of foreigners born in millions, whereas the line graph represents the percentage that they make up over America as a whole. 1910 was the peak of immigration, before it started to falter between the 1950's and 70's. However from 1980 onwards, the American population boomed and as a result due to the fact that each year America grew and expanded, foreigners who migrated to the USA began to make up a smaller percentage. Nonetheless the graph is very significant in comparison to De Crevecoeurs quote. The fact that 38.5 million foreigners make up 12.6% of the overall population of America clearly represents how '...individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men...' And these figures are still increasing to this day.

De Crevecoeur made an interesting point, which indeed still has relevance today.

Week 5 - The New American

'Here are no aristocratical families, no courts, no kings, no bishops' (Crévecoeur, Letters from an American Farmer, p40) This quote from letter III What is an American in Crévecoeur's Letters from an American Farmer shows what could be advantages of living in America rather than in Europe, particularly so back then in the 18th century. America is being represented as a land of equal opportunity with no unfair hierarchy that exists in Europe. It is for the notion that it doesn't matter where or into what family you were born, but rather by how hard you work, that is what will give you success. It is this concept that attracted people to immigrate to the United States, as they would not be confined by class or oppressed by dictatorships.

The graph above shows the top ten countries of immigration in America in 2009. (http://www.migrationinformation.org/DataHub/charts/10.2009.shtml) Other than the countries that are geographically close to America, the countries that have a high amount of immigration to America are countries where there are a lot of inequalities such as China. I would also like to point out that after the Vietnam war there was a high trend in Vietnamese immigrants in the United States, partly caused by political oppression. This shows that the notion of America being the land of equal opportunity as suggested by Crevecoeur still exists today as major cause for immigration is to escape from political oppression and inequality.

De Crèvecœur’s Ideas in Contemporary America

“Go thou, and work, and till; thou shalt prosper, provided thou be just, grateful, and industrious.” Chapter 3: What is an American? P.66

This quote highlights the main ideologies of the American Dream; where by working hard, you will be rewarded and ‘prosper’. This ideal is one of the main attributes to being American as it shows determination and this vision of America still survives today.

My example of this is the ‘rags to riches’ story of Chris Gardner. The term ‘rags to riches’ is the idea of coming from nothing but being able to become successful. Chris Gardner came from an underprivileged African American background which saw him being kicked out of his house at a young age. After joining and leaving the navy, he became a salesman, but was not very successful. He then, through working hard went on to become a broker and entrepreneur, and is now a millionaire.

This example shows that De Crèvecœur’s vision of American still survives today because Chris Gardner worked hard and unpaid for several weeks as an intern. At several points he found himself homeless and slept in shelters, on buses and even in a public toilet. Despite this, he still managed to continue to work hard and eventually got a job as a broker for a prestigious firm.

His story appears to follow everything De Crèvecœur talked about, to a t, as he [Chris Gardner] did indeed become prosperous. In numerous interviews Gardner has mention how he was grateful to the reverend who allowed him to stay at the Glide Memorial United Methodist Church; this is in direct link to when De Crèvecœur says 'be [...] grateful'. Gardner was also the first to arrive at work, the last to leave and was able to make over 200 phone calls a day; this is also in direct link to when De Crèvecœur says 'be [...] industrious'. Through all of these things (eg. being grateful, industrious and working hard), it can be argued that Gardner is a contemporary example of De Crèvecœur's vision of what it means to be an American, and that his idea survives in America today.

His story was immortalised with his 2006 autobiography, 'The Pursuit of Happyness' and then by the film based on the autobiography of the same name in late 2006.

http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-rags-to-riches-stories.php

Week 4 - Exploration and Expectation

"Brothers: I am glad to hear you are all united, but I am surprised to find you talk of maintaining peace with the Americans, and at the same time support the King' s peace or Government.

