1. Civics Lecture #2 America: A Cultural Mosaic

2. What is the American Identity American Identity 1.We are a nation of immigrants. people moving from one country to make their home in another. Immigrants bring different customs and traditions to America thus creating a culturally diverse society.

3. The “Melting Pot” Theory The Melting Pot theory states that people from all over the world came to America and melted (blended) together, gave up their cultural heritage, and built the American Society. (Problem) Immigrants did not give up cultural heritage, they held on to culture and blended it with American culture

4. The American Mosaic Theory Belief that American society was created by fitting the various ethnic groups together to form a whole society. Question: If this be the case, then why did the different ethnic groups come here?

5. European – Americans 1 st Wave Why? 1.Religious Freedom 2.Political & Economic Freedom 3.1600 – 1700’s – England, Scotland, & Ireland 4.Brought English traditions, law and government

6. European – Americans 2 nd Wave 1830 – 1920 Central and Eastern Europe ( Germans, slavs, & Russians). Catholic, Protestants, & Jews Political & Economic Freedom

7. Diversity Spoke different languages. Different histories. Different holidays. Different Religious beliefs. Different levels of education. Different foods, music, art, culture in general.

8. Hispanic - Americans Common language & culture Can be from different ethnic groups Long history in N. America Most common minority language spoken in U.S. Food, music, and architecture influences Challenges – Education and economic opportunities

9. African - Americans Forced to come to America – Slavery Has faced Racism & discrimination, in the past! Improvements – 72 % have H.S. diplomas Increase in College degrees and advanced degrees. Increased ownership of businesses Still has room for improvement

10. Asian - Americans Large numbers started to arrive in 1849. Successful business men Discriminated against – exclusion laws 1882 & 1907 – stopped immigration from China and Japan. 1972 – more Asian immigrants come over due to war and oppression 10 million + in U.S. today.

11. Native - Americans Most mistreated and discriminated against group in U.S. Had lands forcefully taken, forced to give up language and culture Most improvised group in America, but things are changing. Government is respecting reservations, allowing more economic opportunities, standards of living are improving