life in the us

8/14/2019 Life in the Us

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Exploring

the

U.S.A.


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What do I already know?

How many of the 50 States can youname? Locate on a map? (try thisinteractive quiz to see how you do)

See who can get the best score in %accuracy, the lowest average error, and

the quickest time! Try again later to see ifyou learned from your mistakes the firsttime.
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.htmlhttp://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html


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How much do I know? contd

What do you know about the history of theUnited States? What names or eventscome to mind when you think of U.S.

history?

When you think of American culture, what

associations do you make? Do you thinkof what youve seen in movies, or arethere other sources of your impressions?


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Stereotypes - discuss

What are stereotypes of Americans?

Southerners?

Yankees? Midwesterners?

Westerners?

(some answers)


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Defining a region

It is important to understand that there are manydifferent ways to look at the regions of theUnited States. A state may have characteristicstypical of more than one region. Border statesare particularly difficult to classify; for example,Maryland is technically a part of the South, as itis south of the Mason-Dixon line, but culturally itis usually classified with the Northeast.

We will use the U.S. Census Bureaus officialbreakdown of regions.


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Regions


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Bostons Harbor

CentralPark,ManhattanIsland

A New England Lighthouse

The Northeast is known for colorful fall foliage


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Birthplace of a nation

The Boston Tea Party colonists protested theirlack of political power,which sparked

Revolutionary fervor

Philadelphia - FoundingFathers met to write theDeclaration ofIndependence, and laterto establish, in the U.S.Constitution, guidelinesfor the new nation


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Education

The Ivy League

- an association of

world-renowned

schools concentratedin the Northeast are

considered to provide

superior education

and opportunities forstudents

On the campus of Brown University


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New York City

New York is a lively, vibrantplace the city that neversleeps. NYC is a multi-culturalmega-city, known forwelcoming immigrants fromaround the world throughoutU.S. History.

New York is also a majorCultural Center for fashion andthe arts. Broadway, once justa street name, is now the sealof quality for a whole genre of

theatre which integrate musicand dance into the plot.Broadway musicals areperformed nationwide, but toattend a performance onBroadway is, for many, theultimate theatre experience.


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Religion

Many early settlers came toAmerica seeking religiousfreedom. As a result, religionwas very important in theoriginal colonies!

Puritans Probably the best-known group of early Americansettlers, the Puritans firstbegan the idea of a City on aHill the creation of acommunity which would set apositive example for everyonewho sees it

The Salem Witch Trials oneof the most sensational eventsof U.S. religious history tookplace in New England


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Financial Center

The Northeast is a boomingfinancial and economic center forthe United States, perhaps bestsymbolized by New Yorks WorldTrade Center (which is now evenmore widely known after Sept. 11,2001)

New York Citys Stock Exchangeis also of central importance tobusinesses and investorsworldwide

Major urban centers can be foundespecially concentrated along thecoastline and in the Mid-Atlanticregion

Philadelphia, a.k.a. Philly

New York Stock Exchange


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The So uth At a Gla ncehe So uth At a Gla nce Traditionally an agriculturalTraditionally an agricultural

region cotton and tobaccoregion cotton and tobaccowere major exports in earlywere major exports in earlycolonial dayscolonial days

Traditionally less urban, moreTraditionally less urban, morerelaxed, more naturerelaxed, more nature

Becoming a very popularBecoming a very populardestination more and moredestination more and more

people are moving south!people are moving south!

Colorful history and culture Colorful history and culture from the Confederacy to Civilfrom the Confederacy to CivilRights conflicts to rednecksRights conflicts to rednecksand Texas The South is aand Texas The South is a

diverse and proud region!diverse and proud region!

