https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd What it means to be an American en-us 2018-04-24 13:28:51 UTC 2018-05-11 13:09:19 UTC hello@padlet.com gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/254823799 This song is about what it means to be an American. In the song Toby Keith describes how he works hard everyday and he doesn't expect much in return, because he knows it is his duty to provide for the future. He says, "Oh, and I don't want to die for you, But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free." This shows that the United States is a country that worked hard to become the place it is today, and it was able to do that with the help of brave soldiers. Toby Keith says that he doesn't necessarily want to fight, but his country means so much to him that he would if he had to.]]> 2018-04-24 13:46:39 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/254823799 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/254835210 The article opens with, "They won’t believe what you say. They will believe what you do." (Bradt, George. “Practice What You Preach or Pay the Price.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 27) This is extremely important, because often times actions speak louder than words. If a leader says one thing and does another, their credibility is completely lost. In the article there is a man who owns a pizza restaurant, named Nick Sarillo. He explained how important it is to be honest and upfront in all situations, especially with his business, and that is exactly what he does. "Nick does what he says and fundamentally believes in what he’s saying. It’s a key part of his success" (Bradt, George. “Practice What You Preach or Pay the Price.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 27). His honesty and transparency is what makes him a more effective leader.]]> 2018-04-24 14:05:21 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/254835210 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258329105 The Bill of Rights was created so that American's unalienable rights couldn't be taken away. As an American everyone is allowed to exercise their rights and is entitled to these basic rights.]]> 2018-05-06 18:29:42 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258329105 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258330664 It is important to realize what rights one has as an American, so that they know what to do with them or if they are being suppressed. As an American it is important to support the country, but also to stand up for what isn't right. Students, like Emma Gonzalez, have been utilizing their First Amendment right to speak out against things they don't agree with, like gun control. They don't agree with something the country has done, and they are speaking out against it. ]]> 2018-05-06 18:48:52 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258330664 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258332303 History has shown that all men are NOT created equal. Sometimes people have all their rights they are supposed to, but still aren't successful in life. They don't have the same opportunities that others do and therefore, will never be able to become what they want. The article suggests that giving people help, in any way , shape, or form will go a long way. It doesn't matter, what side of the political spectrum one is on, or what they make for a living, anybody can help. If more people were willing to help and provide support, maybe there wouldn't be as many differences between people in the country.]]> 2018-05-06 19:03:18 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258332303 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258336802 It is important to note that American has come a long way with the inequalities that used to face the country, but it is also important to acknowledge that it still has a long way to go. The article argues that while the country has made great strides, it still isn't done. "Thus while blacks and whites now graduate at the same rate from high school today and are almost equally likely to attend college, on average they are not equally educated" (Thernstrom, Abigail, and Stephan Thernstrom. “Black Progress: How Far We've Come, and How Far We Have to Go"). When looking at education, this shows that there are improvements, but that there are still flaws in the system. This is also true for other aspects of life. ]]> 2018-05-06 19:47:16 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258336802 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258344304 America has been known as one of top countries in the world for quite some time. They are always looking for the newest and best ways to do activities. In that position, one would think they would do a better job at finding an alternative to one of the most deadly activities. Over $600 billion is spent on all aspects of war each years and research on finding ways to avoid war get significantly less that that. It is thought that if the nonviolent programs received more money, it could have a overwhelmingly positive effect on the world. The organizations that do this "work to resolve conflict peacefully through discussion, negotiation, and compassion" (Schutt, Randy. “Nonviolent Alternatives to War.” Why Nonviolence?).]]> 2018-05-06 21:07:53 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258344304 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258346697 I asked my family what they think it means to be an American.]]> 2018-05-06 21:30:56 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258346697 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258373546 This image shows the inequality when it comes to money and industry. The wealth in the America is not evenly distributed. The men sitting on the top represent the CEO's and business owners that hold all the wealth, while not doing much work. The people underneath represent the backbone of the companies that make it possible for the people on top to get their money, without getting much in return. This is a huge problem in America still, but people are working toward fixing it, like other porblems in America.]]> 2018-05-07 01:35:51 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258373546 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258381827 This photo shows how men who were once immigrants themselves are denying an immigrant from coming into the country now. For some reason, people in America think that if they welcome in new people, they will lose some of their own success. But, if one could understand what it is like to be in that position, and then end up being successful, why wouldn't they want someone else to experience that? Then men in the picture have all become successful and wealthy, and now they are denying someone in the position they used to be in, the same chance that they had.]]> 2018-05-07 02:24:44 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258381827 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258747146 Part of what makes America, the great place that it is, is that anybody can come here and that lots of people want to come here. Anybody can be an American, and it wouldn't be the same place with all the different types of people that do come here.]]> 2018-05-08 00:38:14 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258747146 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258747972 Without George Washington stepping down after two, four year terms, that rule might not be in place. The rule is there so that one person can't be in control forever, and that different people have the chance to lead. Franklin Delano Roosevelt has been the only President to serve more than two terms. Does this show the power going to his head or does it show him doing what was best for the country?]]> 2018-05-08 00:43:28 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258747972 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258748889 "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all." - George Washington'

