Aug 03 2007
Blog 1: Do you think (sub)cultures in America that keep traditions that are not part of the mainstream culture hinder the ideal of integration? [Respond to one or more of the Leaders' posts (from any section)- responses to Leaders can be posted any time between Tuesday and Friday at midnight.]
Leader sec 02-1:
Our country has come a long way into accepting everyone as they are. Blacks are not slaves anymore, and immigrants under certain requirements, are allowed the right to become a citizen of the U.S. America is known as a melting pot of different cultures…that’s what makes this country a unique place. We are accepting different sub cultures such as Native Americans and Spanish, but that does not mean that we have to be what they are. We don’t have to become Catholic just because another is Catholic. Every person is allowed the freedom of having their own traditions and how they want to live their life. We all have our own preferences of what we believe in and traditions we practice, but we all come together in the fact that we are American, and we are free.
-ashleyheelis
Leader sec 10-1:
In the movie Alice’s restaurant we can find a perfect example of what happens when we ignore subcultures. Hippies derived from tiring to escape the mainstream. With that we found history repeated itself by isolating the subculture and saw example of police brutality along with public isolation. Subculture has made up the mainstream. I say this because everyone from the beginning of America came from somewhere and they had to exist in that diversity and still create things like the Declaration of Independence, which stated that all men should be created equal. If mainstream does not recognize subculture then we will find us in a government of communism. Freedom of speech won’t matter because it will derive from the diversity that comes from all cultures. V for Vendetta, Serenity, and Dances with Wolves, are all fine examples of the need to respect peoples of all cultures or we will see murder and violence. Jesus Christ even states that to go to heaven one must love his fellow man. If we do not sustain the types of integration to allow the forces of subcultures to be unrecognized, we would be just like the Nazi’s. Who wants that much hate when we could have so much peace? Sure integration slows government but that doesn’t mean we should not make them people do their jobs and make things easier by forgetting others. That’s what learning is all about. We just get better.
-mowntainmancodey
Leader sec 14-1:
America is a beautiful example of a country that is defined by its unity in spite of diversity; here there are so many different cultures and backgrounds and yet we’re all considered Americans. There was once a time where anyone here who was different, who was unlike the norm, was persecuted beyond belief. An example is when Africans were shipped here as slaves – since they didn’t look like the white man, they apparently weren’t equal to him. Another example is as recently as the 1800s, members of the LDS church were run out of Missouri because the governor had put out an Extermination Order for them. But since that time we have become wiser – just because an African American man has darker skin than a white man doesn’t mean in any way that he is less significant and just because someone is LDS doesn’t mean that he or she deserves to be killed. Simply because we have different backgrounds or beliefs doesn’t mean that we can’t be one unified country – by having different backgrounds and beliefs we can enrich our country’s culture. We can make it a place where anyone can come no matter what religion or ethnicity they are can feel as if they can keep their traditions, their culture, and remain accepted and safe here.
-aliciatirre
Leader sec 02-2:
I think that integration is very important in the pop culture that we live in today, but i also believe that it is important for the emmigrant to keep their traditions alive. Foreigners shouldn’t just try to fit in because that is what the society tells them to do. They should try and stand out! It is good to be different from everyone else, especially if you are in a different country. I agree with those that support integration saying that we need to fit in. There are other ways that we can fit in that don’t make us change our traditions and culture. People that come to the U.S.A. must learn english. That feat alone sets them apart from everyone else. As they learn the language they will learn more about the culture. Then that person can choose to become part of their new culture, or can be a part of both at the same time. I know how it feels to be a foreigner and it is very hard, but i learned to adapt to the culture and also keep my american culture and traditions as well.
-taylor8
Leader sec SA, am-1:
I don’t think that the sub cultures and other non main stream cultures are slowing down the integration of the cultures. America is a free country and you can be a part of what ever culture you want to. That’s one of the points of coming to America is for free agency. You can be a part of what ever culture you want in America. But it is probably easier to fade in with the main stream than to be a part of one of the other cultures. This country is where all of the cultures come and just by all of them being in the same place brings them together. All of the cultures here one way or another have been integrated together with another culture. The integration is not slowing down.
-jacobcarter
Leader sec 14-2:
I’m going to take the opposing point of view just to mix it up. I do believe that smaller subcultures that hold onto to traditions and beliefs (that are not in mainstream society) do hinder their integration into what we call an American society. Regardless of what we say about how wonderful it is to be different, everyone who is different is usually not trying to stand out, and will assimilate themselves into what is socially acceptable in their region of locale, eventually forgetting their differences throughout generations.
This is why subcultures do not survive in mainstream American society. We don’t appreciate anyone for their differences anymore, and as Americans continue to grow towards the de-sensitized part of what we call normal, we will have failed to incorporate anybodies differences at all. We are growing up in that desensitized state of humanity today, and we are expected to not be different, but assimilated into a civil, and “normal” being.
-kayohbeewhy
Leader sec SA, am-2:
America is unique. Sub-cultures are a great example of America’s uniqueness. Say everyone was treated the same, had the same traditions, same beliefs, same holidays, etc., there wouldn’t be much uniqueness, besides say the color of skins. To be honest, I believe that there really is not a “mainstream”, but a majority. Everyone has different traditions, it’s just most in America have similar, which seems like we should exclude the sub-cultural traditions. Of course there are differences between what is “civilized” and what is not, but to say that sub-cultural traditions do not meet the requirements of “civil” is wrong. I’m sure it is hard being part of a subculture, but we, as Americans, should learn to accept other’s different beliefs.
