Hard Work and America

De Crevecoeur’s ideas on American citizens strong work ethic is still evident in modern day society. In ‘Letter IV’ in Crevecoeur’s letter of a farmer he states “How Happy are we here, in having fortunately escaped the miseries which attended our fathers! How thankful ought we to be, that they reared us in land, where sobriety and industry never fail to meet with the most ample reward” here Crevecoeur conveys the message of success in America and anyone can achieve it if they work hard and don’t indulge themselves. The wording of “never fail” offers with a guarantee that we won’t fail due to an individual’s hard work.

Crevecoeur also positively comments on America as a place to live and work with great pride. “Is he a labourer, sober and industrious? he need not go many miles, nor receive many informations before he will be hired, well fed at the table of his employer, and paid four or five times more than he can get in Europe” here once again he mentions the ideas of sobriety and working hard to attain a job. Crevecoeur also says how much easier it would be to get a job in American and that you will have access to land, and it you will make more money than you would get if you worked in another European country. This statement of earning more in America can be seen in today’s society “Americans are a lot better off economically than the Europeans or Japanese,” economist Robert J. Shapiro observes in his book Futurecast. http://www.america.gov/st/business-english/2008/July/20080703151840berehellek0.7706415.html The same ideas of achieving more for your hard is shown in the statement that “Americans are a lot better off economically” thus agree with Crevecoeur’s ideas.

Crevecoeur points out the prosperity of American soil “I know of no soil in this country more rich or more fertile” this could represent not only the actual soil in which crops are grown, but the ideas that new enterprises can develop and America is the land of opportunity to grow and better yourself. “Thus through this fruitful hive constantly sends out swarms as industrious as themselves” here re-enforcing the idea of the land being important to creating jobs, which thus through working hard creates “industrious” citizens. Many of these ideas of hard work are shown in modern day America; “Americans feel enormous pressure to work so they won’t be seen as slackers,” de Graaf told America.gov. These ideas of hard work and achieving something for your self has been passed down through generations of Americans instilling a sense of strong work ethic amongst many, so by a failure to exert themselves fully is to name them “slackers”.

Despite many positive views on hard work, and Crevecoeur creating a positive light on hard work, he does however mention, “there are not at Nantucket so many wealthy people as one would imagine, after having considered their great successes, their industry, and their knowledge. Many die poor through hardly able to reproach fortune with a frown” here showing that not everyone will succeed, despite the great resources. This idea is also shown in many statistics as the current level of unemployment in America stands at “9.1 percent” http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm This showing that although America may be perceived to have more opportunities and prospects many fail to attain jobs

De Crevecoeur and The American Dream

"Every industrious European who transports himself here may be compared to a sprout growing at the foot of a great tree; it enjoys and draws but a little portion of sap; wrench it from the parent roots, transplant it, and it will become a tree bearing fruit also."

De Crevecevoeur here conveys to his reader the importance of those seeking the American dream and their contribution to society. Their workload may be of little significance but the fact that America is a country founded on immigration means that all who come at the stage the letters are being written means that they can now class themselves as Americans as they are "bearing fruit" away from the "parent roots." At this stage in America people were only just discovering the benefits of moving away from Europe which at this stage was over crowded and ridden with disease and famine. America was a place where those seeking refuge could start afresh and benefit from the large open spaces that lay before them. Today there is still a belief that an individual can travel to this far away land and find a better state of living although now figures show that it is in fact this premise that has allowed America to be come so overcrowded.

"The easiest way of becoming acquainted with the modes of thinking, the rules of conduct, and the prevailing manners of any people, is to examine what sort of education they give their children; how they treat them at home, and what they are taught in their places of public worship."

The ideals of these "Americans" were on the most part diverse though they were all united within the fact that they mostly promoted sobriety, hard work and honesty believing that starting a new life meant a better one than that offered by Europe for their children. Thus those combined ethics of the population meant America was to become one of the most appealing new beginnings for those coming over with the premise of both wealth and prosperity. Nowadays this still seems to be the norm due to the above beliefs being drilled into the minds of American society from an early age. Yet this is not the case as we are currently in a world recession and both jobs and money seem to be a lot more scarce but still statistics show that immigration in America remains higher than that of many countries.

