American Identity - Kayleigh James by Kayleigh James https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity My opinions and viewpoints on patriotism and the "American Dream" en-us 2022-08-10 16:56:03 UTC 2022-08-11 23:11:17 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f1fa-1f1f8.png Personal Reflection: Question 2 kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258372992 The things I love about being an American are my ability to vote, the freedom within school, and the freedom of the press. I love my freedom to vote so much because women before me had to fight extremely hard to work to get this ability. Though I cannot vote yet, I will most definitely be exercising my right to when I am older. I love the freedom within school because in many countries, kids do not have as much freedom within their schools. Here in America, the strictest schools are private/religious schools. Public schools here are not too strict on dress code, speech, etc. While there are things many schools are strict about in America (such as bringing drugs or firearms to school) it is not comparable to other countries' schools. Lastly, I love the freedom of the press because it allows transparency for American citizens. I do believe that some news is corrupt, but it still allows for everyday citizens to be in the know about issues pertaining to the government, whether it's federal, state, or local. The things I don't like about America are the economy, the President, and the security of Women's rights. First of all, the economy is at a confusing point, where basic things like gas and meat cost a fortune. Inflation is a burden to everyone, and it only seems to be getting worse. Secondly, our President shows signs of complete incompetence and does not fit the proud and well-put-together President that we deserve. Lastly, the security of Women's rights is questionable. Transgender women can participate in Women's sports. Biological men and biological women, by divine nature, are built differently. It makes me feel, as a biological woman, that women before me fought for my right and other women's right to have our own league of sports (along with many other things,) all for nothing. Because "men" can participate. ]]> 2022-08-10 17:23:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258372992 Travel Guide to America: Southern Dialect and Accent kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258459369 In America, every region has its own dialect, along with its own accent. Our dialects and accents are important because many people before us have founded our ways of speech, and play into the way that many people have spoken to one another for generations and generations. For example, here in North Carolina, we have our own dialect, and many of us have a "southern" accent.  Many people have different stereotypes about the accent, and some do not understand some of the slang words we use. I will list 2 of the stereotypes and 2 of the words/phrases that are commonly heard in the south.

Stereotype: People with southern accents are stupid.

My response: This stereotype is so wrong. I presume the main reason this stereotype exists is that when many people think of the south, they think of backwoods rednecks that have no education (which I will talk about later.) That is not the case for many, many people with a southern accent. Sure, backwoods rednecks with no education do exist. But, they do not represent the majority of people with a southern accent. 

Stereotype: People in the south/people with southern accents are racist. 

My response: The amount of times I have heard this up north is shocking. A lot of the conservative states are southern states, yes. However, this is really a debate that could be taken up with them and republicans, not southerners as a whole. 

Our slang: Y'all

Its meaning: You all. Used to talk to a group of people. (Ex: "How are y'all?") 

Our slang: Honey/Darling/Sweetheart 

Its meaning: Just a friendly nickname! Many times, southern accents pronounce "darling" without the g, so it sounds like "darlin"

Another communication-related tip: Many southerners have a habit of blurring their words together. Be sure to listen even more, especially if you're in places like Mississippi or Kentucky, where the accents run thicker. 


It is important we appreciate all accents, but especially southern ones. The accent has a bad stereotype caused by many events in history that have involved the South and their views on controversial issues (such as slavery, LGBTQ rights, etc.) Our accent is a deep-rooted part of our history, and one that does not cause anyone harm.

]]> 2022-08-10 19:48:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258459369 Interview One: Aila Scott (Age 9) kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258554032 Question: What does America/ being an American mean to you?
Answer: “The fact that I am free and that I am safe.”

Question: What is good about America?
Answer: “That I know I am safe from a lot of things. Dangerous things like animals that aren’t in America.”

Question: What would you change about America?
Answer: “Alchohol and dangerous people. I would put all the dangerous people in jail.” 






]]> 2022-08-10 23:32:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258554032 Personal Reflection: Question 4 kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258634155 I have seen quite a few states. I have attached a map, and each state with an "X" through it is a state I have been to. I think the biggest thing I have noticed from my travels is the difference in culture and human interaction. The communication between strangers on the street in Dallas was very different from New York City. In Dallas, the strangers on the street were friendly (with the exception of the occasional crazy here and there) and often interacted with me and my family. In New York City, my family and I got pushed, shoved, and yelled at (no kidding.) It was the same way in Wisconsin. Strangers left and right will ignore your presence and run right into you, even if you are walking on your correct side of the street. 
The culture is the even bigger divider. The laid-back, marshy life in Biloxi, Mississippi is very different from the fast-paced, beachy environment in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Even just the difference between North Carolinians and Virginians and how they interact with each other is crazy. Virginians are friendly (not on the road), while many North Carolinians tend to be very reserved. 
The biggest thing that has changed my view of living in America is not a dividing factor. In fact, some people may think this brings people together. This “thing” is the natural landscapes and beautiful wonders of America. From the low elevations in South Carolina to the marshes in Florida, to the tippy top of the mountains in West Virginia, the natural beauty of America makes me have a deeper appreciation for the people that lived on this soil long before I did. They discovered these places, made homes and grew families there, and gave these places a fresh breath of life. This, in my opinion, is what could change just about anyone's perspective on America. 




]]> 2022-08-11 01:35:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2258634155 Interview Three: Debra Price (Age 69) kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259173333 Question: What does America/ being an American mean to you?
Answer:  I love my country and feel very lucky to be an American.  Our way of life is the best in the world.  We have more guaranteed freedoms than other countries and can choose our careers and therefore economic status.  Our democratic government gives me a voice in choosing the direction that America takes.  I think Americans work hard but also have opportunities to play hard.  I would not trade places with anyone from any other place.  I’m proud to be American!