-magician
Leader sec SA, pm-1:
I do not believe that sub-cultures in America hinder the ideal of integration. The idea of integration is to have people of different ethnic, religious, and other cultural backgrounds live and work together in harmony. If integration was hard for people of different backgrounds from “the norm,” then it means either the majority or the minority group is not making an effort to accept the other customs and work together peacefully.
-tonyaenyart
Leader sec 10-2:
America is one of the most plastic countries in the world. I’m not sure that i know what the “true” meaning of “integration” is, but I like to think that the ideal is what we have. Just a bit of everything, making a very diverse place to live.
One reason the US is such a meeting place is because of its ability to make dreams come true, to make it happen for you own your family without being told how or when to act. That has a value which attracts oodles of people from all over the world who are dreamers and creators but haven’t been able to put their dreams into practice. Just as soon as they can they’re here working their very best. Not only does this allow us to be more educated about the cultures of others but it enriches our communities with people who are fulfilling their dreams, who live high standards ( not always the case).
I believe that there are negatives to having many people of diverse backgrounds but I think that the good out ways the bad.
I can’t think of a better place a place where it is our country, where inspired people choose to live. God Bless America!
-cameronchamberlain
Leader sec SA, pm-2:
I don’t believe subcultures hinder the “American Way” because first of all America is what it is because of sub cultures if it weren’t for Immigration most of us wouldn’t be here today. America is one big mix of cultures just look all around you. If we didn’t have different beliefs or values then we’d all be the same and that wouldn’t work. Also sub cultures show us how we can be different or better we can all learn from each other and become a better people.
- westonishamon
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99 Responses to “Blog 1: Do you think (sub)cultures in America that keep traditions that are not part of the mainstream culture hinder the ideal of integration? [Respond to one or more of the Leaders' posts (from any section)- responses to Leaders can be posted any time between Tuesday and Friday at midnight.]”
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Well i definetly agree with the magician because i believe in a majority too not a “mainstream”. When the first three colonies were same together and made United States of America there was no mainstream… there were only people from different parts of Europe and a few from the south and Africa. I think, still today America doesn’t really have a mainstream there’s people that are dutch and there’s people that are Indians and there’s people that are german (the maximum number of people in america).
I also agree with kayohbeewhy till some extent. When he says “Regardless of what… throughout generations” but i still think sub-cultures survive in America. For example in big cities there are a lot of different culture restaurants , so what i mean is that people are still holding on with their religion and they are not eventually forgetting their differences throughout generations.
I agree with what was said above in section 14-1 we need to be less judgmental about people and their beliefs and where they come from. It isn’t their fault they have a certain skin color. We all need to treat each other how we would want to be treated.
I am responding to Jacob Carter’s. I agree with him when he talks about how people come to America because of the free cultural status America has. America is a free country and because of this it does not hinder the ideal of integration if someone of a group of people are participating in something that is not mainstream. I liked how Jacob said that this is where all the cultures come together because America is full of different cultures that interact everyday. I don’t think that America’s integration is going to be affected if there are different cultures practiced.
i think that there is a main stream in every city or state, what everyone in the city wants to be. but different cities are different. i don’t think that there is one for the entire country. like in place like utah, we have more bullets and guns than what half of the rest of the country has. that’s about a third of all the guns in the US are in this state. its just the culture to have weapons here. now in a place like las vegas, the city is a whole different world. there is people that own guns to strictly shoot people with. the place is run and lives on alc and gamblin, that is why Nevada is the most wealthy state in the US. its just the culture. i think that in your area and in your mind there is a main stream but if you asked someone else that their opinion was, they would probably disagree
i do think that (sub) cultures keep traditions that are not mainstream. for example if your main culture is american and LDS is your (sub)culture then some of your LDS traditions are not things that most people would do. i dont think that (sub) cultures “hinder” the american way and i think that because the american way is what it is today because of those differnt types of (sub) cultures.
I agree with Taylor8. Some forms of integration are good. I don’t think that people should change what they are doing just because someone else doesn’t like it, but if it is not going against your beliefs or standards, and it will be good for everyone, then it should probably be done. For instance: if you’re from Europe, and you drive on the left side of the road, you, and everyone around you, will be better off if you are following the laws of the land. If you’re against driving on the right side of the road, for some reason, you probably shouldn’t be driving in America.
I agree with WestonIshamon, on the fact the if it weren’t for the original immigrants then we wouldn’t be here, we would still be over in Europe, or wherever your family immigrated here from. It’s true that America is just one big mix of so many different cultures, that if they weren’t here, it wouldn’t be the America that I know and love.
I would have to agree with ashleyheelis. we have come along way to accept everone for who they are. And it should stay that way, no one should get rid of there culture or who they are even if they are in the U.S. So i dont believe it hinders anything.
I do not belive that subcultures in American are hindering the ideal of integration. This country was founded on the belief that all men are created equal, meaning everyone has the same chances of succeeding in this nation. If we, as American’s choose to let subcultures “hinder” and irritate how this country blends together, we will become weak and defeated. I believe in letting every culture and ethnisity be who they are and carry on the traditions that they came here with as long as they are ethical and harmless.
Everybody has different beliefs and different ways of living. People should not be forced to live a certain way just because of where they live or who they are. It is important for every person to be their own person. There are some of the extremeties out there that are maybe a little bit over the top but for the most part we can all get along and let people believe what they believe and be who they are no matter what. Like mckayswainston we need to all treat others as we want to be treated.
I agree with ashleyheelis. Everyone is allowed the freedom of religion, freedom to have their own traditions, and freedom how they want to live. If you think about it, everyone here is an inmigrant in some form or another. Our families came from other countries, other backgrounds, and yet we all live in peace even if we do not practice the traditions of our culture. So why should we judge those who still do? We have no room to do so. We all have our own preferences of what we believe in and traditions we practice, but we all come together in the fact that we are American, and we are free.