Magnolias these blooming trees

are strongly associated with the

Southern United States


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Cultural basicsultural basics Friendly atmosphere Friendly atmosphere

neighborlyneighborly

Slow pace of life time forSlow pace of life time forfishing, sitting on the frontfishing, sitting on the front

porch, enjoying lifeporch, enjoying life

More traditional life ofMore traditional life ofsmall-town America old-small-town America old-fashioned home-cooked food,fashioned home-cooked food,

leave your doors unlocked,leave your doors unlocked,friendly, neighborly attitudes,friendly, neighborly attitudes,neighborhood church, etc.neighborhood church, etc.(popular idea of Mayberry)(popular idea of Mayberry)

The Andy Griffith Show features

small-town Southern life in the

fictional town of Mayberry, NC


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The Civil Warhe Civil War

We often associate the Civil War withWe often associate the Civil War withthe issue of slavery. However, manythe issue of slavery. However, manySoutherners would emphasize thatSoutherners would emphasize thatthe Confederacy in fact had otherthe Confederacy in fact had otherreasons to want to separate from thereasons to want to separate from theUnion! Economic, as well as culturalUnion! Economic, as well as culturaldifferences made many Southernersdifferences made many Southernerseager to be free of the Northerneager to be free of the NorthernYankee.Yankee.

Throughout the nation, Civil WarThroughout the nation, Civil Warenthusiasts attempt to bring history toenthusiasts attempt to bring history tolife by reinacting battles as preciselylife by reinacting battles as preciselyas possible (no actual casualtiesas possible (no actual casualtiesresult!). Along with these reinactorsresult!). Along with these reinactorscome collectors and vendors peddlingcome collectors and vendors peddlingguns, personal items that soldiersguns, personal items that soldierswould have used during that time awould have used during that time atrue step back in time.true step back in time.


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Civi l Rights a ndivi l Rights a ndRacismacism Rosa Parks made a stand forRosa Parks made a stand forSouthern blacks as she refused toSouthern blacks as she refused togive up her seat to a white man on agive up her seat to a white man on a

bus. This bold act of protest may havebus. This bold act of protest may haveseemed small at the time, but she isseemed small at the time, but she isstill known by students acrossstill known by students acrossAmerica for her courage!America for her courage!

The KKK a White SupremacistThe KKK a White Supremacistgroup known for its violent treatmentgroup known for its violent treatmentof minorities is still active in much ofof minorities is still active in much ofthe South. They were greatly fearedthe South. They were greatly fearedat the height of their power, due to theat the height of their power, due to thecommon practices of lynching andcommon practices of lynching and

cross-burnings.cross-burnings.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was also aMartin Luther King, Jr. was also aminister in a church in Birmingham,minister in a church in Birmingham,Alabama. The peaceful methods ofAlabama. The peaceful methods ofresistance that he encouragedresistance that he encouragedcontrasted greatly to thecontrasted greatly to the

predominantly violent approaches ofpredominantly violent approaches ofMalcolm X and the Black PanthersMalcolm X and the Black Panthers


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Af ri can Ameri canf ri can Ameri canpopul atio n cente red i nopul atio n cente red i nthe Sout hhe South


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Miss (Southern)iss (Southern)Mannersanners Manners are very importantManners are very important

among traditionalamong traditionalSoutherners. Politeness andSoutherners. Politeness andpropriety are key values, andpropriety are key values, andchildren are taught to addresschildren are taught to addresselders by maam and sir -elders by maam and sir -especially in the Deep South!especially in the Deep South!

Proper social behavior isProper social behavior isimportant in order to succeedimportant in order to succeedin the communityin the community

The idea of SouthernThe idea of SouthernHospitality is also anHospitality is also animportant element of theimportant element of thesocial code A Southernsocial code A SouthernBelle must never be caughtBelle must never be caughtwithout a (home-baked) treatwithout a (home-baked) treat

to offer to visitors!to offer to visitors!

Southern Belles always

behave themselves in public!


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Na shvi lle , Tennesseea shvi lle , Tennessee Its been said thatIts been said that

everyone in Nashville iseveryone in Nashville is

a musician. While this isa musician. While this is

not quite true, Nashvillenot quite true, Nashville

isis the country musicthe country music

capital of the world! Acapital of the world! A

number of importantnumber of important

recording studios arerecording studios are

based there, and manybased there, and manymusicians of all levelsmusicians of all levels

live in this town.live in this town.


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Stereotypical Images

The Midwest, particularly the plains

states, are so flat that you can see for

miles. With no hills to wind around, the

flat, straight roads of the plain states

make it easy (and tempting) for people

to drive through very quickly (look outfor speeding tickets!)

