A Final Word

Wow, I cannot believe our semester is already coming to a close. Tomorrow marks the last week of classes and with that, comes the conclusion of another school year. This has been a very interesting semester spent analyzing America, American culture, and what it means to be an American. I find it fascinating how all of my classmates and I were shaped throughout this process. Getting ideas from events around us, and bouncing ideas off one another, I have learned much about this great country we live in.

We have explored issues regarding mass media, health, beauty, nationalism, food, family, and different artistic expressions and values of America.

It is interesting to see how my personal ideas on America have changed or strengthened. Throughout this semester I have tried to remain as optimistic about America as I can. I love the country that I live in and feel so blessed to have the freedoms and advantages that I do. However, my eyes were opened about the negative sides of America. Caitlin Blestcher's project on the American Dream was saddening. So many people, including young elementary school children, had negative interpretations of what the American Dream was or how it is played out within their own lives. Many of their reactions were hard to read. Her project will be available for viewing with the launch of our website on Friday, April 23, at 6:00 pm (PST).

Also, my blog post on Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution was sad as well. These children (and adults) are exposed to so many unhealthy foods and eating habits, it is no wonder our nation is becoming more and more obese.

Hopefully this experience has been eye opening for you as well. Maybe you learned something. Maybe your beliefs or attitudes have shifted after following our blog posts and projects. Maybe none of this happened. But I know for me at least, it has.

And although we have our negative aspects in this country, I still believe America is an amazing country with many wonderful qualities.

Beauty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U

The link posted above is for a commercial from Dove's Real Beauty campaign. This specific piece is called "Dove Evolution."

Isn't it fascinating how media affects us and our perception of beauty? As I was scrolling through the blog, I saw a post by my classmate, Lia Thompson (http://j22010.blogspot.com/2010/03/obsession-with-beauty.html), and wanted to piggy back off her ideas.

When did the media determine who or what is beautiful? Who gets to make that judgement call? Granted many people look to celebrities and stars to see what is in fashion or what could be deemed as "acceptable" or "appropriate." Many times what celebrities wear or how they act is copied by their fans.

But what if their lifestyle habits, fashion sense, or language is awful?

America seems to be a culture that is highly, highly influenced by the media and the messages it brings us. Maybe it is due to our country's large dependence on mass media outlets. It is heartbreaking to me to see little boys and girls dressed in what my opinion is "inappropriate." It is horrible to hear that to someone, beauty is the size of their waist or their chest. Or even, that beauty is what the opposite sex things of someone.

Is that really what our society has taught people?

Beauty is not dependent on what others think of us, but rather, what we think of ourselves.

I believe the most beautiful people are confident, happy, and have a clear understanding of who they are.

Sure it is nice to get compliments here and there. But I think the key to being beautiful and happy, is just to be oneself. That means, NOT modeling ourselves after the people on TV shows, the radio, movies, or in magazines. We were each made to be us, not someone else.

It's time to live like that.

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

by: Jenny

Last night I spent the evening with my fiancé and my future brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and soon-to-be-niece.

As the four of us (my niece being in bed a this point) unwound from a busy and hectic spring break, we decided to turn on a new show, called Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.

It was horrifying.

Not because it was a bad show, but because of what I saw while watching Oliver's show.

Oliver, a British man determined to make a positive difference in the eating habits of Americans, went to a small town in West Virginia to tackle on the severe overweight issue the town exhibits. Being allowed into the school system, Oliver was given one week to change elementary school children's eating habits from the normally-served processed foods, to his healthy (yet more expensive menu). It was a week long battle, but after many arguments between Oliver and the school's lunch ladies, he was able to serve the kids healthy food and see them improving their eating habits.

So what was so horrifying?

This. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_tymsg256g

And this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGYs4KS_djg

I would highly encourage you to watch the entire show. It was horrifying seeing how uneducated these children were about the harmful foods they were putting into their bodies. Not to mention, their inability to name certain fruits and vegetables.

Is THIS a fair representation of America as a whole? I would hope not. Unfortunately, I could see this being a reality.

I hope, with every bit of me, that people, parents especially, will watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and feel inspired to eat better, be more active, and be well-educated on what foods are good for our bodies and what aren't.

The 12-year-old boy from the family in the first clip was taken to the hospital and found out that he was EXTREMELY likely to develop diabetes, which would ultimately cut his life down by 30-40 years.

30-40 years.

The doctor determined he would probably die in his 30s.