I liked the comment by section 02-1. I agree on how America does except many people, and there are many cultures here. I also like how she mentioned even though they move to America, they don’t have to change their culture. They don’t have to become LDS because they moved to Utah. There will be influence on all people’s cultures and traditions, depending on where they live, but you can be what you want to be in America. I also would like to add that everyone has some family traditions. Sometimes it might just be their family that has that tradition, or it might be many people that share that same tradition. The point I am trying to make is that many people carry on their subcultures from their ancestors, but many people also create their own subcultures or traditions within their own families. Immigration is not hindered at all by the subcultures here in America. They come here and create their own subcultures and traditions. America is still free and they can take advantage.
I agree with Jacob Carter. the united states has so many cultures that if you took one of the subcultures away it would be noticed and disrupt the mainstream. Not to be vain or anything but for example if all the Mexicans in America got taken away and sent back to Mexico then we would no longer have traditions or anything that the Mexicans have contributed. personally i love Mexican food and if we took all of them away no one would be able to make it the way it was taught way back when. Also like Jacob said “All of the cultures here one way or another have been integrated together” i believe this is true because without all of the different culture’s in America then it wouldn’t be America, and no i don’t think the sub cultures are slowing down integration because we have a black president which would have never happened if we kicked out all the traditions of the slaves that came here.
From personal experience, I think the process of integration is helped by embracing one’s own culture. Being a proud Australian, I keep traditions of Australia, such as celebrating Australia Day, commemorating our fallen soldiers on ANZAC Day and trying to keep my accent. But in the process of doing so, my American counterparts have taken me into their own culture because they knew I was culturally different. So for me, and I’m sure it’s not too different in other cultures, keeping my own culture has helped the process of integration. It also makes Americans more aware of the multi-culturalism evident in each society and more receptive to non-Americans.
I do not think that subcultures in America hinder integration. As has been said America is America because of the many different cultures supported here. People can have the freedom to continue their traditions here where they may not be able to in other countries. Each culture is very different and contributes different things to society. We can gain many things from other cultures, so I do not think subcultures are bad.
I totally agree with Weston. America is one of the only country with many different cultures in it, and because of that it is one of the most successful country. One of the reason I love America is because you can be what you are. In other words there are a lot of different cultures and everyone can express themselves without being made fun of. In other countries for example India, if you are white people treat you different than others… I really don’t think subcultures are bad.
just want to point out that all of this diversity shows how it may slow down integration. Because we accept diversity we accept all personalities. personalities clash. Obamas bill didnt pass FAST because of the diveristy. so to me i want to be clear. Diversity = Time it takes to hear all the opinions. But time should not be the main focus but rather the Turn-Out. If one man on the council is racist I believe that he will “slow” the process
To Hinder is to retard and slow. Integration has to focus on all the subcultures its the deffinition so dont mind me I am way to into this conversation. Sub-culture vs. Mainstream, Influence of power and money its driving me nuts. Its all to related. Okay my bad for over writing. good day
I dont beleve that sub-culturs hider america because our country is completly made up of sub culturs. all subculturs put together is one big mainstream but all the sub culture have their own belifs and that is alot of what makes up alot of our decisons as a country. all the “sub-cultures”.
I also don’t believe that sub-cultures hinder america by any means. I actually believe the opposite. I find it shameful that sometimes here in america we push away different cultures that are strange or wierd to us. I think that all the cultures and beliefs are what have made America the amazing and diverse place that it is today. Those cultures are what make america an interesting place to live. Some responses have made the point that this is a free country we live in and i believe that. Anyone can believe what they want and practice what their culture has practiced and believed for centuries before we even knew they existed. There is no reason for us to try to change their history.
I agree with Tyson Nelson. Depending on where you live, the ideals and culture are different. For example: When I visited New York a couple of summers ago, the majority were very time oriented and they wouldn’t look at people in the face, they would just walk by. It was like a whole new world. People weren’t as concerned about others, they just were going to get to where they needed. Where in Utah, a lot of the time when I pass a person, we say hello and smile.
I really liked how taylor8 responded to the question. I really think that they should stand out and be different. It is always a good thing to be different. We are all different whether good or bad, but that defines who and what we are. When seeing other people as “different” we often see then as “weirdos” or “freaks,” but that is probably what they say about us. Adapting to different styles of life is a good thing, but not when you have to loose your culture over it. Its good to have traditions that you maintain throughout life. My family has traditions. I know that i will take some of them with me when i am married and some not so much.
I agree with sec 14-2 in their assesment of culture in america. It is true that we have a lot of different cultures and beliefs in our society and that for the most part we live in harmony together. Honestly though it really is true about americans not accepting other americans for some reason or another. I love the U.S. but i wish we weren’t so conceded and saying we accept everyone when the truth is we really don’t. We are free by law to be whoever we want to be, but, we are bound by society in the view of what is right or wrong which tends to make us a shell of who we really want to be.