"I do not mean that every one who comes will grow rich in a little time; no, but he may procure an easy, decent maintenance, by his industry. Instead of starving he will be fed, instead of being idle he will have employment; and these are riches enough for such men as come over here."

Crevecoeur in his depiction of America meant that this "American" will have food on his plate and be content with living, he will work but whether he is a rich man will depend entirely upon circumstance, but he goes on to say that living in America beats any kind of wealth. Though to a modern American the idea of wealth or being wealthy is exactly how they saw the American dream due to the fact that it was once like I previously stated a very prosperous country in various fields of industry. Although it's ideals seem to have changed somewhat when we look over who decided to go where in the beginning as the Spanish ideology seemed to be that of seeking riches and the English and French were more inclined to settle and De Crevecoeur was living in the British settlements therefore what he was seeking was different from say that of Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo.

The problem is as time has gone on people still adopt the belief that America is the land of hope and dreams, De Crevecoeur knew as he had witnessed it and been part of the foundations of hard work that made America the nation it is to this day. Though it seems due to these beliefs we have now been left with a country which is overpopulated in it's smallest most industrial areas which leaves little chance for those with a mindset like De Crevecoeur to prosper in the slightest as America due to these beliefs has in fact become the opposite of what De Crevecoeur believes it to be.

De Crevecoeur's Ideas Existing in Contemporary America

Crevecoeur is most famous for having referred to America as one big giant melting pot with regards to it's ethnic, cultural and religious origins. He said, 'Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labours and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world.' The idea that America will not only accept you regardless of your home culture or religion, is still very existent today; as is the view that your prospects will be broader in America than anywhere else in the world.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11832373

This BBC article reveals that a considerably larger amount of students are now debating the benefits of receiving their education from American Universities. A poll at a recent undergraduate study fair showed a dramatic 50% increase in interest from British students wishing to study in the US. This has been spurred on by the recent rise in British University fees; though American Universities still maintain higher fees than our own, which actually counteracts the whole logic of seeking an education abroad for monetary reasons.

The real reasons behind this decision process could be viewed as being evident when the article states: 'For many students there is the thought that I will get a better job if I have a degree from America,'. This opinion ties in with Crevecoeur's idea of America being exceptional and containing more hope for the future than other places - the idea that it produces the most enhancements to benefit mankind and is therefore more attractive. This is further evidenced in the article when they point out, 'The American university system, where you don't have to "major" in a particular subject in the first year of study, offers students more of a chance to develop as it gives them a chance to try out a range of subjects before choosing what to specialise in.'

This remarked difference in the British and American higher education systems has always been a source of contention, but it appears that some British Universities are now re-evaluating their stance and seeing the true benefits of their students receiving a well-rounded liberal education. Winchester University itself, and more recently University College London, have introduced new Modern Liberal Art degree courses in accordance with this; further supporting Crevecoeur's idea of America doing it first, and doing it better - a role model for other nations.

Crevecoeur also states, 'A traveller in Europe becomes a stranger as soon as he quits his own kingdom; but it is otherwise here. We know, properly speaking, no strangers; this is every person's country.' This idea of acceptance is echoed not only in the initial eagerness of students to travel to America, but also when the students who have already gone there to study talk of settling in and feeling at home, regardless of the cultural differences. One student interviewed is obviously very proud of his working class background in Lincolnshire, and is photographed in his England shirt - the mere fact that he feels comfortable doing this in such a patriotic and sport fanatic nation, proves Crevecoeur's point entirely.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, yet be entirely accepted, whilst also ensuring a prosperous future: get your education, or begin anew, in America.