It's sad. It's terrifying. It's time for America and its eating habits to change.

Collect $200 as You Pass Go

They say that everything is bigger in America...including the price tags.

I don't know exactly who "they" are but usually this phrase is meant for the portions of food, the size of the people or the extravagance of our homes, wardrobes, cars, etc.

Many people come to America with their personalized version of the "American Dream" in mind. The stereotypical "Dream" involves a spouse, two children, maybe a dog or cat, a home with a picket fence and a car. However all of this caters around the idea of being successful, and therefore, by being able to maintain a job or career.

It is pricy to live in America. Think about the "Dream" in terms of finances. It will cost money for two people to get married--the wedding, the honeymoon, the car insurance, the health insurance, the food, the clothes, the necessities, etc. Next, consider being able to afford two children--clothes, food, diapers, doctors bills, etc., then add in house payments--including monthly payments plus any upkeep charges that may accrue; the car--car payments, repairs, insurance; the pets--hospital bills/shots, food, upkeep, etc.

It is expensive to live in America.

I am absolutely NOT saying do not follow your version of the American Dream. I can't wait to get married (54 days!) and have my own home and family. All these things are dreams of mine coming true.

But what I am saying is that Americans love money. We love it so much that we even spend more than we have. According to the U.S. National Debt Clock (http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/) America is in debt $12,588,333,731,873.82 as of March 14, 2010 at 3:23:19 GMT.

Whoa.

I get stressed out thinking about how I am going to pay off my school loans! I am glad I am not in a position of figuring out how America is going to come up with over $12 trillion dollars. Eek!

I guess that just means, be conscious next time you want the third cup of coffee or that really nice pair of shoes.

Because you know what they say, money doesn't grow on trees...

Holidays

This past weekend I have spent a lot of time working on a list of American Holidays celebrated around the country. Granted, I do not know the validity of some of the holidays, but someone invented them and they have been landed on a calendar. I am not going to include the entire list of holidays yet (I found them on www.holidayinsights.com), because I am waiting for the launch of our website. HOWEVER, I will include some of my favorite from the list...

January 5: National Bird Day

January 28: National Kazoo Day

February 15: National Gum Drop Day

February 18: National Battery Day

March 1: National Pig Day

March 31: National Clam on the Half Shell Day

April 16: National High Five Day

April 17: National Cheeseball Day

May 5: National Hoagie Day

May 15: National Chocolate Chip Day

June 6: National Yo-Yo Day

June 25: National Catfish Day

July 14: National Nude Day

July 23: National Hot Dog Day

August 7: National Mustard Day

August 22: National Tooth Fairy Day

September 13: National Peanut Day

September 25: National Comic Book Day

October 23: National Mole Day

October 26: National Mincemeat Day

November 13: National Indian Pudding Day

November 15: National Philanthropy Day

December 17: National Maple Syrup Day

December 21: National Flashlight Day

As you can see there is a HUGE range of information. Sifting through the information I found National holidays, as well as Days (such as Lumpy Rug Day), World days (such as World Aids Day) and International celebrations. I intend to sift through these further and see if I can narrow it down to just the national holidays and go from there. Throughout the entire 2010 calendar there were only two dates that did not have something to celebrate.

Whoa. Bust out your party hats. It's time to celebrate.

School

I think that I take a lot of things for granted. Not on purpose, obviously, but just because I get used to having certain things. Sometimes this could be something like having my own car, a roof over my head, a family who loves me and that provides me. Sometimes it is the fact that we have running (and clean) water, indoor plumbing, television, Internet access, and freedom of speech.

One of these things that I am currently taking for granted is school. I know that I am extremely blessed to go to a school like George Fox. I am extremely blessed to come from a family who supports education and supports my quest for further knowledge in a journalism field.

But right now, at 9:55 pm on Sunday night. School. Is. Awful. I have had an extremely busy weekend and just sat down to do my homework--which I thought I didn't have too much of. Turns out that I have two exams, two blog entries, one quiz, five papers, one presentation and 10 chapters of reading to accomplish this week...most of which are due on Tuesday.

I know that I am extremely blessed to be in school and I know that this is one amazing privilege of living in America. We have so many opportunities for school and schooling. I wouldn't trade that for the world. I just do not understand why ALL my professors decided this week would be a good week to pile on the work...

The Angry American

Flashbulb memories. I learned about them in Psychology last year. These are the types of memories that are photographic. The ones that you can picture what you were doing, where you were, who you were around, maybe what you were wearing, what you smelt but most importantly, what you saw.