I think that America indeed has come very far and is now accepting subgroups as a whole and not treating them differently. But, I also feel, that there is a lot for America to learn. Yes, we have moved passed African Americans as slaves and treating them as equal, and other immigrants to be equal; when not too long ago, someone from Mexico or Purteo Rico, or Cuba even, would have been denied rights. But I think we still treat them differently, we may not deny them rights, but we still may be a little uncomfortable around them. They have been given equal rights by the nations standards, but what about society’s standards? Those immigrants who naturally speak English, such as the English, or Irish, or Scottish, they aren’t treated differently by society’s standards, and i feel it is because they speak English as a first language. This is a long way from when we first settled, but i still feel there is still a huge civil rights going on right now; I think a lot of people know about it, but don’t know anything about it, either by choice or just out of pure indifference. But this is the battle of civil rights for gays and lesbians. I know more about this than i would like to by first hand experience. Gays and lesbians are being neglected rights just like African Americans were during the formation of this wonderful country we live in. I think that America has the capacity to accept them for who they are, but they just lack the will power. One may see it as weird and awkward, but it’s only really because one might not understand. The only logical reason people say it is “wrong” to be a homosexual in this wonderful nation that so many call home, is because it goes against the bible. This is an unfair argument, in my opinion, and kind, wonderful people are being suppressed for it. Indeed, America has come a long way from the founding of this nation, but I think if they would be more accepting of all lifestyles, beliefs and nationalities we could be an even better, strong, united nation.
I think that the question itself is kind of silly, and here’s why: I feel that the word integration is strongly correlational to the concept of acceptance. Saying that integration is hindered by immigrants, who a lot of the time are entire families who have lived in the U.S. for generations but choose to hold onto their unique, personal culture is like saying that women who finally recieved the right to work in the workforce with men can no longer be feminine in any way anymore. It defeats the purpose, really. I know that we haven’t yet seen the day when there are no unjust acts inflicted upon minorities, but the whole idea, or what I thought was the “American Dream” was to make our country into a place where every member of every ethnicity, religion, lifestyle, sexual preference (etc…) could walk down the street and not live in fear of being viewed as less than someone else. It’s not wrong to disagree with someone, but as soon as we can learn to accept, (and I repeat, not necessarily advocate,) other people’s lifechoices, skin-color, beliefs, and traditions then we can call ourselves integrated. So, yes, what I’m trying to say is cultural differences are vital to an integrated America.
cameronchamberlain made an excellent statement. The fact that America is free, is the reason we have so many different subcultures. Being able to work your own way up to the top and provide for your family through your own sweat and hard work, is something that almost every other country in the world lacks. In many other places, it is impossible to move up in society because you are pushed down whenever you try to take initiative. Having a diverse society in no way takes away from American values or integrity. People are free to choose to group they wish to be a part of (another thing many countries lack). Humans from around the globe continue to flock to America, Constantly proving that even though they are from different cultures, they are smart enough, have enough initiative, and will do the work that is needed to become a contributing part of society.
i agree with what people have said about America being what it is because of the immigrants. We have built on what they have brought into America. I also agree with what was said about how everyone has their different belifs, and the way they do things. It is because of these differences that America is the way it is.
I agree with WestonIshamon that without multiple (sub)cultures in play then America would not function as a unique place. Some think of the integration of America as a melting pot but I like the analogy of a tossed salad. This is because it is not one mass of average people that make up America but a group of different cultures, ideas, and feelings that create the America we live in. We are all separate identities that can create all sorts of functions. If we only went to the norm in culture we would not keep the best parts we would just keep the parts we are comfortable with and continue shrinking the field until there was not uniqueness for anyone. I also agree with magician that because of (sub)cultures America has a unique group of people and that is what makes us strong.
I agree with taylor8 in that I believe emigrants should work to keep their traditions alive. The diversity of culture is what makes America great. I believe that American culture is continually shifting and expanding to accept new ways of thinking. Each new addition to our population should be welcome and has something meaningful to add. I also agree that each emigrant should learn to speak English. However, we should not stop there; many countries have multiple national languages. As Americans, we should not limit our linguistic capabilities, but we should learn many different languages. This will help us to be able to communicate with people from all around the world and will open our minds to countless new concepts and ideas. I do not think that the diversity of traditions, backgrounds, or personal preferences is a problem. I firmly believe that any nation can thrive if the members of that nation share the same core values, the same inner beliefs of right and wrong, and are willing to adhere to these basic principals regardless of current circumstances. This is the foundation for success. Without this, the nation would fall apart, but with it, the people will be capable of rapid and unrestrained progression.
I believe that there are so many subcultures in America that one cannot keep track. Each individual genre of people have their own set of beliefs and nobody can really change that. Since there is such a diversity, one group of people cannot push their beliefs on another. What would one person be without their heritage? From personal experiences, I’ve had genealogy pushed down my throat since I was younger. Why should the decrease of traditions be put to bed for good when one is just trying to learn about their own. As for hindering integration, I have been all over the world and our country is the only country that believes in integration. (from my point of view) I have family that live all over and they have adopted the other cultures principles because that’s the thing to do. In America, we celebrate differences and accept them as they come. Maybe that’s just an American Dream. However, progression will not come if people are not accepting.
I agree with the idea that America would not have grown to be the country it is not without the “melting pot” effect. It was a rough start for this country and things are still not perfect but it was the hardship of racism and discrimination that made us the understanding country that we are trying to be today. The distant troubles of the past have made us realize as a country what we can do when we work together and what is lost when we work against each other. We would not be as strong as we are today if we did not go trough these hardships.
I agree with ashleyheelis. America is a free country. We need to be accepting to everyone. No matter what their culture is. We have the freedom to make our own decisions. Whether it comes to religious beliefs, traditions, or other cultures, etc. Ashleyheelis is right, we don’t have to become like somebody else. We don’t have to have to same traditions. America is about individuality and that is how we need to stay. We are all different in our own ways. but no matter what we still need to accept other sub cultures.
I agree with westonishamon, without the many different sub cultures America would not be what it is today. America is what it is because of the many different sub cultures as he said. Without the sub cultures that we have America would not have any such value that it has today because it is the mix of people who come from different backgrounds that gives this country variety and balance. There would not be different mixes of religion, food, housing, and many others without other sub cultures contributing large portions in making America what it is.
