Allegheny College Study Abroad Fall 2007

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The American Culture has a peek-a-boo attitude about sexuality and nudity. Cupid, an ancient symbol for love, has been censored in this painting as if the male anatomy was something to be ashamed about. Eight-year-olds can kill countless people while playing Grand Theft Auto, and in high schools we are allowed to watch movies with profanity or drug usage, but not ones with a respectable sex scene. Why is it that Americans are censored from seeing a woman's body shown in its natural state, but not when she is wearing pasties and a g-string? Instead of showing sex as a beautiful, natural thing, it has become dirty and perverse; so that many have the impression that sex is as lascivious as it is on hard-core porn websites. This censoring has objectified sex and the human anatomy and by doing so we have created an amorous society that is inticed to buy anything---a soda, a car, male body spray---from any half-clothed female with large breasts.

Posted by Jessica Johnson at 11:35 AM | Permalink

This image is from one of my favorite albums of all time, Song for America, by Kansas and I think it represents America as an image as well as lyrically within the album.

The American eagle reaches into tiny points of light below it with its only means of doing so, its talons. I think all of our international efforts as a nation have been for what we percieve to be the greater good of the world, but our idealism does not have the same allure that it does for older, more comfortably placed nations. We often underestimate our influence and misplan the steps we must take. We are often narrow sighted in considerating the consequences to our brothers.

We have always struggled to find our place in an established world that counters all that we, as the beneficiaries of a new and beautiful land, believe to be true. We hold equality and progress as our founding principles, and only in a land such as America could we do so. Our forefathers were given the unimaginable oppurtunity to begin a new life in a new land without heirarchy, and in many cases without consideration of outside influence. Considering others is thus not something that comes naturally to our people, but that is changing, and it can be seen in aspects of our culture, such as our music. A small number of Americans, less interested in progess and more in reflection have been born in this century. I'll end this with some rhetoric from the band as proof.

"So the maiden lies in waiting, for the sails to reach the shore
Land of beauty and abundance, innocent, you opened wide your door
Wanderers found the waiting treasure, full of gifts beyond their measure
Milk and honey for our pleasure

Highways scar the mountainsides, buildings to the sky, people all around
Houses stand in endless rows, sea to shining sea, people all around
So we rule this land, and here we stand upon our paradise,
Dreaming of a place, our weary race is ready to arise."

-Song for America, Kansas

Posted by Andrew Busch at 9:58 PM | Permalink

One of the biggest challenges my ESL teacher in high school confronted daily was probably trying to understand the different accents, cultures, and norms in her class. There were students from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America. We all had our own ways of pronouncing English words, our own ways of dealing with issues, our own ways of doing everything. Even the ones who came from the same country sometimes had a different culture (the Haitian from the North was different from the one from the South). Despites our great differences, we all had something in common; America was our new home. America, a country who thrives on diversity, is home to varied races, religion, and cultures. The fusion of cultures in the United States is really exceptional. I can be just as proud of my original heritage as I am to be an American. When I think of America, I think of a melting pot where different heterogeneous elements mix together to form one homogenous solution.

Posted by Emerson Leroy at 4:06 PM | Permalink

This image doesn't reflect the current American way of life; rather, it is a representation of what we've forgotten. American life is so busy and fast-paced that we forget to take the time to appreciate what we have and the natural beauty of the world in which we live. As a country, our emphasis on getting ahead, doing more, and being the best overshadows any appreciation for those things in life that take time to develop.
A sunrise is something not everyone is awake to see every day, but those who do see it think nothing of its beauty; they only focus on the fact that this is the beginning of yet another day. To live is to appreciate everything we have, instead of seeing how many hours and activities we can cram into each hour of every day.

Posted by Rachel Clark at 6:07 PM | Permalink

I have learned that some people believe that skyscrapers are man's finest achievement. Nothing fulfills this idea like the skyline of New York City. This picture of Times Square represents many things of Americanism. Firstly and most apparent are the advertisements. Americans are known for their consumerism, and nothing screams capitalism louder than Times Square. It is the result of the "American Dream," the dream of making it big and becoming a success. Yet, the American Dream is more, more than can be put into words, but only observed. Looking further into the picture, it is also easy to sense the lives that Americans lead. Not every person in America lives in big cities, but Times Square reminds us of the busy lifestyles we adhere to. American families are full of activities like soccer practice, movies, mall, schooling, et cetera. We do not usually stop and take time to enjoy the things we actually have...in a way, we are usually looking for the next best thing to come our way. Considering all of this, I am overly excited to spend the semester in Europe. Who knows what I will realize about my American lifestyle?

