American Culture Cyber-Post
Today in class we began our presentations on American Culture. I was impressed, especially with students who used their object as a metaphor for a philosophical comment on American values such as patriotism, over consumption, debt and obesity. It was also interesting to note how one student shared her identifying peanut butter sandwiches with America, that and popular TV shows like That Girl.
Post your narratives here and respond to another student by Thursday, Sept. 16 at 11 AM.
We will continue tomorrow in class, a few students weren't able to share. We'll probably have time to break into groups and talk about Takaki or save Takaki for Thursday and read a bit more of The Tempest--we'll see.
Quizzes
I passed out a reading assignment sheet Monday. I'll post it here a bit later. If you missed class, ask for a copy. We also had a quiz on Monday. I will return them tomorrow.
Today in class we began our presentations on American Culture. I was impressed, especially with students who used their object as a metaphor for a philosophical comment on American values such as patriotism, over consumption, debt and obesity. It was also interesting to note how one student shared her identifying peanut butter sandwiches with America, that and popular TV shows like That Girl.
Post your narratives here and respond to another student by Thursday, Sept. 16 at 11 AM.
We will continue tomorrow in class, a few students weren't able to share. We'll probably have time to break into groups and talk about Takaki or save Takaki for Thursday and read a bit more of The Tempest--we'll see.
Quizzes
I passed out a reading assignment sheet Monday. I'll post it here a bit later. If you missed class, ask for a copy. We also had a quiz on Monday. I will return them tomorrow.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 12:56 PM
31 Comments:
Lucia Fallah
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
14 September 2010
Presentation
In the United States money equals culture. My presentation today was about the American nickel. The nickel is a five cent coin, representing the members of the coin group. The nickel was designed in 1938 with the image of President Thomas Jefferson. In 2006, Monticello returned to the reverse, while a new image of Jefferson facing
One nickel is equalilent to 5 Liberian dollar
This is all the different amount of Liberian currency. $5, $10, $20, $50, $100
Frena Zamudio
Professor Sabir
English 1 A
14 September 2010
Fastfood, American Culture
Due to our hectic morning schedules, we don’t usually get to eat breakfast, which most nutritionists agree is the most important meal of the day. In fact, because of that, the traditional meal has given way to fastfood. Who has time and energy to cook after a long day at work or school? Do we even know how to make delicious home-cooked meals? This country’s need for speed has changed not only what we eat and how we eat it, but also the way in which we look at food. Instead of eating foods that should be enjoyed and savored, we tend to pick up ones that can be eaten as fast as possible because of I should say unorganized time management. We buy food that can remove hunger for a little while before we move on to our next task of the day. Quality has become less important, so we really don’t pay attention to what types of chemicals/substances/preservatives are in it, what those things can do to us etc. As long as its something we can buy anywhere for cheaper price which also taste good and you can bring and eat wherever you prefer. In short, a easy reliable source of food, then we are good. I know people from different countries all over the world eat fast food too, but I am pretty sure, we have all kinds of fast foods, we have some kind of fast food in almost every single street. After reading this book called “Fast food Nation” by: Eric Schlosser , I realized how bad fast foods are for us, not just for our health, but also for the country’s economy. I also found out that Americans are sadly said to be the fattest people in the world. Because of our fast-paced society, we have lost not only the time to cook a good nutritious meal, but also the ability to appreciate a quality meal.
Frena Zamudio
Professor Sabir
English 1 A
14 September 2010
"Response to Lucia Fallah's Presentation"
I find it very interesting how a nickel here costs so much in other countries. I remember her saying a dollar here is like 50 dollars there, like wow! i can see us being all rich there. We can buy whatever we want, but then again, someone was right when she said that things like that usually happens based on that country's economy status. I still think its cool, how someone who is not so rich here, can be super rich in other countries! Its also good how she talked about some background information about the nickel, she did a good job today. :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
Giovana Zanellato
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
14 September 2010
Presentation
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich is not something very popular around the world, but is probably one of the most popular foods in the U.S. The average American will consume more than 6 pounds of peanut butter every year. Peanut butter is the leading use of peanuts in the U.S. The average child will eat 1.500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before graduates in high school. It’s a fact: Americans love peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Probably a lot of people around the world, saw on American movies or just know what is a “PB&J” sandwich (as American kids say) but none of them has ever eaten one. Until they get a chance to experience the American culture.