I have to say that I can totally see what the leader of 14-2 says. Yes we do have our culture that we bring to the country but we are always adapting to our enviornments so we can “Fit in.” We always are looking for the most socially acceptable things to do therefore, in reality yes we are what we are, but we do not always keep that with us. I love that leader 14-2 states “Regardless of what we say about how wonderful it is to be different, everyone who is different is usually not trying to stand out.” THat is one hundred percent true. Many of us are not okay with just being ourselves, we always want something better or what he has or what she has. The point of this country is to be “Free,” and to be proud of your roots and share it with everyone else and visa versa. I do not see that being something we see on an everyday basis.
I agree with Mckay Swainston and Danielle Lacie’s responses to the following blog. Mckay spoke of the public eye being less judgmental. I too, feel that everyone should be treated equally regardless of a person’s skin color. We did not decide to be from a different racial background so we should not be treated differently due to issues we have no control over. Also, Danielle spoke of traditions kept that are not in mainstream. I agree with her because here in Utah there is a large part of the state that is LDS, but to be LDS does not make up the entire American culture. Danielle spoke of the subcultures making America which I agree is exactly what makes America what it is today.
I think that America is made up of all the different cultures. We have become socially acceptable to so many different types of cultures that we dont really notice it. Actually those of us from smaller towns might but we love going to the many different food places whenwe go out to eat and try something new. So i feel that they should fight to try and keep their cultures alive but also they need to become americanized like they need to learn english, they camer here they can learn our language. However America is what it is because of its diversity.
Who ever said that America has integration in the first place? Before there were “sub cultures” here everyone had their different opinions. America is based off of different opinions, that’s why there was a Revolutionary War. And even after that war America has been divided in many ways: Republicans vs Democrats, Slave states vs free states, sciences vs art, and so on. Yet, through all of those things, this land has always still been called America. The people of America have never worked together as a whole without any conflict of some kind, yet the stories always end with America staying as America. So I don’t believe that there is any kind of “sub culture” that could be brought in to change that.
i agree with many of the view that have been expressed, jacobcarter and taylor8 make a good point that just because someone is in a sub culture, does not mean that they are not integrating in the American culture.
The American culture is just that, a mixture, melting pot of different ideas. In fact, the reason that the American culture exists is because of all of the subcultures that have been adopted into our society. Without these sub cultures, there would be no American culture. we cannot claim very many of our traditions because they were in existence before American was even brought about.
I agree with Weston in that if it weren’t for all the immagration and all the subcultures most of us wouldn’t be here. The US would be a boring place if everyone were the same and no differences were accepted. I think having diversity is very important because there are going to be some things that one certain people can do better than others and we need to be happy that they are around. We don’t have to become these sub cultures we are surrounded with, but we should learn to embrace them and see if we can’t learn a few things from these diverse people.
I agree with 14-1 because I think it really is good that we have, or attempt to, have different cultures in our own massive one. We do not always succeed at this goal for there is not really a way to get by racism. Though I truly wish we could it is almost part of our culture to act this way, as horrible as that sounds. Not excessively, of course, but in the American culture we are free and say whatever we want, which can be good and bad depending on the person. So different ethnicities are wonderful to change up our world and mix cultures together to get even more cultures!
I agree with mowntainmancodey’s statements about Nazis. They had their own ideals, one mind one heart and one belief. Like in Valkyrie not everyone shared the same ideas. Tom Cruise and his Nazi Generals turned against Hitler because they knew that what he was doing was wrong. So basically everyone has their own thoughts and ideas, just like subcultures. Everyone has their own subculture that they belong to. That’s what is great about America, you can have several different cultures on one city block and everyone, except racists, are fine with this. If this country was built from people with different cultures i do not see how subcultures that hang on to their traditions hinder integration.
I agree that the sub cultures are not slowing down integration. Traditions of other cultures don’t really affect anyone but the people celebrating them, and every everyone in the country has their own traditions. Without them, no one would have their own personality. So it is a good thing that subcultures are keeping their traditions alive.
I think it’s important to keep your own culture’s traditions alive, while still trying to be involved and become integrated. I like how our country is a big melting pot, and everyone brings something different to the table. I’m glad not everyone just conforms to what everyone else does. Part of the reason why we have such a great country is because we all bring different ideas and experiences together. I love diversity and I think it should be celebrated and not changed.
I belive in what jacobcarter has to say, America is a free country you can be who ever you want to be here. This is why America is so great, and why everyone wants to come here. So they can practice their own religions and be who they want to be. There are not that many rules here in America. Sure you have to follow the laws but you can also be your own person and people will respect you for it.
I believe what the magician has to say. america is made upon other countrys cultures. i mean america is awesome that why people from different countries came here. we have freedoms and alot of rights, and the big one freedom of releigion.
I agree with what ashleyheelis states in her blog. Through the years Americans have came very far with accepting other cultures. There is no longer any slavery, and discrimination has gone down drastically. The great this about America is the freedom that we have. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and along with that is the freedom to support your own traditions that go along with your culture. All of the unique cultures and traditions is what makes America what we are today. Free.
I agree with Ashley what she said in her blog. I believe back in the time when we had black slaves, we didn’t treat them like they should be treated. They were also very racist back then, not accepting in different peoples cultures. Now in our society I believe that we are more accepting to different races, and also the different cultures. Again, living in America, we have freedom to choose whoever we want to be. We can choose our own religions, our own friends, our own cultures that make us the person we are today.