"Brothers, your resolutions are very surprising. Where is there any one or body of men to be compared to the King? As for General Schuyler, (and the other Commissioners,) of whom you boast so much, what is he? He was born but yesterday; just now, as it were, started up out of the ground, and tomorrow will return into the earth whence he came. It will not be the space of a month before you hear him cry. He has no men, guns, cannon and ammunition, or clothing; and should he survive the summer, he must perish by the cold next winter for want of blankets. But the King wants neither men nor money; there is no computing his numbers. As to theCaughnawagas claiming seven tribes as under their jurisdiction, it is false; they tell a lie. The Caughnawagas are by themselves alone, and they are become Bostonians. But the other six tribes in that vicinity, with all the back nations, are at the King' s command and will take his side. And as for Canada, they are all (except twelve persons) returned to the King' s side.

"Brothers, you had better recall your resolutions, and determine to keep the King' s peace, and the King will then be glad to hear from you. What a wretched situation must you be in when the King attacks all the seaports ofAmerica, and comes in earnest to sweep off the Americans, if he finds you supporting the Americans!"

This is a letter from colonel butler in reply to a letter from s.kirkland- a New England missionary among the Oneidas. The Oneidas are Native American people who originally inhabited the area of central New York. The Oneidas, along with the five other tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy, initially maintained a policy of neutrality in the American Revolution. This policy allowed the Confederacy increased leverage against both sides in the war, because they could threaten to join one side or the other in the event of any provocation. However neutrality quickly crumbled.

In this letter colonel butler seems annoyed that the Oneidas are maintaining peace with the new settlers, and is warning them of the repercussions if they were to take the side of the new settlers over that of their king.

This extract shows the wide opposition in both America and Canada against the new settlers and the pressure for tribes not to maintain peace with them. The colonel seems adamant that the new settlers, with their lack of resources are highly unlikely to survive the winter, ‘’he must perish by the cold next winter for want of blankets.’’ This shows how the tribes saw the new settlers. They were unprepared for the weather and didn’t have the same experience as the tribes to survive in the wilderness.

This extract gives us an insight into the views of the tribes towards the new settlers and how they didn’t believe they stood a chance of survival and shows how most were unwilling to be accommodating to the settlers and didn’t appreciate the invasion of their land.

Week 3 - What The World Thinks Of America

http://www.understandfrance.org/France/Intercultural4.html

the website i have chosen to use for my blog is a french website which focuses on stereotypical behavior and the inability of Europeans (focusing mainly on the french) to understand many american ways of life.

this website highlights the stereotypical french visions of america for example, the obesity rates in america, being predominantly well known as a country of low obesity rates the french are unable to comprehend how it is possible for so many people to be suffering from obesity in one country. america is also well known by the french for its infamous sky scrapers, powerful figures and strong culture all significantly reinforced in american media and television. it is important to understand that most of the french view of america comes from watching american TV and from the media which is not always a precise representation of all parts of america.

the website also discusses how a strong sense of anti-Americanism first developed in France. the main feeling of anti-Americanism in France first came after the Cuban invasion in 1898. this was seen (by the french) as the first time the us became a threat to a European country. america became, for the left wing a symbol of imperialism.

the website also focuses in on what the french find difficult to understand about american culture looking particularly at gun control and the judicial system. gun control, to most European countries is not something comprehensible as we are not used to that kind of freedom. most Europeans would not agree that allowing anyone the right to a gun can protect you reduces crime rates.

i think this website has a valid opinion, it does not necessarily praise nor criticise american culture however it gives a traditional french perspective of america which someone from another country or america itself may not agree with entirely.

Week 4

On the other hand, when the Indians saw that we did not move, they took greater courage, and grew so bold that they came up almost to the heels of our horses to shoot their arrows. On this account I saw that it was no longer time to hesitate, and as the priests approved the action, I charged them. There was little to do, because they suddenly took to flight, part running toward the city, which was near and well fortified, and others toward the plain, wherever chance led them. Some Indians were killed, and others might have been slain if I could have allowed them to be pursued. But I saw that there would be little advantage in this, because the Indians who were outside were few, and those who had retired to the city were numerous, besides many who had remained there in the first place.

http://southwestcrossroads.org/record.php?num=59

This is an extract (translated) from Francisco Vásquez de Coronado to Don Antonio de Mendoca Governor of new Spain. Being one of the most famous explorers of the new world. Him and his company went north in search of gold and silver (as most Spanish did in the 16th century.) and was probably one of the first explorers to see Bison, if not THE first. This extract is when his company, on horseback, came into contact with a walled city of Indians (native Americans). For the Indians this was their first experience of Europeans, and like the Aztec they were seeing them strapped on horses, which gave them an illusion of a different species, and obviously they reacted in fear. The Conquistadors had no trouble rebuffing their attacks, with steal and gunpowder it was never a contest.