The New American

It was suggested by De Crevecoeur’s ‘Letters of an American
farmer’ that American’s were hard workers and this is supported by the point
that; “they have no wages; each draws a certain established share in
partnership with the proprietor of the vessel; by which economy they are all
proportionably concerned in the success of the enterprise, and all equally
alert and vigilant”[1] therefore,
this demonstrates the point they are hardworking because the citizens are happy
to work hard because they know they have to in order to have a better quality
of life.
Furthermore, this view of American’s is still recognisably
seen across the globe, which is one of the reasons many immigrants are moving
there and American’s still look at themselves as hardworking citizens; “Despite the stress, despite the lack
of time for family, friends and other interests, millions of American
professionals are working harder and putting in longer hours than ever.”[2]
Another aspect that
De Crevecoeur suggests is that in the eighteenth century they were working hard
for survival as well as the prospects of a better life; “the fathers of
numerous families can afford: as the wife’s fortune consists principally in her
future economy, modesty, and skilful management, so the husband’s is founded on
his abilities to labour, on his health, and the knowledge of some trade or
business.”1 Therefore, this demonstrates that
they were working hard to help provide for their families, which is still the
case today for many families; “One powerful force behind the changes is
technology, which has blurred the line between time at work and time away — in
many cases creating the expectation that employees should be working all the
time: On their cell phones commuting to work, on their laptops and home
computers in the evenings and on weekends.”2 More over
this merely indicates that people are not just working during the week, but
even after they have finished their shifts they are still expected to work or
at least be on call during their own time as well. Thus allowing them to try
and provide for their families as they are putting in extra hours to enable
them to earn enough money to buy not only food but other necessities as well.
However, it wasn’t
just hard work that De Crevecoeur stated about American’s as he also mentions
them to be very religious people; “A clergyman settled a few years ago at George-town,
and feeling as I do now, warmly recommended to the planters, from the pulpit, a
relaxation of severity; he introduced the benignity of Christianity, and
pathetically made use of the admirable precepts of that system to melt the
hearts of his congregation into a greater degree of compassion toward their
slaves than had been hitherto customary.”1 Religion
is still a very important aspect of the American’s life as it allows various
people to come together as a group: “The USA is a very religious
society. Evidence abounds demonstrating Americans' deep and abiding religious
convictions.”[3]
From this I can see that even in today’s society the same values
and principles that American’s had in the eighteenth century are still applied
and are still core values in the way the American lives in the twenty first
century.
[1]
Crevecoeur, Letters from an American Farmer, Oxford World’s Classics, 2009
[2]http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=93398&page=1
[3]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/wtwtgod/3518221.stm

First Encounters of the Hochunk Nation and the French

http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/amerbegin/contact/text6/hochunk.pdf

This link offers a report of the first encounter the Winnebago had with Europeans when the French came ashore on their lake - this historical account has been passed down through the generations, so is only a secondary source.

In the first instance of their meeting it shows the communication issues they would have faced when they "came ashore and extended their hands to the Winnebago, and the Indians put tobacco in their hands. The French, of course, wanted to shake hands with the Indians." The language barrier is of no surprise, as is the cultural custom confusion, but it was handled genially and the French seemed to then go on to try to teach the Native Americans the use of tools, seeing that they have very few of their own.

This does not go to plan either, when the Indians are afraid to use the axe as "they thought that the axe was holy.". The French then go on to try and teach the Native Americans the use of the gun, but yet again the indians thought the weapons were unholy, having never seen anything like it before. This highlights a huge barrier between reactions Europeans and Native Americans had towards new objects - while both cultures are religious, and curious, it seems the Native Americans temper their natural curiosity with superstition. That being said, the account then goes on to describe quite comically how a "Frenchman saw an old man smoking and poured water on him.". They then seem to enjoy sharing their knowledge in this regard too - showing that both cultures had something to learn from the other, despite appearances.

This account goes on to describe how they managed to find a means of communication through signs, and traded between them their knowledge and products. This becomes a seemingly amiable relationship, even to the point that "the leader of the whites took a liking to a Winnebago girl, the daughter of the chief, and he asked her parents for permission to marry her." This shows a good level of respect the Europeans had towards these Native Americans, and when he is given permission this can be regarded as mutual.

It is then stated in their legends that the chief of the tribe always has French blood, and will find great success in both worlds. So, although they seem to enjoy a good, accepting relationship with the French, they still regard them as living in an entirely different world to their own and do not seem to have any desire to mix the worlds in the way the Europeans do, regardless of trading habits and learning from one another.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/nam/walam/wa09.htm

This website is the description of the Native Americans first encountering Europeans coming across the water, and although it offers few words and crude drawings, i found the end sentence revealing of the Indians natural reaction to Europeans, when they said "They are peaceful; they have great things; who are they?".