I believe that people can keep part of their sub cultures when they live here in America, but there are some things that they must adopt in order to be functional members of society. For example, some immigrants only speak their native language and refuse to learn English because they feel it will take away from their culture. To be able to be capable citizen they must at least have a basic understanding of the language of the country they are staying in, and of the customs of the people living in (our culture is “white suburban America” i guess). So I think that it is fine for them too keep their culture, but they must learn part of ours to live here not only to fit in, but to be able to be productive.
I believe that it is the different cultures that are practiced in this country that make up the American culture. Even just going through every day life we encounter different cultures, it doesn’t always have to be celebrations or ceramonies, it is experienced in the things that we do, the food we eat, and the habits that we have picked up. With out all of the different inputs from different backgrounds, we wouldn’t have anything to call the American Culture. Everyone should be able to keep thier own beliefs and cultures as well as adapt to others and accept the other options out there. They can put different parts of different herritages together are start the beginning of their own. The American culture comes from the ability to do that.
I agree with jacobcarter. He is right america is the freest nation in the world. Being not mainstream doesnt mean anything, you can be what you want. It may be easier for some just to blend in and that is fine,but for others being who they are is the only thing that matters. The only real thing that can slow america down is people just not being them selves and conforming to what everybody else wants.
I agree with Leader sec SA, am-1 about how the different subcultures of America are not really hindering society. America is full of different people therefore there is different cultures. No one can tell someone of a different culture that they need to change, that is not how America works. Different cultures lead to different possibilities for other people to experience, without these cultures, America wouldn’t be what it is today.
I agree with leader 10-2 that America is a dream land. Here, America, is where people from all of the world come so they do things they never imagined. In America we have agency and chooses were as foreign countries are not allowed to do wear certain clothes, or say certain things. There is such a diversity in religions, and race that someone can learn about a certain culture just by talking to a person on the street. America is the hope for all who have been bullied, beaten, and almost killed for things they do or say. Long live America!!
I agree with SA, PM 2 I think that the American culture is just being who you are and not being told who to be. So if you get rid of the subcultures that is getting rid of the individuality. Like stated before America was formed by a bunch of subcultures coming together and if you get rid of that it half defeats the purpose of America.
I agree with Jacob Carter when he said you can be a part of whatever culture you want. There are so many cultures that all make up American culture. Traditions are a good thing because they make you part of a community. There are many different traditions and i believe that any traditions that happen in this country are American traditions.
We are lucky to live in America, because we have the freedom to be in what ever culture we want to. There are a lot of different cultures here in America. The only thing that bothers me, is how some people who live in America refuse to adapt to the ways of Americans. I’m not saying that they should loose their culture, but try to be apart of the American culture.
i agree with alicia when she says there is unity in our diversity, but i think that the sub cultures do hinder a sense of unity and an actual america where everything is free. one thing that bothers me, is the all the other cultures get their own heritage groups and clubs for example there is a united negro college fund. if a white person were to make a college fund, we would be called racist and unconsitutional, but aren’t they being hypocrites and just doing the same? i’m sorry that once your people were enslaved but now things are different i don’t think they should get special treatment just because their skin is a different color.
I don’t think that integration has hindered but allowed new cultures to continue to grow. When the culture is isolated it becomes stagnant, but in America there are many different cultures. This allows each culture to branch out, taking different things here and there from other cultures. That is how we got deemed “the melting pot”. It is because the cultures are growing and prospering and eventually will become one American culture.
I do not believe that integration is dammaging our culture in any way. We are a free country and people should be allowed to have their own individual culture. By taking away the subcultures, you are taking away the freedom of the people. That is what America is supposed to be about. Being free.
I didn’t see anyone take mention to the fact that traditions are what drives mainstream media. When advertisers are trying to sell us a can of soup they compare it to be “just like grandmas.” One of our biggest holidays is Christmas, a time honored tradition. Every year after following yet another, Thanksgiving when people are just cleaning up their plates many families gear up for Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. Everywhere we go we have Christmas images thrown at us, red colors, Santa Clause, and Christmas Carols. The very ideal we get as Americans, the Freedom to choose is a long holding tradition passed on to us by our founding fathers.
I agree with taylor8, everybody is going to participate in some kind of mainstream activity or culture. But everybody will also always have traditions that differ from it, whether they’re family traditions, religious, or any kind of other culture. Also what is now mainstream is pretty much just parts taken out of other cultures so essentially it’s the difference of cultures that makes up the mainstream culture.
I agree with most of the leaders. Aliclatirre said that America was a beautiful place because of our differences. I think that is a very true statement. I don’t think that subcultres hinder the American culture. They build it up and that’s what makes our country so speacial and unique. Without the many cultures in America we wouldn’t learn and grow; we wouldnt be America. Although there have been issues with this in the past, I think that now people realize it’s our differences that define who we are.
I agree with the leaders. America is a diverse country it is what makes our country. There is no set religion, ethinic group, or culture. I think immigrants should keep there culture because it adds more to the American life.
I agree with what Ashley has mentioned above. America has come a long way in becoming diverse and has accepted many different cultures. America, which is known as a melting pot, has a number of different cultures in it which makes for a lot of opportunities. We are able to be here and chose what we want to believe in because we are free.
I agree with leader sec 02-1. I Think that we have nothing to fear from letting sub cultures practice their own cultures from where they originate. I find it funny that we tell everyone that we are a free nation but then when people get over here we try to tell them what they can and can’t do. I think that everyone should be able to practice their own customs and belielfs. However I also feel that there is a fine line here as well. If you are going to be an American, you also need to embrace wholeheartedly the American way. This means you learn the English language and not expect those of us born and raised here to speak your language, and you need to come here legally rather than slipping over the border. I have no problem with other cultures coming to America after all we have all descended from other cultures somewhere along the line, but as I said there is that fine line.
