Re: [nukkad] cultural trends - Another America Is Possible

["Samira Razdan" <>]

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Our houses are such unwieldy property that we are often imprisoned 
rather than housed in them. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author 
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Dr. T wrote...
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It is true that many American children live a shitty childhood; broken
families, single parenting....... but I would frankly like to know if
the figures are as high in small towns and the interior states like
Iowa, etc. I suspect they aren't, because the societal pulls that break
up families are not so prevalent there. Maybe Samira can tell us more
on this. Nevertheless, what I am coming to is this: no culture, much
less the Roman Catholicism driven American one, would advocate this
kind of life.
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Dr. T... this is a tough topic ... :-(   and I do not know how
to "crystallize" my answer. So... I am going to take the general
approach... hope that is okay...   :-(

The present day US is a melting pot of different cultures... each
one unique in its own respect. Trying to define a complex term such
as "culture" is difficult. "Culture" includes beliefs, behaviors,
language, traditions, art, fashion styles, food, religion, politics,
and economic systems... and these things vary from place to place.

Through lifelong and ever changing processes of learning, creativity,
and sharing... culture shapes our patterns of behavior and thinking.
Perhaps, a description of a culture would be easier to explain.
For instance... the 'red dot' or 'bindi' on an Indian-American woman's
forehead. The 'bindi' is an indication that she is married. I believe
some Indian women wear a black beaded chain... also an indication that
she is married (and some wear a 'bindi' and the beaded chain). These
characteristics represent the unique symbols of her culture.

Through the exchanging of symbols... one’s cultural ideas, beliefs,
and values, are passed on from one generation to the next. And I believe 
that people are not born with culture... they learn it...
and they learn it from the society in which they live.

Furthermore, over the years... in the diverse population of the US...
ethnic groups/societies have learnt to interact with other groups...
and this is more in some places than others. For example... diversity
of population along the coastal areas is much more than the interior
parts of North America.

In essence... culture defines who we are... how we think... and how
we behave. And some kinds of cultures allow the means to make life
more secure than others.

Now... as far as the "modern day" American culture is concerned...
previously we worried little about war... having enough to eat,
travel, freedom of expression and thought... most of our basic everyday
needs were fulfilled. But the tragic events of 9/11 have changed the
American way of life... forever.

Today... America's future seems to be based on the decisions made
since 9/11... but we still carry on the problems of the past.
There are still many Americans living in poverty. Illegal drugs
infest the nation along with addiction and crime ('friends' of the
drug trade!). There are many children who do not get good education
and many of whom are fearful of violence in the schools. There are
many problems faced by this nation... and we are working hard to
solve these problems.

Above all... we have learnt that we need to love those different
than us and respect the variety of people in the US. As a nation...
we are trying to become more involved politically so that we have
better options for senators, governors, presidents, and
representatives.

And we always remember that freedom isn't something everyone
around the world gets to experience... and we are extremely
fortunate for having it.   :-)

Thanks,
-Sam.








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