America: Cultural Mosaic

Warm Up Take 2-3 minutes to think about the following, jot down a couple of ideas “What is the American identity? What makes America what it is? How does that relate to the idea of the ‘American Dream’?” After 2-3 minutes, groups will discuss & then share w/ class https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-sgbvEGFaA http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/50620836/#50620836

The American Identity America = “a nation of immigrants” Immigrants: people who move from one country to live in another U.S. = “melting pot” ? Means that people from all over come to U.S. and all cultures mix and blend into one culture US= American mosaic Each unique culture fits together to make a diverse American culture

Europeans First to land in America Seeking religious & political freedom, opportunities to own land, farms, businesses Mostly from England, Ireland, Scotland Other Europeans from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, Italians (1830-1920) Protestants, Catholics, Jews Europeans= largest immigrant group to U.S.

Hispanic Americans Challenges? Originally from Spain, settled into South American colonies (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, etc.) Settled in Southwest US Spanish= largest minority language in U.S. Spreading into American culture (Food, music, entertainment) Challenges? Language, job skills, education

African Americans Did not come voluntarily Suffered discrimination/unfair treatment Banned from voting, segregation of schools, restaurants, & other public places Discrimination=result of racism Racism: belief that one race is superior to another Civil Rights movement=equality for African Americans

Asian Americans First arrived during Gold Rush of 1849 Arrived at Angel Island in San Francisco Set up small businesses, worked railroads Americans resented success & jobs Exclusion Laws: prohibited further immigration from Japan & China repealed 1952

Americans Today Census: population survey taken every 10 years 72.4% 6.2% 2.9% 0.9% 72.4% http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=37

Assignment How to Be an Active Citizen Pamphlet Pamphlet MUST include: Citizen legal duties: requirements Civic Responsibilities: Should do, but not required Volunteering: explanation, benefits, ways Quotation: 1 quote from politician on active citizenship, responsibilities, etc. Artistic Creativity: Should be creative, neat, well organized, include images, be unique!