This quote shows why George Washington was a great President. He saw the good in situations and wasn't quick to jump to any unnecessary actions. He wanted everyone to be at peace with one another.]]> 2018-05-08 00:49:24 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258748889 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258916454 After a horrific tragedy, President George W Bush managed to address the country in a calm and collected manner. Which then helped the country remain sane.]]> 2018-05-08 14:10:11 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258916454 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258917118 Even though this clip is very comical, it shows how great the freedoms in America are. In some countries, a video negatively talking about the President could never be released. In America, everybody has the right to say and share whatever they please.]]> 2018-05-08 14:11:28 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258917118 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258995199 The Women's March is only one example of people across the country standing up and speaking out against inequalities. Marches and protests are a very common way to do this. Social Media is also another great away to spread awareness. Other examples of events like the Women's March, is the Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and Never Again movements. ]]> 2018-05-08 16:45:36 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/258995199 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259043971 In order to be an effective leader one must have integrity, be charismatic, enthusiastic, empowering, loyal, a good communicate, able to make decisions, and want to be successful. These are not only qualities of leaders, but they are important ones.]]> 2018-05-08 18:29:03 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259043971 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259083510 There are many reasons Americans join the army. Sometimes financial responsibilities and education can drive a person to enlist, and other times it is the want for something bigger or better than themselves. However, many stay in the army because of the camaraderie that is developed. While the soldiers are away, their families are very worried and lots of the time don't understand why they are doing what they are doing. In America, it is special that citizens aren't drafted, but instead they can join the army all on their own, for whatever their reasons may be.]]> 2018-05-08 20:23:06 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259083510 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259103786 One who is emotionally intelligent will be a better leader then ones who are not. Being emotionally intelligent means that one has the ability to be aware and have control over ones self, and to handle situations in the correct way.]]> 2018-05-08 22:29:18 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259103786 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259105377 In order to be an American does one have to achieve the American Dream?

No, it is not necessary to achieve the American Dream to be considered an American. Many people who do not achieve their American Dream are American's. Plus there is no way to measure if one has achieved the American Dream, because it is different for everyone. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby has not achieved his American Dream, but he is still an American. Gatsby is still working at his dream of Daisy, because he still hasn't achieved his goal of being with her. "He couldn't possibly leave Daisy until he knew what she was going to do. He was clutching at some last hope and I couldn't bear to shake him free" (Fitzgerald 78). He hasn't achieved his biggest goal yet, but is still an American. ]]> 2018-05-08 22:43:41 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259105377 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259124513 Today, America can thank MLK for giving minorities a voice and making the world more equal than it would have been. Even though America is not an equal place for everyone, he helped move it in the right direction. He is also to thank for the idea of non-violent protests. This was a huge step that stands out in history]]> 2018-05-09 01:03:32 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259124513 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259125971 Women are making great strides in the country today to get the same opportunities as men. The problem of gender inequality stems back to the early stereotypes placed on men and women. Women were expected to be trophy wives and stay in the private sphere, while men went out into the public sphere. These carried over into today, were women are pushed into more human service jobs and men are pushed into science and math professions (which are higher paying). These stereotypes are taught to kids early on, based on the toys the play with and what is marketed to each gender.]]> 2018-05-09 01:12:31 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259125971 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259132278 Racism is embedded into our culture and it has been for way too long. Studies show that African American men serve longer jail times than white men, even when they were convicted of the same crime. This shows the bias, unfairness, and inequality of the country.]]> 2018-05-09 01:54:48 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259132278 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259466816 In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield is chasing after a dream that he will never be able to reach. He wants to save all children from the corrupt adult world and keep them from losing their innocence. His dream is unrealistic, like Gatsby's, and many other people who come to America. Yes, America has many opportunities, but at the moment isn't very open to giving them to everyone. ]]> 2018-05-09 21:58:46 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259466816 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259472604 America is extremely strong when it comes to the economy, technology, military and education. The country is also very diverse with it's culture and race. However, it is important to acknowledge that even though it is a powerful country, it still has it's downsides. These flaws include issues like racism and income inequality. This article does a good job of showing both sides to America.]]> 2018-05-09 22:49:20 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259472604 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259497895 The Five Most Important Aspects of being an American]]> 2018-05-10 01:55:58 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259497895 gracesta6143 https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259602877 2018-05-10 13:21:38 UTC https://padlet.com/gracesta6143/h3d6u85agjnd/wish/259602877