Posted by Brandon Tirpak at 3:55 PM | Permalink

One of my biggest concerns with America revolves around how young of a country we are. In interactions with the international community we tend to make decisions that are most beneficial to ourselves. Even with decisions involving our own country we rarely consider anything beyond short-term benefits. We have yet to learn from our mistakes and are still at a point in our development that we have yet to really suffer for them. I do have hope, however, that like children we can grow up and progress beyond our current naivete.

Posted by Katherine Bensel at 11:21 PM | Permalink

I have lived abroad most of my life and one of the biggest cultural shocks that I experience every year when I come back to the United States is how different the proportions are in America versus Europe. This is regarding all things, not just food. The people here are bigger, the portions of food are bigger, cars are bigger, streets are bigger, I feel as though America is such a wasteful nation, and I have to say that I am not a big fan. I feel like this picture accurately portrays what America resembles to non-Americans.

Posted by Carolyn Kuzell at 3:27 PM | Permalink

I know, I know…an American flag might seem to be a pretty cliché image to choose.
However, it is one of the only symbols I’ve found that can truly encompass the broad culture I see in America. One of the most confusing, unique, and beautiful things about this country is the combination of cultures that exist here. Ethnically, religiously, economically – the list can go on and on – Americans are different from one another.
The American flag represents the freedom for all these different cultures to find a place in our country. It’s this unprecedented freedom, which was so radical for its time, that makes a distinctly American culture so hard to define.
It’s obvious the diversity in our country has not always been appreciated and acknowledged. For instance, every single one of our presidents has been a WASP (except Kennedy, who I suppose was a “WAC”?). However, times have changed, and are changing. The diversity of Americans, and all the different cultures that exist in our country, are being recognized more and more. Our flag – the symbol of America – unites us as a country of freedom and opportunity for all.

Posted by Rachel Jurkowski at 2:42 PM | Permalink

To me, this image by itself says more than I ever could about American culture. It represents our endless need for material possessions. We Americans are so concerned with being better than our peers, and we judge our worth by the things that we own and the amount of money we make. As soon as we get something--whether it is a car, ipod, cell phone, flat screen tv...--we are automatically searching for the newer, better version of what we have. Our nation is essentially made up of consumers, and we consumer more per person than any other nation on earth. If you turn on the television you will see a plethora of commercials for products that are new and improved, faster, bigger, more compact, more attractive, with more features than anyone really needs. It seems as though we will never be satisfied, and that refusal to settle is what drives us forward in our daily lives. This dollar bill states that we need to change our desire because our society needs to revolve less around money and remember the importance of intangible things as well. I personally feel this is very important because many of the things that we buy, such as electronics and vehicles, are harmful to the environment, but our "need" for them is so important to us that we do not consider the impact we are making. The earth should be more important to us than any of these things, and I fear that we will not realize that until it is too late and we have drained it of all its resources.

Posted by Nikki Cash at 1:14 PM | Permalink

To me this picture represents hope, which represents America. It was taken the August before my freshman year here. This was my dorm room all freshman year, and this was my bed. Starting college was a frightening, yet exhilarating prospect that summer. It was a new beginning. That's what I think America is. America is a new beginning for many people. Either immigrants who are coming here to start a new life, or people who have been raised here, like me, but are starting off on a new path.

Posted by Eliza Czolowski at 11:59 AM | Permalink

My guess is that if you haven't been in one of these, you've at least seen one. In this country, we have an abundance of chain restaurants, fast food and dine-in, you name it. We like them because they're predictable, comfortable, reliable. No matter where you are, the menu and the price are just about the same. You know what you're getting into. It's probably why they're so popular.

This particular Applebees is from somewhere on Statin Island. Last summer, I went to NYC with my family and we stayed on Statin Island with our relatives. Now. NYC, huge city, right? Countless restaurants to choose from, most of which we couldn't go to any old day at home in Medina, OH. Where did we end up? Applebees. We went with the safe bet that wouldn't force anyone outside their comfort zone.

True, it's just food, but I think things like chain restaurants say a lot about our lifestyle in the United States. As a whole, we don't like change, we avoid adventure, and we stick to what we know. In my opinion, that's probably why we're so naive. We don't push our boundaries enough to learn anything new because we don't want to shake the foundation of what we know. It’s like living in an American Bubble—yeah, we’re safe and secure, but can you really live life in a bubble? I know I’m guilty of this and that’s why I’m going to England. I want to shake things up and not spend my entire life eating in the same restaurant, but just in a different place.