This was one of those memories.

It was my first week at H.B. Lee Middle school. As a new sixth grader I was ready to face the challenges and adventures that middle school brought with it. Maybe this would mean I would meet new cute boys. I would FINALLY get to wear makeup and I chose classes that interested me, not that I was necessarily forced to take.

Because I was new to school, and although my middle school could be seen from almost every location in my house (aka, I walked to school with my sister and my best friend Rachel everyday during middle school. Even in the rain and snow), I insisted upon arriving to school fifteen or twenty minutes to socialize, put things in my awesome blue locker or settle into my seat and wait for Mr. Cosby’s homeroom class to begin.

This day was supposed to be like any other day. Rachel would meet us at our house and the three of us would walk to school together.

Little did we know this day would change America forever.

For today, was September 11, 2001.

I remember standing in my parent’s room next to TV. My dad was in the process of getting ready for work and my mom was sitting on their bed. I had heard their gasps of surprise shock and their hurried conversations and I knew something was wrong.

I looked at the television screen and saw the first tower of World Trade Center in New York City burning. The news stations kept repeating terrorists and a plane hitting the tower.

I remember standing there watching my parents faces but not fully grasping what was happening. I kept thinking to myself “c’mon Ali and Rachel, we have to go or we’ll be late.” Even then I was an overachiever of sorts.

But then I saw the second plane hit and both towers were smoldering, flames lapping at the air.

My parents made us leave for school.

While there, people were crying. Everyone was distracted. Parents were coming to pick their kids up and my classmates were complaining that they should not have to be in school that day.

We watched the towers collapse in class. We saw the people running with covered faces, people crying and bleeding in the streets, begging for help. We heard that a plane had hit the pentagon and another landed in a field somewhere. We heard that America had been attacked.

I was 11 years old.

Nine years later and this tragedy still affects the country deeply. It has led us to war. It has led us to, thank God, stricter measures taken at airports, and a stronger defense in our branches of military.

But what I love about America is that we stand up to opposition. We fight for the fallen. We fight for our freedom. And we don’t lie down and wait for people to roll over the top of us. We are strong nation. We may not always agree with decisions our government makes or injustices we witness, but we are a strong country. A strong FREE country.

Toby Keith sang a song after the tragedy of September 11 called the Angry American.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruNrdmjcNTc

Some of the most memorable lyrics of this song read,

And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way

So now I ask you...What were YOU doing on 9/11? What are your thoughts on Toby Keith's song?

Do you agree that freedom is not free?

Do we NEED it? or WANT it?

by: Jenny

There are many things I love in life. I love God. I love country music, stepping on pine cones and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I have a fiancé who I love very much, and the best friends and family a girl could ask for.

I love that I am free. I love that in America, we are free. I love the privileges that we have here and the ability to be or become whoever we would like. I love the opportunities of America.

Sadly, I think a lot of people (myself included) can take these freedoms and privileges for granted. Maybe not all the time, but at least occasionally.

One example is our (Americans) use of media.

First, can you imagine this? Ask yourself, "How many times have I checked my cell phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Myspace today? This week? This month?"

Now imagine living life without those forms of media, like in some countries.

As whole, America revolves around media and Americans seemingly, are obsessed with media consumption.

But that isn't the only thing some Americans take for granted.

What about clean water or water at all?

What about food?

What about clothes?

A roof over our heads?

A bike?

A car?

A new wardrobe?

Shoes?

There are so many people in the world that do not have any of these things.

As an RA I had to spend a week backpacking in Sisters, Oregon. With no cell phone. No Internet. No TV. No bathroom. Over the week, I learned to really appreciate these things.

Especially indoor plumbing.

We are so blessed in America to have so much, but this is something so many people seem to take for granted. What if we were a country with barely any clean water? What if we were in a country that we were only able to live off a dollar a day? Could we do this? Could we give up these luxuries? Could we possibly imagine passing up the daily coffee or not buying those jeans that you already have three pairs of?

I challenge you, Americans, to think of this next time you are at the store. Next time you see something that you absolutely "CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT!" Because honestly, you can.

Give to others.

Serve others.

We have the power and the resources to do so.

It just takes one to cause a change that has the power to affect millions worldwide.

Use the freedoms and privileges guaranteed to us through the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.

Stand up for what you believe in.

