Essay on American Culture
Outline:
1. Definition of culture and use of the knowledge acquired from the subject.
2. Brief overview of American culture and diversity.
3. North American Independence
4. Black liberals
5. North american civil war
6. Native american culture 6.1 boarding schools
7. Ramadan and Arab/americans
8. Gun control laws
9. Crown laws
10. Conclusion
Thesis statement:
American culture has brought us through a process of learning and understanding its
different phases and history.
When we started the semester we were asked to give a definition for the word
culture, in which all of us had different opinions and approaches to it. According to
Edward B. Tylor, one of the pioneers of cultural anthropology, culture is "that
complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any
other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society".
The reason I think the teacher asked us about our concept of culture is because then
we could take that and label the different parts of the subjects shown in class and
shape them to our own beliefs. That way, we can use knowledge to act accordingly
to our ethics and values whenever we find ourselves abroad, or/and with people of
other ethnicities.
Whenever we look at the B.A’s program we may ask ourselves why is it important to
take classes like American and British culture. It is necessary to understand its worth
for our formation as future professionists that will form part of society as teachers,
translators, interpreters an so. The graduate profile must cover aspects of sensibility
towards historical events and current problems.
North America has a rich and intricate history characterized by waves of migration,
struggles for freedom, and diverse cultural ideologies. Throughout its development,
the continent has been shaped by individuals and groups seeking new opportunities,
fighting for their rights, and holding diverse beliefs about their place in the world.
Firstly, North America's foundation is deeply rooted in the stories of people who
emigrated from various parts of the world. From the early settlers who crossed the
Atlantic in search of religious freedom and economic opportunities, to the millions of
immigrants who arrived during the 19th and 20th centuries seeking a better life, the
continent has been a beacon for those hoping to start anew. This influx of diverse
populations brought with them a rich tapestry of cultural practices, languages, and
traditions, which have profoundly influenced the social fabric of North American
society.
Moreover, the history of North America is marked by struggles for freedom and
rights. The black liberals tell us about important black people who fought for freedom
during the slavery period. The American Revolution, a seminal event in the 18th
century, was a fight against colonial rule and for the principles of liberty and self-
governance. This revolutionary spirit continued to inspire movements across the
continent. For instance, the abolition of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement were
monumental battles led by African Americans and their allies to end systemic
oppression and achieve equality. These struggles highlighted the resilience and
determination of those who sought justice and equality, reshaping the nation's laws
and societal norms.
In addition, North America has been home to individuals and groups who possess a
strong sense of entitlement and dominion, believing the world is theirs to conquer
and shape. This mentality was evident in the westward expansion and Manifest
Destiny ideology, where settlers believed it was their divine right to expand across
the continent, often at the expense of indigenous populations. This belief in
entitlement has manifested in various forms throughout history, influencing policies
and attitudes towards land, resources, and indigenous people.
It is no wonder the harmful impact these radical groups caused in the minorities and
the disadvantage gap they led their next generations to face.
Another sector of the society are the arab/americans. Despite facing the challenges
of integration, many Arab Americans have successfully preserved their cultural and
religious identities, enriching the broader American society with their traditions and
values. For Muslim Arab Americans, the observance of Ramadan is particularly
significant. During this holy month, they fast from dawn to sunset, engage in prayer,
and perform charitable acts, which not only reinforces their faith but also strengthens
communal bonds.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791,
guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. This foundational element of American
law has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries, leading to differing
views on the extent of gun rights. In the classroom reading “my parents open carry”
can serve as a platform for discussions about the cultural and ideological dimensions
of gun control.
In conclusion, the exploration of American culture through various lenses ranging
from historical events like the American Revolution to contemporary issues such as
gun control and the preservation of cultural identities, highlights the complex and
multifaceted nature of the United States. The nation's foundation on principles of
freedom and opportunity has been continually shaped by diverse groups, each
contributing to the rich tapestry of American society.
References:
1. Wood, Gordon S. *The Radicalism of the American Revolution*. New York:
Vintage Books, 1993.
2. Du Bois, W.E.B. *The Souls of Black Folk*. Chicago: A.C. McClurg & Co., 1903.
3. Adams, David Wallace. *Education for Extinction: American Indians and the
Boarding School Experience, 1875-1928*. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas,
1995.
4. Curtis IV, Edward E. *Muslims in America: A Short History*. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 2009.
5. Winkler, Adam. *Gunfight: The Battle Over the Right to Bear Arms in America*.
New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2011.
6. CROWN Coalition. "CROWN Act." Accessed May 23, 2024. [CROWN Act]
(https://www.thecrownact.com/).