Posted by Angela Ames at 10:48 AM | Permalink

When I first heard about this assignment, I already had an idea in mind. I thought that I would talk about the pace of life in the United States, and how truly outrageous it can be at times. Therefore, I looked through my pictures and I found a perfect photograph taken in Philadelphia. When I tried to upload it, the image was too large. I then went online I found this picture, which I think demonstrates my point well enough.
I believe that part of United States culture, and what it is to be a member of it, is to also be moving. To have a drive that never stops. In this photograph, you can see all of the advertisements and commotion that is around us all the time. We are always driven toward a task, toward some end. You would think that in New York, a city with amazing buildings and art that people would be taking in the wonders. Instead, all of the people in this picture seem to be staring straight ahead.
Another point of the picture that I find interesting is the hearse in the lower left hand corner. In a site of commotion and craziness, the end is represented. I think its an interesting juxtaposition to have people that are constantly running, right next to the end of the race. As was said in the predeparture meeting it is important that from time, we remove ourselves from this race. This is necessary for us to reflect on who we are, rather than being defined and consumed by the pace of life.

Posted by Thomas Rodgers at 2:07 AM | Permalink

When thinking about American culture, it's hard not to think about TV. In our hustle and bustle culture, we greatly value rest-time. After a long day its easy to sit down on the couch, relax and watch reality tv where other people do the work and cause drama so you dont have to. The idea of reality TV is strange and backword. In this picture, we can imagine the bear watching a show on the Discovery Channel about surviving in the forest. Essentially, Americans are the bear and we take time away from our own lives to watch the lives of others, instead of experiencing our own. Maybe if we spent R&R time within real reality, we would begin to make real connections with real people.

Posted by Kay Sadowitz at 12:42 AM | Permalink

This picture represents the obesity problem that America has been dealing with for quite some time. It shows that Americans value their food. In a way it shows how unhealthy Americans can be, and will probably always be defined as by other countries. It's pretty common for people living here in America to think of 'fat people' when they think of American Culture, because I sure did. It's kind of sad that it defines the American lifestyle so well, that Americans love to eat unhealthy foods and possibly put their health at risk just to satisfy a craving. Other countries cultures that I can think of can be defined by their wildlife, their fashion industry, their religion and America gets obesity. At least we also have good things like freedom, rock and roll and a high position with technology advancements.

Posted by Carla Morabito at 12:26 AM | Permalink

I think the Grand Canyon is a great representation of American culture. Originally people came to America because they believed it to be the land of opportunity. This endless bounty of hope is a symbol of our country. Many families vacation here, as did mine. People dream to visit this location and be in awe of its greatness. We look at this canyon and realize what nature is capable of. The Colorado River created the Grand Canyon relaying to the people that something as simple as a river can create magnificent beauty. I think as a society, we work hard to reach our goals, weather that be climbing down a steep canyon or achieving our desired profession. We can be simple at times or complicated and deep, we have layers as does this canyon. Sometimes we as people change; we never stay constant and are always moving. The Grand Canyon’s look is standard in all of its photographs, but it changes with the seasons and days. I took so many pictures and in each one, it was different. The people that live in the United States are very different from one another, and yet together they make a whole. No two people are alike and this is seen in our wonderful and diverse population The Canyon’s depth and variety remind me of our culture and its people. A representation of change and difference is seen in the symbol of the Grand Canyon.

Posted by Alexandra Papa at 10:41 PM | Permalink

I have chosen this picture because i feel that it captures the fact that American culture is largely a consumer drive culture. I feel that this picture really captures the essence of the exorbitant nature that the American culture is known for. In this picture you see cars filling up the parking lot, and in the street ahead of the parking lot, filling all the spots, while there is lots of room between the two rows of cars. Most of these cars have low gas mileage and do not fit a large number of people in them. This advocates the stereotype of our culture being consumer driven and idle when it comes to thinking of natural resources such as gas being consumed by these vehicles. The houses that are seen in the background, behind the parking lot, all have fairly spacious yards, with lots of usable room. While this is aesthetically pleasing, it is not efficient in the way the space is used. I view the American culture as being inefficient in the ways we use the precious resources such as natural gas. This picture captures the essence of inefficiency in the American consumer culture.

