American Identity Edward Sawyers by Edward Sawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val en-us 2022-08-10 13:01:20 UTC 2025-11-15 00:57:09 UTC hello@padlet.com Personal Reflection Question 1 edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259109477 Two ideas that Americans value, and that can represent the country of the U.S.A., are freedom of choice, and individuality. In America, you get to choose how you want to live your life. You are free to buy a house, start your own business, and you can pursue almost any career you want, so long as you work for it. Your life is in your own hands, you can take it anywhere you want, and your success is directly related to the effort you put in. Other countries, like the Philippines may have restrictions on who can own land, or like in China, just not allow the ownership of land. Some countries such as many in the Middle East, may not give equal job opportunities to every citizen. 
In America, you don’t have to conform to a certain uniform, or clothing style. You can style your hair however you want, and you are free to be with whoever you choose, regardless of race, wealth, or any other factors. Every person is allowed to be whoever they want to be, and the government can’t stop them. Countries like North Korea and Saudi Arabia have very strict dress codes, and their citizens have very little options to express themselves. Other countries may be more strict on who people can marry, and some in South Asia and the Middle East like Pakistan, and Japan still practice arranged marriages . 
Americans value the ideals of independence and hard work. In America everyone is expected to do their own work, and make their own decisions. The goal of most americans is to become self-sufficient, so they don't need to rely on anyone else. In America hard work leads to your success, If you work hard, it will pay off later, and reward you more. 

]]> 2022-08-11 14:36:19 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259109477 Travel guide: Schools edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259124511 American schools are all about efficiency. They teach children as much as they can, as quickly as they can before they go on to chose a career. America tries its best to make sure that the children of the country are as educated as possible, so that the country can prosper. The downside of American schools is that the learning curriculum is often too ambitious for its funding, and schools may not be able to teach as thoroughly as the curriculum demands. Teachers can also be underpaid, and in short supply. American schools also offer much different food that other schools do, serving food that gives them just enough nutrition, but not necessarily being healthy.]]> 2022-08-11 14:55:52 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259124511 Travel Guide: Food edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259190435 American food culture is a conglomeration of different cooking styles from around the world, while also having a few of its own unique foods. Americans enjoy all sorts of food from various places around the globe, including Spain, China, Italy, and many more. Less healthy, fast foods like hotdogs, hamburgers, and potato chips originated in America, and have spread to other countries. ]]> 2022-08-11 16:24:20 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259190435 Personal Reflection Question 2 edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259944005 For most people, the American Dream is the idea of being free to live however they want, and to have a life that they can control. People living in America can choose the people they want to represent them in the government, by voting. They can choose where they want to live, what they want to do as a job, as well as who they want to be with, and the government will not try to restrict it. America is one of the most accepting countries, and anyone, no matter what their race, gender, or any other qualities, can be offered an equal opportunity to succeed. 
America’s landscape is another part of why people want to live there, being incredibly diverse, and full of landmarks to see. From mountains, to canyons, to deserts, to forests. Swamps and fields, cities, and small towns. America has so many different environments that almost anyone can find a place that they will enjoy, or want to live in. 
What I look forward to, when I become an adult and have to live on my own, is the ability to live without fear of the government trying to control and confine me. Being able to live without unnecessary laws imposing pointless, or overly strict restrictions on where I’m allowed to live, how I spend my money, where and how I spend my free time. I would not be forced to live in a crowded city, I would not have to go work at a government-established job, and I would not be allowed to make only a certain amount of money, and spend it on specific government approved products. I can live in rural areas like North Carolina. I can pursue whatever career I want to, and I can work hard and make more money based on that. 

]]> 2022-08-12 16:12:51 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259944005 Travel Guide: Landmarks edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259952304 American landmarks can mostly be divided into three categories. Ones of historical importance, those of geographical uniqueness, and recreational spots. There are landmarks such as the Washington monument, or the Statue of Liberty, or Mount Rushmore, that are man-made to commemorate historical events or are the historical events themselves. Others, like the Grand Canyon, and Niagara falls are landmarks because of their drastic and majestic feature. The last type of landmarks are places like Los Vegas, or Disneyland, that are global vacation spots, with nonstop entertainment.]]> 2022-08-12 16:25:29 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2259952304 Travel Guide: Holidays edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2260745738 Because of the cultural diversity of America, Americans celebrate many holidays, from all around the world. Celebrations like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas are all commonly celebrated in the United States of America. America also has its own holidays, such as the Fourth Of July, and Thanksgiving, celebrating significant events in America's history.]]> 2022-08-14 22:26:43 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2260745738 Travel Guide: Clothing edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2261198309 American clothing, like many things in America, is incredibly diverse. Fashion styles from many countries are popular in America, while it also has some of its own. American fashion is very practical, and comfortable, while also looking good. As the seasons change, fashion also changes, to better suit the environment. People in America are free to wear whatever they want, but there are scenarios in which doing so may be frowned upon. You are free to wear casual, comfortable pajamas to go to the store, but wearing the same to a job interview may not go very well.]]> 2022-08-15 13:01:52 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2261198309 Travel Guide: Unwritten Rules edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2261217110 Americans have a lot of behaviors that are never brought up in conversation, or explicitly stated, just because everyone agrees that it's how they should act. Americans have a large personal bubble, and getting too close can make someone very uncomfortable. In situations where you are forced to be very close to a stranger, it's normal to stay in silence, and patiently wait for the discomfort to end. In America, giving tips in a restaurant is a regular thing, and it is considered rude not to tip a waiter or waitress. In America,You take off your shoes at the door of someone's home, as to not track dirt in. A lot of unspoken rules of America involve personal space and comfort, and respect for others. ]]> 2022-08-15 13:25:28 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2261217110 Travel guide: Religion edwardsawyers https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2261225362 America is mostly Christian, and many aspects of America are defined by religion. Even the United States Pledge of Allegiance, taught in schools, references Christianity, "One Nation, under God, indivisible". Roughly 70% of adults in America are Christian. Religious based names are also common in America. In 2021, 1 in every 407 American boys were named Christian. ]]> 2022-08-15 13:35:02 UTC https://padlet.com/edwardsawyers/vovx4cxdhno05val/wish/2261225362