Linh Tran
Professor Sabir
English 1A
14 Sept 2010
In response to Giovana Zanellato's presentation
I also agree that the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is something that is identified as very American. I myself never knew what peanut butter was until I came here. I agree with what Giovana said about just plain old peanut butter symbolizing American culture. Though I have to admit that to this day, I have yet to eat a PB&J sandwich. I can enjoy a peanut butter sandwich or a jelly sandwich separately, but the idea of the two spreads together just doesn't appeal to me. But that's just my two cents (smile).
Maxx Bartko
Professor Sabir
English 1A
My American Flag in One Hundred Words
I bought this flag during my road trip across America. I had stopped at a gas station, when I saw this American flag as I was checking out. It had two stickers on it: one denoting its price, 30¢; the other denoting its origin, “made in China.”
At a time where unemployment is racking the nation, these two stickers brought my attention back to the millions of American manufacturing jobs shipped overseas by American corporations, outsourced to a nation that still contends its communism while allowing the market to set wages.
Maxx again. I messed up my heading before. It should read:
Maxx Bartko
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
Patrick Schmidt
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
In Class Culture Presentation
For my presentation I brought in a laptop to represent the internet, a truly American innovation developed by DARPA starting in the late 70's. Americans were the first to use the internet both for military and commercial reasons, and without it the world would not be connected anywhere near the way it is connected today.
Patrick Schmidt
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
Response to Maxx Bartko
Your flag idea amused me. The irony of an American flag being made in China makes me wonder what direction our world has moved in. I guess it doesn't as much make me wonder as it does make me know exactly what direction we have moved in. Either way, outsourcing is a very real issue that we need to pay attention to both as consumers and workers.
Rochelle Predovic
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
12 September 2010
Object That Represents American Culture
Playing cards are significant in the United States. Although they did not originate in the United States playing cards served as another marketing idea for producers that slowly turned into the US Playing Card Company. This Company profited off of consumers who used their free time playing these foreign card games. For instance, France is responsible for sharing Black Jack with the United States. Black Jack is a game that was known as ’21,’ but the name changed because some of the cards have a picture of a jack. Consumers who bought these playing cards were motivated to make money by winning these games such as Black Jack. This made Black Jack illegal in the United States until a law passed permitting the state of Nevada to gamble in 1931. (www.wopc.co.uk 2) The significance of playing cards included the four symbols. Each of their presence is a factor in producing the rules of games such as Black Jack, Poker, and Go fish. The presence of these symbols is also appreciated by consumers. In addition the ace of spades’ artistic modification offset the European style of these playing cards. On the Ace of Spades card there is a woman with a sword on one side and an olive branch on the other side. This picture represents Thomas Crawford’s “Statue of Freedom” located in Washington DC on top of the Capitol Building. (www.bicyclecards.com 3) The US Playing Card Company designs continued, as well as the appreciation. Even though the bicycle playing card deck is produced by the US Playing Card Company, there were design variations on each deck they sell. For example, some design variation matched upcoming occasions,
“In celebration of the Millennium, the United States Playing Card Company issued Bicycle 2000, a limited edition of two decks of playing cards in a tin. The design of the cards and of the tin itself are quite nice. The playing card faces feature significant events, inventions and people from history, and the back design is taken from an early design.” (McAdam 3)
Lastly, for years playing cards are significant in the United States, because people spend their free time playing games like Black Jack either to make money or for their own enjoyment.
Works Cited
"Early History of Playing Cards: The Origins of Playing Cards - The World of Playing Cards." Welcome to the World of Playing Cards - The World of Playing Cards. Ed. Adam Wintle Design. The World of Playing Cards, 1997. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. .
1872, By. "Company History | Playing Cards, Card Games and Rules, Games and Family Fun from Bicycle." Home | Playing Cards, Card Games and Rules, Games and Family Fun from Bicycle. US Playing Card Company, 2010. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. .
McAdam, D. J. "Bicycle Playing Cards." D J McAdam - Where the World Goes for Free Advice. D J McAdam, 1995. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. .
Rochelle Predovic
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
15 september 2010
Response to Frena Zamudio's post
This was a good presentation. It makes me think about how my dad being uset at my grandma for buying my brother and I some fast food. One day after eating fast food for lunch and burritoes for dinner I threw up. I never ate fast food after that.
Works cited
Zamudio, Frena. "Fastfood, American Culture." Web log comment. Professor Wanda's Posse. Wanda Sabir, 14 Sept. 2010. Web. 15 Sept. 2010. .
Jacob Stabler
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 september 2010
"Full Metal Axe"
"This is my axe. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
My axe is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life.
