1. America: Cultural Mosaic

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 ( )
Protestants, Catholics, Jews
Europeans= largest immigrant group to U.S.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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Exclusion Laws: prohibited further immigration from Japan & China repealed 1952

8. Americans Today Census: population survey taken every 10 years 72.4%
6.2%
2.9%
0.9%
72.4%

9. 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!