This speaks of a curiosity and awe for the new arrivals and the things they bring with them, and shows that the Native Americans were educated enough in their own thoughts, despite what Europeans thought, to be curious about the rest of the world on their own. It also shows that the Native Americans thought the Europeans were peaceful and may not have expected the fights that were to come.

French Settlers view of Louisiana

http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Faj&CISOPTR=265&REC=0&CISOBOX=native+americans

The source that I chose has come from the ‘American journey collection’ the document gives us an account from a French settler ‘Etienne Veniard de Bourgmont’ in 1713. He gives an ‘exact description of French Louisiana’ and its native populations on the Gulf of Mexico. He gives a detailed account of the landscape “all sand and is not wooded except for the space of league” this gives us an insight in to the terrain and to complications that may arise if the landscape is mainly sand.

From what i have read in the source of Bourgmont account’s he mentions that "tobacco can be grown there" which is a positive for settlers as tobacco could be sold for a profit, this being a great resource for them, along with other crops which grow well, meaning that the settlers can provide for themselves as well as producing an income. The harbours also offer a great port to sell any surplus and to buy goods easily.

The ways in which the natives are mentioned in the passage are not negatively, in fact he takes advice and learns from them, passing on their wisdom and knowledge of the land “There is also a tree which bark has the property of curing swellings of the gums, which the Indians use with success...” this showing that the settlers can learn from the natives, the positive relationship between the French settlers and the natives is reinforced when he says; “30 Chaqueta villages of the same tribe as the latter, allies and friends of the French, very good people, [and] ... a tribe called Chiquacha with whom we trade” thus showing that both settlers and natives can live in harmony together. The Natchez tribe are praised for their hard work, “allies and friends of the French, very good and industrious people.” The friendship between them is legitimised with the “commercial treaty between France and these tribes.” This however changes in 1716 when the first war of Natchez and the French settlers accrued this resulting in a lot of bloodshed, and ongoing wars between them, which was eventually resolved.

From looking at the source despite the conflict that arises, Bourgmont’s stay and views on the native people of America of positive, and encouraging to other Europeans to move and settle in the newly established America.

http://www.understandingprejudice.org/nativeiq/columbus.htm

The most famous name that comes to mind when thinking of the discovery of America would be Christopher Columbus he is widely regarded as the first to discover 'the Americas' he even has a national holiday named after him. But if you were to actually look into the man perhaps you would feel a little skeptical as to his current world status. My chosen link divulges his thoughts on the Native American people and their uses.

"They should be good servants .... I, our Lord being pleased, will take hence, at the time of my departure, six natives for your Highnesses."

He starts after his first encounter by stating that they would be better off as servants and despite later praising their generous nature he again reverts back to giving their leaders gold in order to ship them back to Spain as slaves.

"their Highnesses may see that I shall give them as much gold as they need .... and slaves as many as they shall order to be shipped."

The fact Columbus is generally represented in a positive light is rather unsettling considering his immediate want to enslave a peaceful nation which he did with brute force, sources state that Columbus ruled over these people with an iron fist using torture to control the population. After the discovery Pope Alexander VI granted official ownership of this New World to the Spaniards which therefore meant any land apparently discovered by the Spaniards despite it's native population was property the of Spain.

"We of our own motion, and not at your solicitation, do give, concede, and assign for ever to you and your successors, all the islands, and main lands, discovered; and which may hereafter, be discovered,"

What all these quotations convey is the Spanish want of power, wealth and ultimately an empire which they were willing to achieve by any means necessary. The result of this was an expansion into Mexico and states like Texas and California. The point being that the natives suffered in the wake of the Spanish expansion being tortured, killed or sold into slavery. The reason for this being that they were seen as culturally and technologically weaker and they were of a different faith hence the Pope Alexander's statement above and that of Columbus who I mentioned earlier.

Perhaps the discovery of this new and vast continent and the fact that the Spaniards and most Europeans genuinely believed that they were superior to the Natives alleviated the situations negative aspects and allowed them to plow on leaving a path of what we in this contemporary age saw as destruction but what they saw as a time of opportunity and discovery.