De Coronado killed hundreds of Natives, his roaming army dealt massive damage to the native population, and besides the fact he found many new species (including Bison). He was branded a failure by royalty in Spain as he failed to find any gold or silver. However for the plain Indians the arrival of horses that were stolen and bread, this was a mixed blessing. Horses revolutionised the way they lived, so much so that in 300 years the horse was an integral part of their culture, the Cheyenne, Apache and Comanche that De Coronado came into contact with were met again by Americans travelling west. By the time the Americans came into contact with these Indians they were fast hard hitting raiders that were dangerous for Army and travellers alike. The guns they carried however did not catch on, muzzle loading rifles were complex and not useful in the warfare used on the plains. It wasnt until easier to use and service rifles came in that they started to be used in common usage.

Week 4: An Account of a Settler in the United States

So far as concerns the first, the savages, they are, in general, strong, agile, and supple people, with blackish bodies; they went about naked at first and wore only a cloth about the loins. Now they are beginning to wear shirts. They have, usually, coal-black hair, shave the head, smear the same with grease, and allow a long lock to grow on the right side. They also besmear the children with grease and let them creep about in the heat of the sun, so that they become the color of a nut, although they were at first white enough by Nature... They strive after a sincere honesty, hold strictly to their promises, cheat and injure no one. They willingly give shelter to others and are both useful and loyal to their guests...I once saw four of them take a meal together in hearty contentment and eat a pumpkin cooked in clear water without butter and spice. Their table and bench was the bare earth, their spoons were mussel-shells, with which they dipped up the warm water, their plates were the leaves of the nearest tree, which they do not need to wash with painstaking after the meal, nor to keep with care of future use. I thought to myself, these savages have never in their lives heard the teaching of Jesus concerning temperance and contentment, yet they far excel the Christians in carrying it out... We, the latest arrivals, being Christians included in honorable associations and companies, after obtaining royal permission from England in the year 1681, bought certain portions of the country for ourselves from the governor, William Penn, with the intention to erect new cities and colonies, and not only to gain thereby our own temporal advantage and support, but also to make the savages gentle and docile, and to instruct them in the true knowledge of God, insomuch that I live in the hope of being able to announce more good news of their conversion to Christianity within a short time... It is truly a matter for amazement.

http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/becomingamer/growth/text1/pennsylvaniapastorius.pdf

This account was written by Francis Daniel Pastorius, founder of the first German settlement in Pennsylvania, written in the 1690's. As it states in the introductory of this account, Pastorius wrote several accounts of the middle Atlantic colony to encourage his fellow countrymen to emigrate to America. From his account I have made specific references to the Native Americans and their appearance. From the discussions surrounding the appearance of the Native Americans from Wednesday's class, its clear that what defined Native Americans were their physical bodies and strength. What differentiates Native Americans from the settlers were not only their sense of dress, but also the way in which, according to Pastorius, were'...in general, strong, agile, and supple people, with blackish bodies...'

In addition to this, Pastorius also focuses a lot on religion, and the importance that it has over the Native Americans culture. ' I thought to myself, these savages have never in their lives heard the teaching of Jesus concerning temperance and contentment, yet they far excel the Christians in carrying it out...'. Pastorius' account draws heavily on the influence of religion and the effect that it had on the Native people. Despite their upbringing lacking in obvious Christian values, they are still shown to exhibit them. Christian values were an important factor that existed within the tribes, even to the extent that they portrayed and carried out their loyalty, according to Pastorious, better than traditional Christians did themselves.

Finally, from the above extract, Pastorious also notes how many Europeans attempted to change America, and the Native Americans within them. In particular their intent was to calm the Native Americans, and to some extent make them passive. An additional aim was to modernise America by 'erect[ing] new cities and colonies, and not only to gain thereby our own temporal advantage... and to instruct them in the true knowledge of God, insomuch that I live in the hope of being able to announce more good news of their conversion to Christianity within a short time...'. It could be argued that this was the beginnings of the New America.