Posted by Erin Geiser at 7:04 PM | Permalink

When I think of something that defines American culture one of the first things that comes to mind is choice. Here in the United States we have so many choices that people in other parts of the world do not have. Just walking down a grocery story aisle is testament to how many different choices consumers have. Looking at this picture of a cereal aisle it is a wonder that consumers are able to choose, as there are so many possibilities. Not only do Americans have choices with regard to shopping, but also in personal freedoms. The United States was founded on the idea of having the freedom to choose religion, and we also have the ability to make mundane everyday decisions, as well as more important life-altering ones such as what career to pursue and relationship/marriage choices.

Posted by Lauren W at 4:59 PM | Permalink

In the photograph, students gather to not only mourn the loss of fellow classmates but also to mourn yet another terrible tragedy amongst the youth of today. The American culture, as somewhat true as it may be, is often portrayed by images such as this and others related to violence, youth troublement, and violence occurring everywhere in America. This all to often scene creates of sense of insecurity in America. It seems as if no where is a safe place to be these days. Violence in America occurs at all levels on a daily basis. Never once have I turned on the 6’oclcok Pittsburgh news and not heard of a home invasion, a shooting, stabbing, or harassment among youth. Has America let its youth go out of control? This is the image that many other cultures are seeing from America.
Especially in light of the recent massacre shooting at the Virginia Tech campus much of the world rests in sorrow and sympathy for the students and families involved but also questions as to problems within the American society arise. Perhaps problems lie in the easy accessibility to weapons, the lack of a strong family support, violent video games and television shows, or even an inability to understand each other and different cultures. It is hard to comprehend what could possibly drive someone to act in out such a murderous way but it is no stranger to American schools and culture. It is obvious from these acts that the American society is not always accepting of those of different races, ethnicities, or ideas. America calls itself a melting pot, where many cultures of the world come together to be as one, yet is obvious that we are not one nation, but rather a nation filled with hostility, violence, anger, and an inability to accept every person into our society. We have come a long way in creating equality and understanding between cultures yet is clear that there is much more work needed and that violence, especially in schools, should not become this part of American culture that it is so commonly viewed as by other countries.

Posted by Alaina Smith at 2:20 AM | Permalink

So much of what we think of as "American culture" is made up of what we see on television. For me, someone who doesn't really like TV all that much, America is more about the things that go unseen. My best friends and I all love to travel and have made a hobby of seeing the most un-tourist-y things we can wherever we go. I think this photograph, by Sean Stewart, speaks to that idea. This is an image of a hotel in Ocean City, MD which was falling down. Where the media says America is GROWING!, BUYING!, BUILDING UP!, what I see in reality is a lot of decay. Everywhere you go in Smalltown, USA, things are looking a bit worn around the edges.

Just beyond this is the Atlantic ocean and all the beach-going teenagers who were there for Senior Week during the summer after we graduated from high school. The behavior of some Americans who go on television over spring break and take their clothes off for the cameras and say ridiculous things while drunk, that's the "culture" that most people think of when they think of this country. For me, though, America is about the little dive restaurants and the people you meet there. It's about the stolen moments of light just before sunset and how they work around the chaos of whatever they're illuminating. For me, American culture is much more familiar and familial. It's about these kinds of trips, things done on the smallest scale of human interactions. This photograph is really just a moment, like other moments, in my moving through the vast, American landscape.

Posted by Jessica Riggs at 10:20 PM | Permalink

At first glance, this photo may just look like a variety of faces that you would see everyday. Each face is unique to its own ethnic background. Some of the faces are old, while other faces are young. Some have dark skin, others have light skin. When placed all together, they form a picture of what American culture has become: diverse. We pride ourselves on our diversity, and the perfect blend of a variety of people. However, after the tragedy that recently occurred in our country at Virginia Tech, these faces have become so much more. These are the faces of the people that were shot unexpectedly. While our country is diverse and beautiful, American culture has projected an image that we are indestructible. It seems as though we never expect tragedy to occur in our lives, and when it does occur, we simply do not understand. Our country has taught us power, and that with this power, we are an untouchable nation. It is these ideals that make America such an easy target. We are naive. It would never cross our minds that people are being killed everyday in other countries. But through it all, we still are able to project our united front. The classmates at VT look on in sadness and grief at the faces of their friends. The people that make up this nation are good people. When tragedy strikes, we are able to come together and support each other. Deep down, we are a loving, supporting, united culture. It is times like these that we can put our differences aside; stand by our neighbors, and except diversity as something beautiful.

