American Culture What is it like to be an American?

What do you know about America? 1.Americans eat….. 2.Americans like…….

Who are Americans? Native Americans Immigrants from every nation of the world –Irish-Americans, Native-Americans, African Americans, Chinese-Americans (or Asian- Americans), Italian-Americans The great ‘melting pot’

Language English Spanish Chinese French German Vietnamese Italian Korean Russian Utica, New York –55 Different Languages

Immigration 1.5 generation –Values –Culture –‘ways’ –language Influence –Food –Dress –Music –Ideas –Family –Communities

Generalizations Most Americans –Believe in God –Believe religious freedom is important –Are patriotic –Believe in the individual rights –Believe all people deserve rights Bill of rights –Believe in independence –Believe the government is there to serve them

Food Wheat is our primary grain –Bread –Cereal –White (Bleached) Varieties from all over the world –Hot dogs –Hamburgers –French Fries –Turkey –Chicken –Beef –Burritos –Tacos –Pizza –Salad –Sandwiches

Daily Menu of American Teenager: Breakfast –Nothing –High sugar cereal Lunch –Pizza –Chips (thousands of choices) –Soda (over 30 varieties) Dinner –Chicken –Potatoes –Canned vegetables –Soda Late Night –Bag of chips –Candy Bar Fast Food –About 3-5 meals a week –Hundreds of Varieties –Drive Thru Snacks –Candy –Chips –Drinks –Sweet Snacks Sweet cakes Donuts Obesity is a problem! Salt and sugar intake!!

Daily Life in an American Teenager Wake up at 7:00 –Shower –Dress –Eat –Catch Bus School from 8-2 (or 3) –All your classes –A study class –Art, Music, PE, lunch After school (3-5) –Sports –Music –Arts –Homework (1 hour night) –Hang out –Watch TV –Play on computer –Play video games –Mall –Employment Dinner and Relax time –5 pm dinner –6 pm shower –7 pm-bed-Recreation time –10 or 11 pm bed time

School Life of an American Teen Classes are about students Classes change with five classes a day (with different kids every class) 180 days of school Vacation every six weeks No school during the winter and summer break! –(Summer school for children who failed) Weekends off (Saturday and Sunday) NO Uniforms Individual style is encouraged!

Life of American Teenager You have: –IPOD –Home Computer –Three TVs –Cell phone (with internet capabilities) –Five or more pairs of shoes –Two dressers or more of clothes You are involved in: –One sporting activity –One culture activity –One club –A group of friends –A boy/girl friend

Family Life Every American Family is different All look different Gender equality Place a huge value on families and children –Spend a lot of time with family

Recreation Sports –American Football –NBA-Basketball –WNBA-Women’s Basketball –Baseball –Other Favorites Lacrosse Ice Hockey Cheerleading Vacations –At least one a year Holiday Celebrations Play/parties with friends

Ticket Out Today I learned Americans ___________.