Early Settlers Account of the Native Americans

In April following they set out two small vessels under the command of Capt. Philip Amidas and Capt. Arthur Barlow, who after a prosperous voyage, anchored at the inlet by Roanoke, at present under the government of North Carolina. They made good profit of the Indian truck, which they bought for things of much inferior value, and returned. Being overpleased with their profits, and finding all things there entirely new and surprising, they gave a very advantageous account of matters, by representing the country so delightful and desirable, so pleasant and plentiful; the climate and the air so temperate, sweet, and wholesome; the woods and soil so charming and fruitful; and all other things so agreeable, that paradise itself seemed to be there in its first native lustre.

They gave particular accounts of the variety of good fruits, and some whereof they had never seen the like before; especially, that there were grapes in such abundance as was never known in the world. Stately tall large oaks, and other timber; red cedar, cypress, pines, and other evergreens and sweet woods, for tallness and largeness, exceeding all they had ever heard of; wild fowl, fish, deer, and other game in such plenty and variety, that no epicure could desire more than this new world did seem naturally to afford.

And to make it yet more desirable, they reported the native Indians (which were then the only inhabitants) so affable, kind, and good-natured; so uncultivated in leaning, trades, and fashions; so innocent and ignorant of all manner of politics, tricks, and cunning; and so desirous of the company of the English, that they seemed rather to be like soft wax, ready to take an impression, than anyways likely to oppose the settling of the English near them. They represented it as a scene laid open for the good and gracious Queen Elizabeth to propagate the gospel in and extend her dominions over; as if purposely reserved for her majesty by a peculiar direction of providence, that had brought all former adventures in this affair to nothing; and to give a further taste of their discovery, they took with (page 9) them in their return for England, two men of the native Indians, named Wanchese and Manteo. (page 10)

This account is of the first hand attempts at settling in Virginia from 1575-1705 and is from the view of an early settler. This extract of the account focuses on the first impressions of the Natives.

This account shows that the early settlers were fascinated in the exoticness of America, even referring to it as paradise; “that paradise itself seemed to be there in its first native lustre”. This is not surprising as these early settlers came across from England, so they were not sure to the “temperate climate” or the “sweet air”. These also emphasize how different this new found land must have been from what they were used to.

I found some similarities in how the Native peoples were described in this account, and how Columbus described them. Columbus described them as being ignorant, and so does this account; “...ignorant of all manner of politics, tricks and cunning...” and this shows that the general consensus was that the Native peoples were not as intelligent as the European settlers. However, unlike many early settlers who described the Native peoples as savages, this account describes them as “kind” and “good natured” showing that the Natives and the settlers did get on. On the other hand, although this may be the case for this particular tribe and this particular group of settlers, this was not always the case. In fact, in some cases different tribes and settlers conflicted. This extract also shows that the Natives were open and quite welcoming of the settlers; “they seemed rather to be like soft wax, ready to take an impression than anyways likely to oppose the settling of the English near them”, this again highlights how the two different groups were tolerant and welcoming of each other.

This account also shows that early settlers did think they were superior to the Natives; “They represented it as a scene laid open for the good and gracious Queen Elizabeth to propagate the gospel in and extend her dominions over” implies that the early settlers felt that the Natives wanted to be ruled over by a great authority. It is also interesting that when some of the settlers returned to England, they took with them “two men of the native Indians”. This is further evidence of how fascinated the settlers were with America and the natives as they wanted to take something back to show the people of England. It could also be argued that the Native Americans were not considered human as they were probably taken back to England alongside furs and ornaments. This also shows the mentality of the settlers as they felt they were superior. This is not surprising considering slavery was becoming prevalent and many Europeans believed that being white meant you were superior to other races.