Tornadoes are a common occurrence in

the Midwest, and Kansas is particularly

famous for them. (the film The Wizard of

Ozincludes a tornado in Kansas). For

storm chasers, the Midwest is an ideal

destination in springtime, peak season.


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Midwest

The Breadbasket! Why isthe Midwest called thebreadbasket of the UnitedStates? Because most ofthe grain used to feed the

entire nation (andbeyond) is grown here!From early pioneersettlers, who faced dailygrueling work just to

survive, to modernmega-farmers with hugeproductivity, farming hasalways been the mainbusiness of the Midwest.


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The Lay of the Land

Spacious, by comparisonto the East, but less sothan further West townstend to grow through

urban sprawl industries, businesses,and homes developedamid plenty of space

Prairies, plains, androlling hills cover most ofthis region.


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Cultural Climate

Midwest values Thereis generally a highemphasis on familyvalues and hard work.

Conservatism isprevalent, but notexclusive. (eg: there aremany red states, but

plenty of blue spots aswell). Patriotism, and ahigh sense of duty tend tobe strong in this region.


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Chicago, Illinois

Also known as the windy city,Chicago is the financial andeconomic capital of theMidwest.

Originally known formeatpacking, Chicago stillholds strong associations withthe cow. Probably the mostfamous American cow inhistory lived in Chicago. Mrs.

OLearys cow has historicallybeen blamed for starting theGreat Chicago Fire of 1871which burned down thousandsof homes in the city.

The Sears Tower, until recently, wasworlds tallest building


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West

Native Americans are oftenassociated with the WesternUnited States. Many of the best-known struggles occurred here(Little Big Horn, for example).

A large majority of those NativeAmericans who still identify withtheir tribe today live out west onreservations or in towns.

Some tribes had lived in the Westfor generations. Others had been

driven out by white settlers, andlater the U.S. government, andassigned new territory. TheCherokee nations Trail of Tearssent a peaceful, cooperative, andalready-displaced communityfarther West from the Tennessee

valley to make room for settlers.


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Natural Beauty

The Western United States offers some of themost magnificent natural beauty in the country.

The number of National Parks alone make theWest worth a visit, if you have the time!

It is hard to realize how spacious the U.S. is

until you go out west. The trip that once tookmany months can now be done in a few days,but driving across the West is not a quick tripany way you look at it!


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Some National Parks

Redwood Forest, California

Y

ellowstoneOld

Faithful

Grand Canyon, Arizona Badlands, South Dakota


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Settlers

What brought white settlers outwest? For some, it was thepromise of land ownership. Forothers, a desire for adventureled them West. Still others hadreligious reasons (the

Mormons in Utah). But thebiggest and best-known flow ofsettlers came with theCalifornia Gold Rush of 1849!

Boom Towns were created

as prospectors arrived incertain sites, hoping to strike itrich. Later, when enthusiasmhad waned, many of thesebecame ghost towns.


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Settlers, contd

Those who moved out West originally

knew that they would probably never

again see family and friends who they

were leaving behind. Great opportunitieslay ahead of them, but many sacrifices

had to be made as well. As with many

pioneers before them, independence andhardiness were necessary for such a

move.


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I want to know more!

Choose a region above that youd like to explore some more! (other options)


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Non region-specific projects

Learn about someAmerican Sports!

Civil rights and race relations


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Projects for the Northeast

A Nation founded on a dream learn about the foundingfathers (eg: Benjamin Franklin great website!)

Academic strength a basis for a strong workforce theIvy League look into requirements to get in, academic

programs, alumni statistics What makes these schoolsspecial? Are they really better than others?

Rural Northeast What kinds of things would visitors toNew England expect to see and do? How about NewEngland seafood (clam chowder)? What can you do to

get away? Choose a city (NYC, Boston) and investigate its history,

and how this relates to its present-day importance.