Well, like everyone else that has commented, i too believe that sub-cultures are very important to the American culture/cultures. I very strongly agree with Weston. Because, like he pointed out if the sub-cultures were not here then there truly would be a lot less people here because all of those sub-cultures or traditions came from immigrants. Weston also mentions that if there were no sub-cultures then we would all be the same and it wouldn’t work. This is true because, living in a country where every individual has the same beliefes is virtually impossible. There will always be some person that would fight, argue, or disagree in some form or another.
I also agree that sub-cultures are important to american culture. The entire american culture is based on a mixture of sub-cultures, and like weston said, immigration brought most of us here. This means that the sub-cultures are basically what the american culture is supposed to be about: freedom. This freedom includes the right to practice your own culture.
Cultures that keep their traditions rather than blend in with the mainstream, I think, invite integration. America was born from people who wanted to keep their traditions. When other cultures see that America accepts everyone and their ideas, they feel welcome and want to come here. I like what aliciaterre said about how we used to segregate the norm with those that were different. I think that after America realized that it progressed faster with many cultures bringing in traditions and ideas, they welcomed new cultures. If everyone was part of the mainstream our culture would be so bland because there would never be anything new and exciting going on. We should welcome all the cultures that wish to come here. If we do life will be so much more fun through of variety.
i Agree with Ashley Heelis. different cultures are what make America such a unique and different place to be. How fortunate are we to be able to associate and learn from people of so many different cultures? America was founded on different immigrants migrating and wanting freedom. we are free to choose for ourselves the type of culture we integrate into our lives. There is no such thing as American Culture. “American Culture” was built on the backs of the migrants who first inhabited these lands and should be respected as such.
I agree with Jacob Carter. One of the biggest reasons people come to America is so they can choose what religion they want to be. Some countries in the world require you to be a certain religion or you become an outcast and hated upon. America is a free country, we don’t judge people for what they are or what they believe in, and that is why so many choose to come here. Diversity is one of the things that makes America such a great country. Integration is not slowing down, it will continue to go up as long as more keep coming to America.
I agree with taylor08 because every day there are thousands who have emigrated to our country and try so hard to fit in, because that is what society is telling them to do. I believe that is the wrong mind set to have, all people have roots from where they originated and they should not be afraid of being themselves, being a unique individual is not a bad thing.
I agree with ashleyheelis because it is true that there are so many new people coming into the country and we don’t have to change ourselves to fit them. We just let them in and let them be free also. Everyone believes in something different and we like to keep it that way. We should just accept people for who they are and let everyone live out their beliefs.
I partially agree with ashleyheelis. USA has come a long way into accepting people for who they are, but racism is still an issue. Segregation still exists in the country, but by choice. Growing up in California I went to a multicultural school and naturally people split into groups based on race. People are not completely comfortable with one another. America has a lot of Mexican immigrants. With Spanish as a first and possibly only language parts of the country are changing. People do not have to learn English when coming to the states, therefore language differences will force society into a new form of segregation.
I agree with what the blog leader kylinye in section 02 said. It really does show alot of integrity to change yourself just so that others can be at peace. It caused alot less problems when he decided to change and made it a much more peaceful outcome than if he would have been stubborn and hadn’t of changed. I don’t agree that people should always change how they are, but in this case it was a good idea for him, so that others would feel safe. If everyone was like him we would have a lot less problems in the world if people would not be stubborn and change a little.
I agree with the fact that he did the right thing. It is sad that due to stereotypes people who appear certain ways are feared. If he continued to do things in a way that would frighten people then he only strengthens the stereotype even though that is not his purpose. If the entire world could overnight stop being racist then this entire problem would be an easy fix. Unfortunately the world is not that simple. All we can do is teach our kids that everyone is the some and pray that our grandchildren can grow up in a world without discrimination.
I agree with how brionnemousseau says Staples shouldn’t have to change who he is to make others feel comfortable. I also think in some ways he didn’t change who he was because he just incorporated who he is in with making others feel comfortable. For example, he started whistling Bethoven when he was walking through the park at night. He didn’t change who he was because he obviously likes Bethoven if he knows it well enough to whistle it. But at the same time he was making others he comes in contact with feel comfortable with his presance
I agree with ashleyheelis. She has a good point America has come a long way. I think that now a days people mostly except everyone as who they are, but there are still lots that linger around the old times and express them selfs freely about other people’s cultures and are not very nice about it. I guess what i’m trying too say is that there are the people who speak out for all the good and freedom of culture and then there are the people who speak out for all the people who just don’t believe in the freedom of cultures.
I agree with laramartin. we should not make people change who they are because we steriotype people. Some people are scarier than others but does that mean we should avoid them,no it does not. We should give people a chance to be themselves before we make them change because we dont like it.
I agree with Taylor i also believe that people from different cultures should keep there cultures alive in there own way, so they can still feel like they still have their own identity. And in doing so if they learn about the American culture and choose to change some aspects of their life it should be their choice.
I agree with Brionne, everyone makes personal judgements on the way people look, we have to for our own personal safety. Discriminating based on steryotypes or ethnicity is not fair to any one. You should not have to change yourself to please others.
I agree with Section 02 – 1. You shouldn’t have to change to be able to achieve their level of requirement. You should just be able to be yourself. Being yourself makes you unique from others and thats what makes you special. Some people may set standards that you have to meet in order for them to appreciate you. I say that you should be a friend no matter what their standards are. Let them be themselves, don’t make them be who they aren’t.