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/jamestown-browse?id=J1001

Week 4 - A Native American account

“[A] dreadful misfortune befell them. … One salmon season the fish
were found to be covered with running sores and blotches, which rendered them
unfit for food. But as the people depended very largely upon these salmon for
their winter’s food supply, they were obliged to catch and cure them as best
they could, and store them away for food. They put off eating them till no other
food was available, and then began a terrible time of sickness and distress. A
dreadful skin disease, loathsome to look upon, broke out upon all alike. None
were spared. Men, women, and children sickened, took the disease and died in
agony by hundreds, so that when the spring arrived and fresh food was
procurable, there was scarcely a person left of all their numbers to get it.
Camp after camp, village after village, was left desolate. The remains of which,
said the old man, in answer by my queries on this, are found today in the old
camp sites or midden-heaps over which the forest has been growing for so many
generations. Little by little the remnant left by the disease grew into a nation
once more, and when the first white men sailed up the Squamish in their big
boats, the tribe was strong and numerous again” (Boyd, 55).

http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=5100

This is an native American account of the 1770s smallpox epidemic from the Squamish tribe in the northwest. It is an example of the effects that settlers had on the native Americans as when the settlers came they brought with them diseases from Europe which the native Americans were not used to and their immune systems couldn't cope with them at first. However they did adapt as 'grew into a nation once more' suggests that they overcame the disease. This can actually be seen in a positive way as having these diseases will make their immune systems stronger for future generations.

This account also tells of the impact on the environment as well as on the tribe. 'the fish were found to be covered with running sores and blotches' This would mean that their food supply was depleted which would mean that their bodies were weaker and therefore less able to fight this 'foreign' illness. It also shows that the settlers had negative impacts on not just the tribes but on their environment, food supply and interrupted their general way of life.

It is suggested from this account that the reason the native Americans got ill was due to eating contaminated fish. This would be an indirect impact from the Spanish settlers.

http://reu-oi.blogspot.com/

I chose this blog written by a/a number of French national(s), showing their view towards America, it is neutral(-ish) and informs people of American policies and what is happening in the United states of America.. It is surprisingly neutral, most French people have an unknown hate for a country that they help bring into this world. The hate by the French always dumbfounds me.

Many of my French friends hate America and Americans, without ever being there and not knowing much about it. I think this may be jealousy, envy and a bit of media spin. The French hatred is bred into kids from a young age, the older generation is grateful for the aid America brought in WWII but they seem bitter about it. Parent generation have been brought up with this notion and post Vietnam, as well as the left wing policies of past Governments in France, which the media sucks up to. France brought about the problems in Vietnam and committed horrid atrocities, however this is forgotten in the back of history books thanks the carpet bombing and Napalm strikes of the United States.

In the past few years the French have felt smug as they didn't get involved in the Iraq war, which has turned out a good choice. However, reading off one of the posts in the blog, one can see that the French seem to not care about the world, their troops were almost withdrawn when they lost 10 troops in Afghanistan. They only sent (initially) 100 solders to the Lebanon crisis. The French seem to think that war is below them and refuse to shift their weight in conflicts which has meant undue strain on British, Italian and German armies. The French dislike and negative view of America is one which is detrimental to world politics and seems to be brought by the fact they think differently and policies have been different.

Week 3

http://mirthandmatter.blogspot.com/2008/10/german-view-on-america.html

For this weeks blog task, I decided to discuss Germany and their views in relation to how they view America. I came across this blog and decided that it was a good analysis of how Germany acknowledges America, as it is written by a German living in America and is therefore experiencing America's culture first hand. Firstly, a significant and important aspect to point out about the issues surrounding German views of America, is that Germany recognises both the positive and negative points of the USA. As it states in the blog, traditional German views of America are highly stereotypical, with views that Americans are 'fat', 'stupid' and 'all armed to their teeth'. However, Germans do recognise Americans, as a whole, as very polite, friendly and willing to help out best they can, whereas in contrast to Germany, they themselves are very much 'everyman for himself'. In relation to Germany's stereotypical views, the writer of the blog, Czuratis, notes that these specific views are an unfair representation of American citizens, by suggesting that it is the governmental system that is at fault and not the Americans citizens themselves. For example, Czuratis states that it costs 49 cents to buy a MacDonald's ham burger, yet to buy an apple it will cost an American $1.29.

