American Culture

Some say America has no culture, we are just a melting pot, but I disagree, we have a diverse, but unified culture. What is American culture? In one word: Tolerance. Many people would disagree, but my plan is to convince those that need convincing. In the United States, a woman can vote and has the power to be elected into office, unlike in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, or the Vatican. Women can also be hired into whatever job she chooses; the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission protects her. In fact, women now count for half the jobs in the U. S., double just ten years ago. Many women are even in the Armed Forces, a traditionally male occupancy, fighting for their country with men.

Another dynamic situation is the question of race, something America has fought for in the Civil War and the Civil Rights movements. Interracial marriages and births are becoming more and more the norm. To go to a restaurant and see a black woman and a white man together is not something to stare at. If you see a cute half-Asian, half-white baby, most people would just say how 'cute' the child is, most would not it is 'mixed'. All races can vote and have any job in which they choose in the U. S. Each different "race" brings another unique culture, whether, like in food, enchiladas, sushi, or bratwurst.

In my Religion class, there is a girl who is deaf. Do we shun her? Do we believe she is both deaf and dumb? No. We laugh and joke around about Mr. Wadhams with her, because he can never 'sign' the number ten right. Some countries still believe if you are deaf or blind you must be cursed, so they kill the deaf/blind as infants. We have agency that make sure that people who have disabilities get rights, and benefits that they may need.

I am Mormon. Did you care that I wrote that, or did you wonder why? Many Americans are different religions. I have two best friends: Angel, an Atheist, and Brittany, a Baptist. Do you think they care if I am Mormon? No, they do not. Born in America, we do not think that we will be cursed or go to the 'devil' if we associate or become friends with 'non-members.' Our Founding Fathers gave us freedom of religion and it has been a guiding principal ever since. The social norm accepts this as what you are to do. Even someone who worships a Flying Spaghetti Monster could worship it if he chooses.

Are you a Republican, Democrat, or Independent? You can be in whatever political party you want. In America, you can vote for whoever you want, Kinky Friedman or Rick Perry. The government does not impose a political view, it only awaits the outcome. Also, anyone over 35 years old can be president, whether female, black, blind, or an Independent.

America may not have the paved roads of gold that many immigrants believed in, but we now have opportunities for many, many people. We are not a perfect nation where everyone is happy with everyone else, but the whole is unprejudiced against others who are different. These different cultures make America what it is, luaus in Hawaii, fiestas in Texas, or tea in Pennsylvania.

A/N In response to a few rude reviews about my 'close mindedness', I'd like to say this was an essay for AMERICAN CULTURE ONLY! I know many of you wanted me to put Americans down, but I didn't, get over it! I wanted an A so I wrote all happy for that purpose.