Posted by Theresa Clem at 9:20 PM | Permalink

"America's Royalty."
This title is the first thing that comes to my mind when thinking about what represents American culture. She's no Queen Elizabeth, but Marilyn Monroe is a name that can be associated with the elite few who constitue the star-studded roster of our equivalent to royalty.

Hollywood icons play a larger-than-life role in our culture. They represent an elite part of the economic and social system in this country. They are some of the highest-paid citizens and let's face it, most of us could only dream of partying it up with a member of this royal family. The country's consumer market needs these people in order to sell products - movies, clothing, music, video games, jewlery... most anything one can purchase is in some way linked with an icon, whether it be a poster of Britney Spears or the newest Madden football game featuring a famous athlete. These stars get special treatment, massive amounts of attention; they even have news programs dedicated to famous people's everyday lives! Our country is one that is obsessed with image and these figures give people a name and a face to attach to these images. Our youth grows up consuming media that centers around reinforcing these images and it becomes an obsession and a goal, constituting aspects of our culture.

Our culture is centered around entertainment and consumption, and these stars are the core of that industry. They have power to influence what the people of this country think, how they feel, and what they do. This power they hold is similar to the power that a royal family has - thus the title of "America's Royalty." Marilyn Monroe would definitely be considered a member of this group - she even had ties to our former president John F. Kennedy! She was an icon that influenced the people of her time. She was so famous and so influential that another icon, artist Andy Warhol, used her as his subject in this appropriation shown above. This just proves how regarded and important these people are within our culture. Our culture is obsessed with people who get paid massive amounts of money to... play a role. These stars that are regarded practically like royalty have a lot of influence over our culture... which to me seems pretty shallow. Queen Elizabeth had historical impacts on shaping the future of her country's culture - Marilyn Monroe gives us an image to strive for. When comparing the two royalties, it seems as if our version doesn't even compare at all.

Don't get me wrong, I also believe there are many positive and deeper representations of our culture, however, the very first image that comes to my mind when I think of American culture is that little old city on the west coast home to our very own royalty - Hollywood and its Stars.

Posted by Ashton Kohler at 7:04 PM | Permalink

One of the most frightening things about America is our media. The media industry is a part of American culture that has been around for ages. From its beginnings with books and newspapers, to the modern television and internet system, the media has evolved drastically over time. In this day and age, the media has become so utterly pervasive in daily life that it is basically impossible to avoid. The average American is subjected to thousands of advertisements a day, whether these advertisements are found on television commercials, heard on radio ads, or simply displayed through a logo on a t-shirt. In fact, the media has become such a part of daily life that people form their identities based on where they shop, the food they eat and the clothes they wear. The media has not only the ability to define cultural trends, but it also has an undeniable power over the American individual. Americans, especially the youth, walk around as labelled products. It has gotten to the point that young women are so flooded with computerized, airbrushed images of women with unattainable bodies and faces, that their self esteems drop as a result. It is sad to see an industry with so much potential to be a powerful, positive tool in American culture actually steal our culture right from under our noses. We, as Americans, have little with which to identify ourselves that isnt a brand name or corporate logo. Our culture feels artificial, fleeting and intangible; we are forced to live with an omnipresent barricade between us and what is genuine and timeless - nature, face-to-face communication and individuality.

Posted by Bethany Perkins at 6:34 PM | Permalink

Today, American culture has become increasingly known for materialism and self-fulfillment. Freedom, as well as the pursuit of happiness, are both embodied by the “American Dream,” but has this notion taken a turn for the worse? From greedy corporations and crooked politicians, to the mass-feeding media and pop-culture, America has certainly been living life-in-the-fast lane. Today, the same ideals that once attracted immigrants to this country are becoming so misrepresented, that many countries view the USA in an unfavorable light.

Take a walk down the street: What do you see? Strip malls, fast food restaurants, billboards, and automobiles. These may not be shocking, since after all, food, clothing, and transportation are basic components to any society. What should be surprising, however, is the manner in which these demands are met. From “Super-Centers” to “Super Size Me,” Americans seem obsessed with quick results and instant gratification. These motives, accompanied by the push to be number one, have now, more than ever, become detrimental to American culture and society. I refuse to believe that this is what our forefathers had in mind, while they were laying down the foundation of this country.

Do I believe that all Americans are self-centered and self-serving? Of course not! As an American, I can easily dispel the idea of the “Ugly American,” but as a student, I can also understand the logic behind this stereotype. While I am abroad, I plan on collecting as many different impressions of America and its peoples as I can, so that I can further understand how Americans and their culture are viewed in other parts of the world.