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/jamestown-browsemod?id=J1014

This is an account written by either Captain M. Philip Amadas or Captain M. Arthur Barlowe, who discovered Virginia. This was then sent to Sir Walter Raleigh Knight.

“At which islands we found the air very unwholesome and our men grew for the most part ill disposed.”

People thought that America was already a great land due to what they being told at home but in reality there was still a lot of work to do. Also this shows how different the two countries were in what illnesses they were immune to, because as soon as they entered American air they became ill, showing that it wasn’t going to be easy to adapt to a new lifestyle.

“And after he had spoke of many things no understood by us, we brought him with his own good liking, aboard the ships and gave him a shirt, a hat and some other things, and made him taste our wine and our meat, which he liked very well.”

I think this shows are even though were outsiders they were still trying to influence the Natives by offering them things and showing them their way of life, which could look like an attempt to try to get them to start living like them as I’m guessing the English wouldn’t of wanted to change their lifestyles that much as when you are used to doing certain things it is hard to change them.

 “In their behaviour as mannerly and civil as any of Europe”

I think this again shows that they thought they could shape the Natives into doing what they wanted them to do, either this or they thought they would be able to adapt easier as they would be able to relate the them and get on with them.

I used the modern translation, here is a link for the original;

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/jamestown-browse?id=J1014

Native Americans in contact with English Settlers (1607)

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/lesson37.htm
This websites displays different sources, that were written as diary entries and they show how Native American's felt after meeting and talking to the settlers. Many of the sources also explain how the settlers lived and any problems they may have come across.

Source three is about the settlers losing some of their property and how the Native American's dealt with the situation; “Captaine Newport gaue thanckes to the Kinges and rewarded the theeves with the same toyes they had stollen, but kept the bulletes: yet he made knowne vnto them the Custome of England to be Death for such offences.”- http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/lessons/2578-popup.htm

Furthermore, this demonstrates that there was a civilisation amongst the people living in America at this time as they helped rectify the problem by finding the missing items, it is also clear the settlers and Native American's were able to communicate in an polite manner because according to source two; "Comrades againe, who had gyven notice all along as they came of us: by which we were entertayned with much Courtesye in every place."-http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/lessons/2580-popup.htm

Therefore, demonstrating that the the settlers and Native American's were able to get along and have a mutual understanding because they were willing to help each other out with anything they needed at that time. However, at times it would also appear that the settlers believed they could do anything they pleased: "they would shew vs any thing we Demaunded, and laboured very much by signes to make vs understand their Languadg."-http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/lessons/2576-popup.htm and this can be seen in source four, where as shown above, they can make demands and the American's will listen and obey the instructions because they could either be intimidated by them or there could be a miss-communication between languages and so they are unsure what is being said and don't realise how to respond so they do what is asked of them.

In conclusion it is clear from the sources represented on the National Archive website that in 1607 the Native American's and early european settlers were able to work well together, although there were times when this may have been slightly different, but overall it would appear that the native American's were happy to do anything the settlers asked or demanded them to do.

Cuba and America

The relationship between Cuba and the USA has long been a turbulent roller coaster of economic sanctions, thus it comes as no surprise that Cuba is very critical on America and its policies. The website http://www.cfr.org/cuba/us-cuba-relations/p11113#p5 offers a view on American relationships with Cuba and also the policies set against them. I picked this source not only for its broad view on America and Cuban relations, but because the article comes from a reputable site “Council on Foreign Relations.”

Cuban and American conflict came to head when Fidel Castro assumed power in 1959, from here on the tension between the two countries has become palpable. The US placed economic sanctions upon Cuba and maintained minimal communication with the Cuban government. The placing of an economic embargo by George W Bush, stopped all trade with Cuba further creating a distinct divide between them. Travel restrictions were enforced in which Americans with immediate family only allowed to visit once every three years for a maximum of two weeks. This created a sense of dispute not only with just Cubans but American Cubans living in USA.