Without me, my axe is useless. Without my axe, I am useless."*
Rock and roll has long been a part of American culture. And, it goes without saying, that the guitar is a huge part of rock and roll. Chuck Berry, Led Zeplin, Jimmy Hendrix and The Allman Brothers are just a few of the artists that contributed to making rock what it is today. They all had notable musicians, particularly thier guitar players. They shaped the sounds of their time, paving the way for future musicians to lay down some heavy tracks.
These days, rock is broken down into so many catagories that it's hard to keep up. Anything from Alternative, Punk, to Heavy Metal, could all be considered rock. However, purists will argue that the catagories are broken down way farther than that.
Heavy Metal can be broken down into Thrash, Death Metal, Black Metal, New Metal, Grindcore, Hardcore, and the list just keeps going. For me, this broad yet complex genre of music is my favorite. So much sound, emotion and energy comes with this style, that it's hard not to get out of your seat and start a circle pit right where you stand. If you've ever been to a Slayer show, you've grasped the concept of how charged the environment gets when these musicians deliver crushing overtones, thunderous double bass, screaming at the top of their lungs, all while 20,000 fans go apeshit. The excitement is a feeling hard to desribe, but well worth wearing the battle scars of a good metal show the next day.
So I must say a big thank you to Dwayne Allman, Skynard's 3 guitar army, and many other great guitar players that inspired so many great musicians along the way. Without you, todays metal heads would be lost, wondering around, searching for a sound to bang their heads to.
*Completely butchered quote from "Full Metal Jacket".
Denise Martinez
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
The Fitted Cap
Baseball has been one of the most popular sports in America since the 1820’s. It’s spread around countries like Cuba, Canada and Japan. Although this sport has been said to originate in the United Kingdom, America has adopted it as its own. Through this I present you the fitted cap. It all started with Ehrhardt Koch in the 1920’s when he started his own company and called it, “E. Koch Cap”. Two years later it was officially named “New Era Cap Company”. Ehradt’s son, Harold, decides it’s time to sell New Era’s version of the baseball cap and an unknown fashion trend is born. With teams like the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati reds buying hats from them they were the only company supplying the big leagues. Later on in the 50’s-80’s New Era comes out with more designs and it rapidly becomes the “It” company, now selling local, to college sports, international baseball, golf, tennis, the military, 23 of the 26 MLB teams and customs orders. Now in 2010 men, women, people from all ages and ethnicities wear fitted hats to represent which teams they like, it’s included in music (mostly Hip-Hop) or to use it fashionably coordinating the colors of the hat to go with their outfit. Among the youth this is extremely trendy and although it is worn as a fashion statement it is also misused to state where you’re from and can get you killed on the spot.
Jacob Stabler
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
Link to Video:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/video/video.php?v=1613108692151
Lucia Fallah
Proessor Wanda
English 1A
15 September 2010
Comment to Giovana Zanellato
I agree with Giovana, majority of American consider peanut butter and jelly sandwich as part of their culture. I first ate peanut butter and jelly sandwich when I can to the United States. This is truly an American culture.
Rocio Gallardo
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 Septemeber 2010
Presentation: American Culture
As part of our American culture, we chant the National Anthem to represent our patriotism and loyalty to this country. We perform this song before we play our sports games, during graduation, in important occasions, and so on. But my question is why do we play it while there are so many other patriotic songs? What's so special about this is that "it is the spirit of the music that inspires us", as quoted from Robert Ripley from Ripley’s Believe It or Not in 1931. We show our country's love and devotion when the flag is hoisted up high by standing and placing our right hand over our heart to symbolize that together we are a country united by pride and respect for each other.
Rochelle:
Your presentation and narrative are great! I liked the history and the details.
Do you like to play cards?
Rocio Gallardo
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
In response to Lucia Fallah
I found her presentation very amusing. The artifact that she borught in (the nickel) showed a very good example of how the effect of the economy has lowered the price in their currency. Learning how a 5 cent nickel here is worth 10 dollars there. That was just shocking to learn. Her presentation definately got the class to participate in questions and on comments, which made it all the more better. Great job!
Dalmar Mohamed
Professor Sabir
English 1A
14 September 2010
American culture
I did American football for my American culture. Football started in late nineteen and twenty centuries. The object of this game is to score points by advancing the ball into the opposing teams and zone. Then ball can be advanced by carrying it or by throwing it to a teammate.
Mostly everyone in the U.S.A watch football although this sport is only played in America. Most other countries don’t even know what American football is. Also why do they call it football since you play it with your hands and not foot.
Denise Martinez Professor Sabir English 1A 15 September 2010 In response to Jacob's post about rock n'roll: Your presentation was cool Rock has been here for a while but I think the artists in the 60s are much better than now maybe because it seems like they had more soul and thats what Im into. Although bangin your head and hitting strangers sounds fun also.