Furthermore, another positive Czuratis notes is that Americans are very interested in many other different cultures. Despite this, however, the country's patriotism is so significant that America is very much seen as culturally specific. In reference to the blog 'The only problem is: The average American has no access to relevant information. The local news channel prefer to cover stories on crime and rape rather than foreign affairs. In school, US History is often more important than World History'. In addition to the concept of patriotism, Germans feel that Americans are very manipulated by the governmental system, due to the fact that many don't question what the government and media tell them. This example of a Germans view of America is very negative, primarily because they see the negative points as outweighing the positive ones. Despite this, however, it seems that Germany and the rest of the world are still willing to follow America's way of life due to its size and cultural dominance.

In relation to the task, I believe that this is a very fair view of America because of the fact that it has been written by a German who is living in America, and therefore has experienced both the German and American culture. The blog takes into consideration both positive and negative views of America, and even criticises it's own country for the fact that Germany views the USA in a very negative light without taking into consideration the reasons behind certain issues.

Week 3 - What the world thinks of America

http://www.cubagreenscreen.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=11031

I have chosen a website from Cuban as I thought it would be interesting to find out what Cubans think of America as America is known for being 'anti - Cuban', this evident in the fact that Americans are not allowed to go to Cuba. Also visitors to America you have previously visited Cuban on the same passport have sometimes experienced issues when going through immigration.

As this website is a forum anyone can post on there and it is all opinionated. One member has stated that 'after 50 years of constant anti-US propaganda in the media and the schools, they still have not convinced the vast majority of Cubans to hate America.' This would lead the reader to think that Cubans are not anti-American as I would expect. I would expect Cubans to be anti-American due to America being openly anti-Cuban. America is denying Cuba American tourism which would have a negative affect on Cuba's tourism GDP. As Cuba is very close to America I would expect that a lot of Americas would visit there as it is only a short haul destination for them.

View of America from Italy

http://italianviews.blogspot.com/2006/09/spit-and-city-one-of-first-things-you.html

I found a blog written by an Italian visiting America. His blog offered a view on Americans, but more particularly on New York. He wrote that he thought New York stank, especially in the summer and he also complained about the amount of spitting American’s did.

This may not be a fair depiction of all American’s, but because of American films and television series which usually depict America this way, American’s have lived up to the stereotype, and this would give them a negative image. On the other hand, it is also interesting that he mentioned how it wasn't just "the homeless person" but it was "the guy in suite [sic] and tie, from the white collar to the blue collar, males and females all together". This is also interesting as he illustrates that he saw many different types of people regardless of class, economic status and sex displaying this behaviour. However, as this was a first impression, his opinions may have changed over his stay in America. His criticisms are partly valid as they are based on his own experiences, although it can be argued that because this is a personal blog, his opinions cannot be taken too seriously. It is also quite interesting that he would have these opinions on Americans, as Italians are usually known to be quite proud and “clean” people, so for an Italian to see so many people spitting in America, would lead them to believe that America is a dirty place.

America

http://myfoodlooksfunny.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/food-by-state2.jpg

I feel this map is a bad one for Americans, but not for the reasons you may think. Putting aside the food problem America has (in fact there are lots of healthy Americans as well as unhealthy). This map does show a very positive side of America, its diversity. The difference in region is so great, as we heard on Wednesday, that each region brings something different to America. How ever disunited America is, some how through self belief and National pride it is a very united country. Until recently everything in America used to be American, including the food of course, it was almost a self sufficient country. Apple and other companies have made that impossible now. So this country that used to be a healthy self serving country, where Americans would buy American goods to keep Americans in jobs, the model that served so well in the rise of America, has been destroyed in search of profit. This is the main reason I chose American Studies, these are trying times for America, and for me this map shows that. To others it probably looks like a map of food.

Week 2

After looking at many maps which I thought were good representations of America, I came across this one which I immediately thought was an important aspect of America. Film has a huge effect on people's lives, and can often shape the way we live them in more ways than one. America's influence within the film industry is one of great importance; just the fact that when we think of film we immediately think of America, and in particular Hollywood, proves this. Some of the most infamous and influential films have come from America; 'The Wizard of Oz' (Kansas), 'Taxi Driver' (New York) and 'The Shawshank Redemption' (Maine) to name a few. American film has a huge effect on people all over the world, unlike Bollywood and British Cinema, which often only has an effect on one designated place or culture. American film isn't like this. It effects people everywhere, from country to country and culture to culture. In addition, the fact that world cinema often incorporates Hollywood aspects into their films further shows the dominance and influential aspect that America has on the rest of the world. America has presented us with some truly amazing films, that other forms of cinema find it difficult to compete with. America's involvement with film has been revolutionary.