These policies have since been up for debate due to the election of Barack Obama. This article links us to http://www.cfr.org/world/candidates-cuba-policy/p14758#11603 in which Obama’s intentions to removal all travel restrictions are clear. The article shows Obama in a favourable light as he says "There are no better ambassadors for freedom than Cuban Americans," and that the United States should "begin taking steps to normalize relations and to ease the embargo of the last five decades." Despite the great changes that Obama puts forward many Cuban Politicians and citizens of Cuba are very sceptical about the beginning of a more positive relationship, this shown in the original webpage article. Many people have looked to criticize Obama, in a recent speech, Raul Castro was at the forefront in ridiculing the United States, in which he said "giving new breath to open and undercover subversion against Cuba." So with not only the political powers in Cuba being less then favourable with Obama; but the very citizens of Cuba are less hopeful about a change, it is hard to see a time in the foreseeable future that Cuba will see America positively.

http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/breuropera/622.php?lb=breu&pnt=622&nid=&id

I thought this was a good article to choose as there are a lot of points that prove how little faith other countries have in America. This article concentrates on Russia’s views on American policies. The fact that it concentrates on Obama which the majority of people around the world had thought he would sort out a lot of problems, we know this as he was awarded the Noble Peace Prize shortly after being made President. So the fact that only 23% of Russians believed he would do the right thing in international affairs is alarming considering he filled the world with such hope and now people are starting to question whether or not he can live up to the hype.   

Also 15% of Russians said that America was playing a positive role in the world and only 12% of them say that America treats Russia fairly. These statistics show how much of an impact America has on the world and how they can sometimes come across as a scary nation if 75% of the largest country in the world feels as though they are being bullied by them.

Although saying this there were some positives as I don’t believe that everybody views the Americans as bad people or think that they don’t contribute towards helping. 47% of Russians say that Americans are co-operative which must mean that they are approachable, although it gives an insight into what other people think if less than half of Russians think this.  

What the World think of America-Mexico

http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1351/mexico-public-opinion-crime-economy-drugs-corruption

This is a website that expresses the point that Mexican's have a positive attitude towards America and the citizens that live there. Many Mexican's believe that "life is better in the United States. Close to six-in-ten (57%) say that people who move from Mexico enjoy a better life in the U.S."-(Pew Global Attitudes Project). Mexican's also see a bright future in America because they have very high statistics for various topics such as crime, poverty, drugs and also political corruptions therefore, the hope of immigrating to America gives great prospects towards the people of Mexico. Furthermore, it would appear Mexican's have positive views towards America because the U.S. have a very strong support system for fighting the drug-war and also "Almost eight-in-ten want the U.S. to train Mexican police and military personnel, and 63% want the U.S. to send money and weapons to the Mexican police and military"-(Pew Global Attitudes Project). Therefore, suggesting there is a better quality of life in America that Mexico want and aspire to have. However, even though they aspire to have this way of life there are a minority of Mexican's that have slightly different opinions and this is expressed throught the fact that some people believe that America are having an economic crisis that is starting to make its way across the boarder and Mexico already have economical problems.

http://www.polishforums.com/archives/2009/society-culture-38/poles-view-polish-americans-37126/

After looking through the Wall Street Journal statistics and article last week I was interested as to what a Polish opinion would be of America. In a political and cultural sense Poland seems one of the most tolerant towards The United States due to the fact that as a nation they lived under the iron fist of communism for so many years and America to them represented freedom in an almost pure form. The lives they lived as a society were very deprived compared to what the media at the time conveyed as living 'the American dream' with a promise of Coca Cola and McDonald's on every street corner which seems a lot more tempting than the restricted market's provided by the Soviets.

The link above is a blog which i have found in which a man whose Polish parents moved to America in the 1950's wishes to get in touch with his roots and go back to his native Poland in order to look at his family history in a lot more depth. But due to the fact he is American and contemporary views upon America tend to sway a little more towards the negative side in many European countries he asks for the opinion of the Polish bloggers as to how he will be treated when he sets foot on Polish soil.

The bloggers views tend to be rather polite yet like any blog there will be some form of negative aspect. For instance it is stated that when there people will automatically assume you are rich quoting the 'rich but rough around the edges' post immediately attracting the attention of muggers and 'gold-digging' females who apparently strive for a life live across the Atlantic. The other problem seems to be the language divide as stated in the blog learning Polish is a very difficult process yet those who do learn still seem to fall victim to the ridicule of the fluent locals.