Cliff Robinson
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
American Culture
Break Dancing first started in New York in the late 1960's. It began as simple top rocks, foot work and freezes that people did during the break of instrumentals and vocals in a song. The dance has greatly evolved by incorporating moves and styles from various forms of matial arts. The influence of this dance quickly swept across the nation attracting people of all ages, races and backgrounds.
Patrick Brown
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 Septemeber 2010
Objects of American Culture
I was unfortunately unable to give my presentation; though I am completely willing and able to do so if anymore class time is devoted to presentations.
My object is the bible, however I do not want to talk about the bible specifically, but instead what it represents, Christianity. Now Christianity has been around for thousands of years and is practiced by all kind of people all over the world, so it is not a American invention but it is still deeply ingrained in American culture. For starters this country was first colonized by English settlers who were Protestants, which is one of the main branches of Christianity. One of the many reasons these settlers left England in the first place was to escape religious persecution. Before declaring independence from great Britain and establishing a unifying government in the form of the constitution, churches and other Christian groups paled in power only to government bodies. Even today Christian organizations rank as some of the most powerful and influential groups in our country. While it would not be fair to say that all our nation’s founders were Christian, great deals of them were, and Christian ideals inevitably found their way into our countries founding ideals. For example, God is addressed ion the pledge of allegiance; the recital of which is one of the most patriotic acts a person can perform. Also, just about every president the United States has had could have been considered Christian and those that couldn’t simply had no real religious affiliation. Today the religious diversity of America is quite large with many different people who practice many different religions; however Christianity is still the most common. And even if you do not practice it yourself, while living in America you will encounter it in some form or another because it is engrained in our countries past, present, and almost definitely, future.
(Response to Jacob’s Post)
As a heavy metal fan myself I can attest to the unification and camaraderie it brings. When you meet a fellow metal fan its like meeting a long lost relative, you don’t know each other but already there is a connection, a bond. I’ve seen people do things for this type of music that I’ve never seen anyone do for any form of art. To quote comedian Brian Posehn, “You never see a guy with his shirt off screaming, R&B!” While the heavy metal scene in America is quite strong; a tip of the hat must be given to England for producing whom many believe to be the first metal band of all time, (and one of my personal favorites), Black Sabbath.
Quan Lin
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
Materialism
Americans are one of the highest spenders in the world. Their pursuit of happiness entails obtaining everything that their hearts desire. The idea that new gadgets such as phones and ipods are known as necessities clearly reinforces my beliefs. Whenever the question of “what would you bring with you if you were stuck on an island” most people chooses are their gadgets rather than food and water. In 2007 100 million ipods were sold, that mean one out of every three Americans have an ipod. Being driven by out materialist ideals are one of the causes of our economic downfall of today.
Quan Lin
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
in response to Dalmar Mohamed:
i liked your presentation on football, but even though you didnt play football, i thought it wouldve been cool if you did it on soccer then since you play that. But as we know soccer isnt really respected in the states, it is still a fast growing sport earning its ways.
Jose Nambo
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
American Culture: The National Pastime
A baseball fan can either go home with a smile on his face after watching his team win the game, tied in the bottom of the 9th with a 2-run homer to end the inning or can watch in silence with his fingers crossed as his favorite player, with 2 outs and one man in scoring position ready to tie the game, strike out on a curveball. There's many ways a game can end. But a true baseball fan knows the rush we get when walking out the ballpark chanting your teams name. Its like being in a big party but better.
Baseball wasn’t invented here in American but it’s been a big part of our country‘s culture. Gaining popularity in the East Coast during the late 1850s, baseball was just a regular sport. Nothing big, yet! Although enjoyed by many, only a few had the opportunity to take this sport to a professional level. With only whites accepted into the major leagues, many black people created their own teams, which became known as the Negro Leagues. It was in 1947 when Jackie Robinson made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers (now: LA) breaking the color barrier in being the first black player in the majors. This event is big in American culture because it goes back to racism in this country. Now in the majors we have blacks, whites, Mexicans, etc. In respects to Jackie Robinson his jersey #42 has been retired by all Major League teams. Baseball shows respect to its players and teams as well as to this country.
The sport is both competitive as well as patriotic. Before a game begins, the Star-Spangled Banner is sang to show pride and respect to America. Now, the MLB teams wear caps in the game with the American flag during certain National holidays like Veteran’s day, etc. Beginning with President Roosevelt in 1941, a tradition to show patriotism, the President of the United States throws the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day in the National’s ballpark in D.C. Also, because of the military bases in San Diego and also in appreciation to our soldiers fighting over seas, the San Diego Padres have used jerseys with camouflage colors like those use on our soldier’s uniform. Baseball is enjoyed through out the United States and has always been part of shaping this country.