Question: What is good about America?
Answer: America’s economy has historically been very good.  Most of the people who immigrated here came for the jobs that our country offers; which in turn leads to a good lifestyle.  If you’re willing to work here you’ll be successful.
We’re a mixing pot of many cultures and are accepting of the differences we encounter in our daily lives.  We adapt as needed and embrace and adopt bits and pieces of our newer neighbors from other places.  You can be yourself (whatever that may be) in America and it’s okay.
Our laws are written to protect American citizens from all kinds of harm. Our police departments are there locally and our military is there nationally to protect us.  Americans can lay their heads down at night and feel safe.

Question: What would you change about America?
Answer: I think our wonderful way of life is slipping a little.  A lot of our younger citizens are not committed to a good work ethic.  My generation grew up in a mostly agricultural society where even the youngest members contribute and learn the connection between work and financial success.  Now parents work outside the home and lots of children are left at home without supervision.  They entertain themselves (tv, video games, internet) and don’t have a chance to be useful or earn their own money.
I think as parents we should make sure that from a very early age all of our future workforce understands the need to do their part.  
]]> 2022-08-11 16:02:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259173333 Travel Guide to America: Explaining the Significance of the Bald Eagle kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259203401 In America, our national bird is the Bald Eagle. This originated in 1782 when Charles Thomson suggested the "small, white eagle," that was once on the seal of the US, be replaced with a Bald Eagle. Within the same year, Congress upheld his suggestion, and the Bald Eagle became the official national bird of the United States. 
This is significant because of what a Bald Eagle represents. An Eagle is a fierce, confident bird. As a symbol, it represents strength, security, and patriotism. Since it's our national bird, it's what other countries see when they look at the United States from the outside. They see our national bird is a confident, strong, and fierce creature. This is very important because it sets the tone for how we are viewed by other countries.



Source: https://www.history.com/news/how-did-the-bald-eagle-become-americas-national-bird]]> 2022-08-11 16:43:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259203401 Interview Two: Victor Tretiakov (Age 16) kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259386102 Question: What does America/ being an American mean to you?
Answer: Job opportunities/job security and freedom. There's comfort in knowing that there will most likely always be a job for me to do in America.

Question: What is good about America?
Answer: The crime rate is low. Equal rights for all is a good thing. Poverty rates here are pretty good compared to some other countries.

Question: What would you change about America?
Answer: Incentivize or remove all lazy people. Our economy needs more people in the workforce. 





]]> 2022-08-11 22:11:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259386102 Travel Guide to America: Women's Fashion in the United States Over the Past Century. kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259389556 Fashion is an ever-evolving part of American culture. The way both genders dress has drastically changed over time, but with changes in open-mindedness, Women's fashion has changed drastically. Fashion, specifically Women's fashion, is important to US history. Noting how women have dressed through the years has shown the state of our country, and what was affordable, and it most importantly notes social change. Here is how Women dressed in the US, from the 1920s to 2020!


1920's:
Women finally got the right to vote in 1920. This offered a surge of feminism and empowerment. While women still upheld the modest look, the dresses were less restricting and showed more skin (such as lower necklines, shorter hem lines, etc.) Flapper dresses and less uncomfortable lingerie became very popular.

1930's:
Some women started being bold enough to wear suits. This is true when the deconstruction of clothing being associated with gender began. Wide-leg pants also came into the spotlight.

1940's:
WWII started in 1939 and ended in 1945, so all of the 1940s was spent in a tight crunch for resources. This included fabric. Women's fashion in the 1940s was practical and did not include a ton of fabric/designs. Women also wore jean "boiler suits" since many had to go into the workforce.

1950's:
As the end of the war approached, more fashion was on the rise. Many designer brands were founded in the 50s, so the look of the 50s was clean and modest. Lots of hip and chest accentuation was the popular go-to in dresses for women. Two-piece bathing suits also became popular. 

1960's:
In the 60s, lots of pop colors became super popular. Babydoll dresses became popular, as well as voluminous hair. Mini skirts also started to make their appearance in the 60s. 

1970's: 
The surge of the "hippie" lifestyle was during the 70s. Very bright colors, bold patterns, and big hair were all the rage during the 70s. This was a time of open-minded fashion. 

1980's:
This was the era of big and messy hair, bold colors, and flashy patterns. Very similar to the 70s, the colors in the 80s consisted more of neons than just "colors."

1990s:
Acid-washed jeans and baby tees were all the rage in the 90s. The hair made a transformation from big and messy to sleek and clean. 

2000's and further:
Low rise and baby tees were very popular into the early 2000s. As the late 2000s into the 2010s rolled out though, many different "styles" emerged. From the "Alt" style to the "Cottagecore" style, almost every girl has the freedom to choose what she wants to wear and how she wants to display herself. 

Sources:
https://stacker.com/stories/3872/womens-fashion-trends-past-100-years

https://www.americahousekyiv.org/ah-blog/2020/2/12/american-fashion-trends-through-the-decades



]]> 2022-08-11 22:21:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259389556 Travel Guide to America: Mount Rushmore kayleighjames1 https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259405419 Mount Rushmore is a staple landmark in America. Its history dates back almost 100 years. It is an important and significant part of our history because it has the faces of some of our founding members on it. These founding members fought, planned, and signed many a document for our liberty and safety. 
The faces displayed on Mount Rushmore are four of our past Presidents. They are (from left to right) George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Each of these men did something significant in American history. This is also such a crucial piece of our tourism and helps people who are not from the United States know that these four gentlemen were prominent and important figures to the United States. ]]> 2022-08-11 23:04:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kayleighjames1/americanidentity/wish/2259405419