Maps of America

I have choosen this map as baseball is typically America. It is one of the most popular sports in America and the team names reflect the part of America where they are from eg New York Tankees. Baseball is known as 'the national pastime of America'. Americans are very patriotic and this is the same when it comes to sporting teams, with most choosing to support their local team unless they have moved. Whereas is Britain people usually support the team that is currently the most successful. Sporting events in America are also used for spending time as a family with parents taking and encouraging their children to participate in sporting games and even being themselves coaches. Sports also lead to a high level of school spirit which is just not found in Britain.

A World Map of Manhattan- What it reveals about America

This picture is called Manhattan- Global Island and I chose this picture because it encapsulates what America is; a nation made up of countries from all around the world. This map shows that America, but especially New York, is seen as a welcoming place as many choose to migrate there. In 1855 the number of immigrants in New York rose from sixty two percent to seventy percent, showing that America as always been seen as a land of welcoming opportunity, where people could escape from prejudices in Europe; 1886 saw shiploads of immigrants arriving in New York every day. The map also indicates that similar to Britain, America is an immigrant country which takes pieces from almost every culture to create its own, whereby everyone can coexist. The fact that this is a world map of Manhattan, which is in the northern states of America, also indicates that most people from around the world, tend to immigrate to the northern states because of industry. This was particularly prominent in the early twentieth century which saw high numbers of immigrants in the northern industrial states such as Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. The map also shows that on the surface different cultures, races, creed and religions can live together in America, however, under the surface America is segregated in the sense that you are likely to find some minorities in certain places, like in New York. For example Hispanics and Latinos are more likely to be found in Texas and California; likewise African Americans are more likely to be found in the Queens borough of New York; and Native Americans are more likely to be found on reservations in various states such as Oklahoma and Alaska.

The artist, Danielle Hartman said: “the relationship between Manhattan Island and the final island design. The global island suggests that residents from all over the world can coexist, that they are integral to making the City what it is, and they can still retain their separate identities. Rather than a melting pot, the City is a rich mosaic, a microcosm of the world.” This sums up that America is united in the sense that people from different countries of origin can live as one, but are still different.

http://bigthink.com/ideas/21165

This Picture I think would be a proud one for Americans. Because of ships like USS Nimitz, and the utter military dominance of the United states. My generation has grown up in a free, democratic and wealthy society. Which would not have been true if America had not been what it is today, and if it did not possess weapons such as the one shown. We must be thankful that Americans have given their lives so we can sit at home watching TV and eating as much as we like. They have helped create the world we live in today, which has given us extremely long life expectancies and technology beyond imagination 100 years ago.

However with such power come immense responsibility and it can be said that America has failed many times, there are many countries left war torn and devastated by questionable wars. Though most have been for good, they have cost too many lives and their end goals probably were not "democracy" or "freedom" as we are told. America's power has also been its weakness. Is it right to impose one's beliefs on to another nation? What right do these soldiers have to be there with guns at this moment?

Although this is a very negative image, this photo reminds us of how America united in a time of need and how as a nation they came together to provide support for those who had lost their close ones.

I have chosen this as my negative for America because when we see fast food signs we generally associate them with America. America is well known for its astronomically high obesity rates and is also well known as the origin of McDonalds and most fast food corporations.

Week 1 - Positive and negative images

I have choosen a picture of the American Frontier as a positive image as it represents American being the land of hope and opportunity, which is why it appealed to all the people who imigrated to America. The vastness of the land creates the impression that opportunities are endless and that anyone can achieve the 'American Dream'.

For my negative image I have choosen a picture taken from the Vietnam war. I feel that this picture captures some of the true horrors that America caused to innocent civilians. Unfortunately this is just one of many examples of America going to war needlessly. America is a nation that is paranoid and will all too willingly go to war and invade other countries.