Return to options

Start research / go to webpage
http://www.lasc.be/geography/Northeast.htmhttp://www.lasc.be/geography/Northeast.htmhttp://www.lasc.be/geography/Northeast.htm


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American Sports

Learn about American Football!! How is it played? Whatare the positions? Where did it originate? What leaguesexist? What equipment is needed? Etc.

Baseball, Americas Pastime, is still widely unknown inEurope. Its history is rich with links to popular culture, thearts, even civil rights.

Lacrosse, which originated as a Native American game,is a little-known sport worldwide, but it is gainingpopularity in the United States. Learn more about itshistory, how it is played, and its place in the sportingworld today

Start research/go to webpage

back to options more sports topics
http://www.lasc.be/arts/http://www.lasc.be/arts/http://www.lasc.be/arts/


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More on sports

Look into sports teams, and how they represent

the area. Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers, or

San Francisco 49ers? Why are Wisconsins

Green Bay fans called cheeseheads? Therehas also been controversy in recent years over

mascots that represent specific people groups,

particularly Native Americans in potentially

insulting ways. Does a teams mascot reallymatter? Do the name and symbol play a role in

helping fans to identify with the team?


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Civil Rights

Compare the approach of Martin Luther King (asseen in his I Have A Dream speech) to that ofMalcolm X. How did their goals, theirphilosophies, and their methods line up? Did

they want the same things? What strengths doyou see in each approach? What weaknesses?

What comparisons can you make between the

African American community and NativeAmericans? Which group, in your opinion, wastreated worst? Who suffered the most? Whoseems to be better off now in American society?

(to tackle these questions, see the Civil Rights page)
http://www.lasc.be/civilrights/http://www.lasc.be/civilrights/


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Projects for the South

Learn more about Southern culture by exploringsouthern websites; what do they seem to value? How dothey present themselves? How can you tell a Southernerfrom any other American?

How have the issues of racial identity and integrationprogressed over time? What about racism today? Lookat the KKK website; what do they have to say forthemselves?

Read up about the Civil War. Try to find information from

both a Union and from a Confederate perspective. Wetend to learn our history through the eyes of the victors.What about the South?

Return to options

Start research/go to web page
http://www.lasc.be/geography/South.htmhttp://www.lasc.be/geography/South.htm


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Midwest

The Midwest is known for its cultural

conservatism. Can you find evidence of this from

looking at state websites? Do you see anything

that points in other directions? Farming has remained a cornerstone of the

Midwests economy. How do organizations like

FFA (Future Farmers of America), and 4H

contribute to the farming community. What aboutState Fairs? See if you can make any links.

Return to options

Start research/ go to web page
http://www.lasc.be/geography/Midwest.htmhttp://www.lasc.be/geography/Midwest.htm


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West

Native Americans are often associated with the Western UnitedStates because the later struggles occurred in the West. What canyou learn about their societies, their struggles, and their currentposition in U.S. society?

What about the white settlers? What attracted them to the West?Who were the 49ers? Whats a ghost town? What is it like to live inthe West today?

The West is unbelievably spacious, and much of it is sparselypopulated. A large proportion of the best-known National Parks arefound in the West, and back-to-nature is a common value. Plan a

trip out west and decide which parks, and which sites and activitiesyou would most like to see and do. Keep in mind the drivingtime/distance between places! (mapquest)

Return to options

Go to the West web page
http://www.mapquest.com/http://www.lasc.be/geography/TheWest.htmhttp://www.lasc.be/geography/TheWest.htmhttp://www.mapquest.com/


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Some Stereotypes

Americans: loud, rude, bold, fat, always eat fastfood, creative, daring, risk-takers

Southerners: slow-speaking, rural, uneducated,unsophisticated, friendly, polite, racist,

Yankees: busy/hurried, urban, sophisticated,fashionable, successful, unfriendly

Midwesterners: rural, hard-working,

conscientious, religious, family-oriented Westerners: adventurous, outdoorsy, cowboys,

wild


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About stereotypes

Remember that stereotypes are often derived

from some observation that is true, but are never

accurate when applied to a whole group of

people! Which of the stereotypes you came up with are

positive? Which are negative?

Which ones do you think most accurately reflect

the culture of each region? Keep these things in

mind as you further explore the U.S.A.

life in the us

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