Yet the last post seems to give the best answer and opinion of Americans in general, the fact is that many people across the globe will stereotype America and it's people for being ignorant towards other cultures due to the vastness of their own nation as we talked about in our group last week. Yet, if like the young man who started the debate, they wish to go there to immerse themselves in the country's culture and history and educate themselves then they will be accepted by that country's people as they come bearing a great interest and not arrogance as some would expect from certain Americans.

An Indian view on America and it's policies

http://desicritics.org/2007/02/23/123556.php


The above website offers primarily South Asian views on the world, and the specific article i chose offers an Indian perspective on America and its policies. Ramachandra Guna is a native to India, and is now an academic and historian for his people; and as such offers an intelligent and insightful view as to how he was raised to view America and what Indians in general think of it in the present day.

His main view of America is that of a contradicting society, "deeply democratic and instinctively imperialistic", and an arrogance based on its high value for money and growing consumer capitalism. Growing up he acknowledges that the majority of Indians saw America as a bully and manipulator of power, especially in regards to international organisations and the benefit they could pose to the American economy. His also refers to them as "land invaders", and highlights the distaste Indians have for the Americans with regards to their violation of global treaties, and disregard for strictures placed by the International Court of Justice.

Guna's view is in some ways typically understandable; he was raised in a Communist society wherein social welfare was a high priority and obligations to other nations, without monetary gains, were thought especially highly of. America, a powerfully independent nation that appears to often act on its own behalf and else wise stay isolated, would instinctively be thought less of from their perspective.

The USA is also well known for being an anti-communist country, and it is to be expected that those who come from a socialist background would find America's tactics selfish and distasteful - which also explains their dissatisfaction with American consumerism and the effect it is having on the wider world.

Guna has been to America to study, unlike the majority of Indian natives, and as such was able to offer a slightly more positive perspective to consider. He recognised that Americans were particularly proud and hardworking, even in comparison to his own culture, and found their independence and absence of caste/class distinctions refreshing. He also points out that Indians often overlook the positive sides to America, such as the above, and indeed the high level of equality, social mobility and the scrutiny to which they subject their own internal affairs.

I would suggest that given the high level of accuracy behind his explanations, Guna's account of Indian feelings towards Americans and their policies is completely understandable; especially when the country's history and current events are taken into account. When he points out that India may be more democratic than other South Asian countries, but has also been accused of bullying tactics and power playing, he also focuses on a shallow enchantment India is developing with America, and in some ways could be seen to blame America for the change of direction his own country is now making.

This is a map that shows the different films that were made in that particular state or they are relevant to the state they have replaced. This image caught my attention straight away because of the use of bright colours and that America are known and loved for their movies and it almost represents the fact that Americans don't ever have to leave their country because they have everything they need right there such as different climates that can be used in a variety of ways. Furthermore, this can be percieved in a way that shows Americans are quite ignorant if they produce movies in their own state rather than traveling abroad to create a set because it demonstrates that they think they are better than other people and therefore, they have no reason to leave.

America

This is an image of American soldiers and I think it has negative connotations to it because it is a constant reminder of the different wars America have been involved in. Although, it is their job to fight and protect their country it still gives a negative image of America because it can be perceived in a way that makes other countries believe America can only solve their problems by going to war or that America perhaps enjoy going to war, which is maybe why George. Bush sent troops out to different war zones, including Afghanistan.

America

This image to me represents America in a positive light because the Statue of Liberty is a sacred monument given to America from France. The Statue of Liberty signifies a powerful message to the rest of the world about freedom and democracy. Furthermore, I think this image is very positive of America because the fact that they have their flag flying next it demonstrates the people of America are proud to be citizens of that country and they are proud of the message the statue represents.