I agree with 02-01. If it weren’t for the diversity here in the US, we wouldn’t be the country we are today. No one needs to leave their culture behind and abandon it. It it part of who we are. I do believe that minor changes are sometimes needed, but we all all here because of all the freedoms we have.
I agree and diagree with cmelling because I don’t think that he should have to change himself for other people, but I do think it was for the better though. He did have to give up a lot and that probably was tough for him and he persued and changed for the better. I know that if that happened to me then I would just loose focus and it would be hard and i would probably give up on changing. He did it and ws successful, which means, even though it is hard we can change fot the better even if it isnt waht we want, but what society wants. We shouldn’t have to change for other people but rather change for outselves!
I agree with anders. He had to adjust his behaviors. Its incredibly unfair, but if he didnt they might think he was a scary guy and not a norman guy. Its not fair though that he’s put in that position i think because no matter a person’s race or whatever they are the same inside.
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this is my blog responce on blog 2 i hope it doesnt show up under blog 1!
I agree with laramartin. Brent did the right thing by adjusting his behavior to help others feel more comfortable. What he did was thoughtful and unselfish. I do not believe that people should change their values or character to suit other people’s whims. However, I do believe that we should always be conscious of those around us and try to help each other as much as possible. This will lead to better relationships and, in the long run, a better nation as a whole.
i agree with section 02-01. its a very good thing to have diversity among all of the culture in the united states. if we didnt have that then we wouldn’t really be America. bringing everyone in makes us and shapes us. that why everyone wants to be here, because they wont have to give up everything else that they already know.
I think that so long as he was not compromising his own standards to fit better with someone else, then he was doing the right thing. He was not changing who he was, he was just more active and outgoing in making others comfortable. He made sure that he was promoting his character as a good person and that there was nothing to worry about. Mostly, I don’t think that we should be judging people on appearance.
I agree with donshirley in the sense that nobody should compromise their morals or ethics to fit in with a crowd or a group of people for any reason. An individual should think individually and be their own person. And i also agree with donshirley when he says appearance should not be judged because if a person does not have the money to look nice, this doesn’t mean that the individual is any less important.
i think that graphic novels are a good idea to use in the college setting. I think we should be taught to think outside the box and learn different ways to make us well rounded people instead of learning only one way and being narrow minded. Atleast for me i got into the story a lot more with seeing the pictures and the illustrations going along with the words, it made it much more personal for me to get to know the characters and what they were feeling.
I agree with Jacob Carter. I do not think that Americans that keep their traditions hinder integration. America is a free country and we can be and do whatever we want. We don’t have to be a hippy just because someone else is. Everybody can be free to live their lives with the traditions they want to have.
I believe that the war was the reason for vladek being the way that he was. It is impossible to go through something so dramatizing as the war and not be affected in some kind of way. It seemed that in the book vladek was a confident young man and that he didn’t have too many worries in life, but after the war he seemed to always be up tight and worried and seemed to preoccupied about something which made valdek the man that his son grew up knowing.
i personally don’t think that doing that kind of exercise was very affective in class. I was confused the whole time what was going on and i couldn’t pay attention to what the instructions were that you were giving us for our mause paper because they were stealing our stuff which i didn’t know if that was part of the exercise or not. So it felt like a waist of a class period for me.
I think they should because everybody has their own opinions and if we didn’t allow everybody to write about it then we probably wouldn’t have the information we have today. I believe that as long as everyone is respectful of each other then we can all benefit from each others comments and criticism so why not about this?
The subcultures that don’t cohere to “normal” behaviors can hinder integration. I believe that while the subcultures are keeping their own cultures alive they are also shunning the beliefs of the whole American culture. And people tend to get into the thinking that they want to be different, be apart from the whole.
I would like to agree with courtneyopdahl, media does bring us together and make our ties much closer even with those in other countries, we can now communicate with people that we never would have been able to meet without these advances in technology, but to much can be harmful. Alot of people i know would sit there all day if they could and play nintendo and waste the day away doing nothing to help them out of going out to get some fresh air and i think that is harmful, vidoe games and movies are fun of course, but when they dominate your life that is where you draw the line.
I think people are able to see both sides. Of course it depends, like in the media, it sometimes is very one sided and you only hear the opinions from one side of the spectrum. I am for sure able to see both sides. I have been in situations where people didn’t believe or feel the way i did about a certain topic, but i was able to try to see where they were coming from and understand their side and why they thought that way.
I agree with Jamieadamson. I think most people get in arguements beause they feel strongly enough about their opinion. I think though that if a person can see all sides of the arguemet is the best way because thn they are understanding with the other person’s opinion as well. With me, it depends on the topic.If it’s something I have a strong opinion about than I will argue all day because I think mine is right.
I believe that the government is an important tool in the success of a nation but that if it gets to big it can be just as harmful as it is good. It has been proven through the history of time in America that the nation has flourished when the government has controlled only the basic things such as taxes and laws. The government today has grown too large in my opinion and has gotten involved in things that they shouldn’t be involved with such as health care and argriculture. The government today is too large.
I definately agree with that saying. It Applies to our time as well as back when he wrote it. As a nation we have come to look at the government as a crutch or a quick fix to our problems and that is giving the government way too much power over us. I think that we need to rely upon our own means of getting things done and get back to the free country we are so famous for, instead of listening to one man and giving him power to screw up everything our country was founded on, like what is happening right now as we speak.
i think that it is important tohave students take english 1010. I may be speaking for myself, but the class really gives you a good base on how to write a good quality essay so that when we are inthe higher classes we will be able to do well in getting our points across in our papers that we will write.