Every team has its home just like we do. People connect to their teams not only by hats and jerseys but also from where you from. My home team and favorite team is the Oakland Athletics. Just like Oakland has its own history as a city, the Athletics have their own history as a franchise as well. They began in Philadelphia and quickly became one of the best teams of their time. Then they moved to Kansas City, owned by Charlie O. Finley became one of the worst teams. Moved to Oakland in 1968, the Athletics gave Oakland 4 World Series. It was first said the club’s next home was Fremont but now I hear the team is moving to San Jose. Baseball has shaped this countries foundation and has made it part of our lives in a geographical way too. The Bay Area has its rival teams like the Yankees and Red Sox do. Like the Subway series with the Mets and New York. Baseball is part of the culture we share in the places where we live.
Now there’s people walking down the street sporting their favorite hat or paying respects to their favorite team. I wear my jersey with pride showing my passion for the sport as well as for my team. Baseball is a big part of American Culture because of the connections the sport has with past events in history and with the history of itself. Like the texture of a Rollie Fingers #34 Mitchell & Ness throwback jersey, baseball is sown onto the fabric of this country’s culture.
Denise again I messed up my heading it should say:
Denise Martinez
Professor Sabir
English 1A
15 September 2010
Response to Jacob's post about Rock N' Roll:
Diallo Ibrehima
Professor Sabir
English 1A
9/16/10
Presentation
I think that the National Basket Ball League, or the NBA for short, is American culture because it has been around for so many years. It’s also one of the most popular sports in America; for example, everybody loves watching the NBA All Star Game, which happens every year. The NBA consists of thirty franchises, twenty-nine are located in United States and one team is in Canada. The NBA was founded in New York City on June 6, 1946.
The NBA has a lot of rode model whom influence our youth to do positive thing in our society. For example a lot kids are influence by Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Lebron James just to name few. NBA also , provide opportunity for African American to better their life and family for example when they first get big contract most of the time they take care of their family first meaning buying their mother a house , car stuff like that.
Nevertheless NBA represent American culture in so many ways .First of all they contribution to our society and their influence on our youth. Second of all the love of basketball a lot fans share with one and other. It also, makes us come together as one nation, culture and believe we are all the same no matter if you are white or black. The NBA is an American, dream for basketball players, culture and its way of life in America
Ji Won Park
Professor Sabir
English 1A
16 September 2010
Holidays
I believe that holidays affect our culture in many ways, especially the American culture. America is possibly one of the biggest countries to celebrate holdays, whether they allow us to take a break from school or work. Either way, we have holdaiys for almost every month like New Years, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, etc. Even if it's a religious holiday, with the First Amendment granting freedom of religion, we learn to respect the holidays celebrated and even learn of it. Holidays have not only affected us in the amount of break we have but by invading our front lawn with decorations and light ups, the greeting card section filled with the coordinated colors of the holiday, and coming together in cooking food for the guests coming to visit from far away. Holidays shape us into a lifestyle of celebrating and bringing unity.
Ji Won Park
Professor Sabir
English 1A
16 September 2010
In response to: Giovana, peanut butter.
I really liked your presentation and how you chose it because it's based on your own experience and how you approach American culture.
Merty Brown
Professor Wanda
English1A
17 September 2010
Comment on presentation
In Muhammad presentation about football being play only in America. When I can to America and hear football in high school I mistaking taught it was soccer. How in the world did we come up with the word (Soccer) for what is known around the world as football. How come we call our National sport here in the states Football and yet it is not even played as football but moreover as Handball." Soccer V Football"
As I watch the game, as I'm sure a lot of other people see the same thing I do, that "(Soccer) "FOOTBALL" as it is aptly named mostly played with the foot or the feet. That's the reason it was originally named football in the first place, which was first introduced to the world by the English. Makes sense!!
Yes, you can hold the ball and even Kneel, and Chest the ball, and the only to players on the field that can handle the ball legally are the goal keepers within a certain area of the pitch, park, field or what ever you call it.
The whole game of 90 minutes plus stoppage time is mostly played with the "Ball" on the ground passing with the feet or "Foot" with the occasional illegal handball by the 20 players that do all the running. Now football has been known around the world for a long time in many other countries and they have kept the tradition alive by calling it football, even though it may be called football in many other languages, and yet when it came here, we decided to call it soccer.
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