Stand up for things you deem as unfair or unjust.

Stand up and speak for those without a voice.

America, we have so much--sometimes too much. It is time to give a little back both domestically and internationally.

What does it mean to be an American?

by: Jenny

So many people have different ideas about what it means to be an American. The stereotypical American is someone who loves baseball, apple pies and hot dogs... or something like that.

I have also heard that an American is someone who loves the above-mentioned baseball, hot dogs and apple pies... plus the New York Yankees, peanuts, and Coca-Cola.

Rodney Atkins' new song, "It's America" shares his views on what it means to be in America:

It's a high school prom

It's a Springstein song

It's a ride in a Chevrolet

It's a man on the moon

And fireflies in June

Kids sellin' lemonade

It's cities and farms

And open arms

One nation under god

It's America

I actually have to agree. To me, America is about the memories that I have had growing up. It is my sisters and I setting up that lemonade stand in our driveway and selling about three cups (two of which were to my parents). It is staying outside playing Red Light, Green Light until my mom called us inside because it was time to go to bed. It is spending summers at my lake house and watching the fireworks explode over the water and hearing the "surround sound" of the noise being carried through the neighboring mountains and valleys. America is about running through the grass and lying on our backs counting the millions of stars, and wishing on the shooting ones. It is about being spontaneous. It's about lying in the street; going to carnivals and state fairs. America is learning how to ride a horse or drive a stick-shift for the first time. It's about happiness. It's about bliss. It's about falling in love and making memories.

America to me is home. I know there are things going on in this country that I strongly disagree with. But America is the only thing I know, and maybe that makes me ignorant of problems we face domestically... or maybe not. This is home, and I am proud to live here and be a part of this nation.

Now I turn the question to you... what do you think it means to be an American?

America

by: Jenny

I have always been full of spirit towards things. In high school, I was always the one that dressed way over-the-top during "spirit week". I was the girl that would paint her face and wear green, black and silver from head to toe to cheer on our football team. I played volleyball, basketball and ran track, and my twin sister was a cheerleader; so school spirit was something I could not escape (nor did I want to).

I was so spirited that during my senior class awards, I received the "Most School Spirit" award. No surprise there; Although I must admit I would have liked to have received "Most Athletic" or "Most Likely to Succeed." However, "spirit" it was, and I was content.

That same spirit carried from my days as a high-schooler into my college life. I love to invest in my school and its activities and to support them. I love to wear the GFU colors, logo, and name proudly, and believe that EVERYONE should be proud of where they are.

Granted, not everyone is; which saddens me. Why not be proud of something that has such a big impact on your life? Sure, school may not be for everyone, but you may as well enjoy it while you're there, right?

This mindset of being spirited in everything I do started when I was little. I grew up with the idea that America was the best place to be and that I was extremely fortunate to be here. I love that we are a free country and I love that we are granted so many freedoms. I am extremely proud to be an American. I know that many people get the impression that we are "fat, lazy, and materialistic," which may be the case for some, but I am so proud and blessed to be here.

I realize that there are a lot of bad things in America; for example, we are a country that is pressed for time. Drive-thrus are popular and if we have to wait more than a few minutes we get angry. We run from thing to thing, and often forget to stop and enjoy the scenery. We have a government that is often ridiculed or unsupported (I am NOT going to post government/politically-related posts in this blog if I can help it. I do not know enough about these areas to take on a knowledgeable standpoint and therefore will not comment).

But there are also so many good things in America: We are a strong country. We have so many advantages and blessings that many countries do not have. We are a country that so many are willing to defend. We are a country of diversity and we are a country that strives to be the best and the strongest.

We are America. And I am an American.

Introduction

by: Jenny

Before I dive into my thoughts on America, American life, the American dream, etc., I wanted to give a brief introduction as to who I am and why America is so important to me.

My name is Jenny. I am a 20 year old college student, studying to become a journalist. Hence my enrollment in the journalism class that these assignments are for. I do want to note that this blog belongs to me and therefore I plan on reflecting my thoughts, my feelings and my raw emotions. I do not want to make this blog fit standards or take on an indifferent position towards things. This is my blog and my thoughts.

That being said, it is time I begin my posts.

I pray my posts will document my journey as I explore more and more in depth what it means to be an American. Hopefully by the end of the semester I will have grown and my posts will reflect that growth I experience.

Well, here I go. Wish me luck on this task, as there is a lot in America that I could blog about.

Happy reading! :)