I decided to use this map as baseball is often the sport assoicated with America. I think it shows America in a positive light as it backs up the idea that the country as a whole is very much a community as most states have one team implying that they would all group together to support them, but it also shows that they can be competitive as there are so many different teams so although they may be united within there states this may not always be the case for the country as a whole,

This particular map for me puts a really positive perspective upon the US it alleviates any negative feeling anyone may have about any particular state by summing it up in a mere few words (backed up statistically). Although if you really look at the map the mundanity of some of these apparently positive traits really makes you think about why that particular statistic was chosen by the creator. For instance, a state the size of Oklohoma surely has achieved better things than best license plate. Obviously there would be the opposing map "The United States of Shame" which really sways one into the anti-American category, yet it is still nice to see the fact that if we were to look at America in a different light it seems to give off a very positive aura.

California as the World

I chose this map of California depicted as the entire world because of the sheer number of possibilities it represents. In actuality, it was a map drawn up by Paramount Studios in 1927, to demonstrate several locations investors could shoot their movies, without actually having to leave the country. On the one hand, it shows the cultural diversity of America and highlights the fact that as a country with 40x more landmass than the UK, it contains nearly every natural and manmade attraction you could wish to see. But on the other, it brings to light the negative aspect to relying on one country for all of your assorted cultural experiences. This is backed up by the statistics revealing only 35% of Americans own a passport, to the UK’s 70%. It could also be used to demonstrate the close knit communities and distinct personalities that develop within particular states, such as California, and the reliance its population has on all of the resources – including recreational and educational.

This map shows the different states of America replaced with the flag of a country with a similar size in population. The map visually shows how large the USA actually is in a fun and bright manner. The fact that the combined population size of multiple countries (shown as states on this map) is still less than the overall population of the USA also illustrates the power of the United States of America as a whole, in terms of population. However, the countries that have been chosen are less economically developed than the corresponding America states. Therefore the population of a single state is equal to that of an entire country because of the lower levels of industry, and thus employment which leads to a lower population.

Generation Kill for me is one of the most entertaining shows to come out of HBO I have watched it more times than I care to remember it's fiendishly hilarious and never strays away from the truth, meaning the show delves into one of the more sensitive sides of America, the Iraq war. When Bush first invaded Iraq with an army of fresh faced teens straight out of college he didn't realise he was sending the first playstation generation into a conflict, the problem then being that these young men and women wern't capable of realising that this was not a real life "Call of Duty" and when the camera's rolled on in the wake of their destruction conveying their nonchalance towards violence we as an audience on the most part felt ourselves falling into the anti-USA category. So when we look at this image of a soldier wearing his Elvis style shades we almost see it as quite playful yet from this picture we would not be able to fathom the atrocities this young corporal could have commited.

l

The Superbowl for me emphasises the massive sense of community in America, despite the fact it is a sporting event everyone seems to join in bars are packed, the stadium is full and the front room is full of families waiting in anticipation to see this yearly phenomenon. The event itslef involves all kinds of music, special guest spots and a half-time show which is always blown way out of proportion. It may work on excess but the Superbowl seems to be that one time of year where a significant percentage of one of the world's largest populations stops for a few hours and takes their frustration out on the television rather than world affairs.

Here shows Martin Luther King delivering the famous "I have a dream speech" He was at the forefront of the American civil rights campaign in the 1960's. He inspired people to become involved in the civil rights movement, and significantly changed Americas views on racial differences. We have Martin Luther King to thank for the multiracial and ethnically diverse America of today where there is no extreme forms of prejudiced towards them.

Here the image shows America at a very low point, the collapse of the world trade center on September 11, 2001. The photo shows America during a crisis where 2752 people lost there life's during a terrorist attack when two planes hit the towers, thus causing them to collapse. The events that occurred on this day serve as catalyst for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the attacks against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

America

This is a negative picture of America as it shows the growing obesity problem, the fact that they are both children makes this image quite sad as it they may have health problems later in life due to there weight which is now a growing problem. They are eating large meals which reinforces just how bad a problem it is becoming as usually children would get a smaller meal. As they are eating McDonald's this shows that America is part of a consumer society.

To me this promotes a positive image of America as it shows how proud people are to be American. As everyone in the picture is smiling and holding an American flag shows that they are glad to be a part of that culture. The fact that the woman in the foreground is hiding half of her face by the flag shows to me that she feels as though she has something to hide behind, that she feels safe in America and it will protect her.