Posted by Brandon Goeller at 2:49 PM | Permalink

This is a picture that clearly shows the significant amount of pollutants emitted by just one power plant. This semester I am taking an Environmental Science class and a large part of the class focused on CO2 emissions, which are emitted by not only cars but also power plants. We also learned about how much the American culture relies on power plants for production of energy. Everyday we rely on electricity; lights, computer, phone chargers, heating, cooling, laundry, etc. The list could go on forever. Americans are the number one emitter of CO2 emissions in the world; we are the number contributer to global warming. This is because we are such huge consumers of products. Americans have this constant feeling of need; a need for the latest IPOD or the newest car. Production of all these objects requires factories and power plants like these ones. and even more are needed to run the stores that sell the products. It’s a vicious cycle that increases as time goes on. As you can see, the beautiful blue sky is ruined by the pollution being emitted from the factory. If you look closely you can also see that it is located next to an ocean or a lake , which will be directly effected by not only the pollution but also the toxic chemical runoff that these factories are producing. This will lead to loss of biodiversity in these bodies of water. These environmental consequences are huge and Americans contribute to them everyday.

Posted by Katherine Kump at 11:16 AM | Permalink

The above image is probably recognizable to a large chunk of American television watchers. It’s “Itchy and Scratchy,” a cat and mouse duo bent on killing one another in the most gruesome ways, often watched by Bart Simpson from “The Simpsons.” This particular image is of one episode where a portion of Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” is re-enacted. The torture scene is followed by an interjection by Tarantino himself, proclaiming “What I’m trying to say here is that violence is everywhere, even in our cartoons, man” promptly followed by his decapitation. Clearly, these cartoon snippets are satirical jabs at excessive violence in cartoons, but perhaps they’re not all that different from the Saturday morning cartoons we once watched.

So what does this say about American culture? It tells us that the corruption of innocence is so deep-seated, we don’t even notice it anymore. Only when some tragedy strikes stemming from the corruption of youth, do we even wonder where such depraved thoughts begin. Starting with Bugs Bunny’s inception in 1940, violence in cartoons has been an understood facet of American society, almost as understood as television itself, and everyone’s expected to know the difference between real and fake. Unfortunately, sometimes those lines blur together and innocence gets penetrated by corruption.

The nation reunites in mourning, then divides, without having learned or changed a thing

Posted by Brandi Shaffer at 10:46 PM | Permalink

To me, this photo speaks volumes about American culture simply because it captures so many different American values. The fact that something so simple, everyday, ordinary, and common could be cleverly turned into a politically charged and motivated piece captures the American ideal of innovation and wit. This is something that people will pass every day, and every day, they will be forced to look at it, since it's a stop sign, and not very easily ignored without some dire consequences.

This political statement is so loud and blatant that it's almost crass, in a way. If you think about it, this is actually an act of vandalism. That aspect is what ties pop culture to political activism, which I think is another typically American thing. It's fast, cheap, and easily reproducible, yet very powerful and eye-catching. This can be good and bad. Vandalism, no matter how politically motivated, is not the best medium (morally speaking) for communicating views. I think Americans have a tendency to forget things like that--we forget to value what we have, and instead focus on what we don't have or what's wrong. However, it's hard to argue that this sign doesn't do what it's intended to do. It draws attention, creates shock, and makes people think.

Posted by Susannah Bender at 7:34 PM | Permalink

Caffeine, caffeine (in so sweet soda!), water (in a bottle and most assuredly captured from the most extravagant of faucets), deodorant (men's body spray), vitamins, a lighter, contact lens solution(, and?) eyeglasses, peanut butter, a book hiding somewhere in the background and a backdrop of a steel appliance - an eclectic cornucopia of the unnecessary and the superficial - My America.

Posted by Matthew Rose at 4:56 PM | Permalink

I feel as though this particular picture represents American culture quite well. The most obvious message in this photo is one that has to do with the way that Americans waste. As a whole, the American population is used to excess. Some families have 3 or 4 televisions in one household, a cell phone for each family member (sometimes two), multiple computers and so forth. We prefer this excess because we are used to having what we want at hand whenever we want it. However, these things also tend to become obsolete or we grow tired of them or we simply replace them with something new. What happens to the extra televisions, computers and cell phones when we don't want them anymore? What happens to the rest of the items of which we grow tired? More often than not these things end up in a dump and simply remain there. What will happen when we run out of space to rid ourselves of undesirable items?

This photo is interesting in the fact that this particular area does not seem like it is a dump. It seems to convey the message that we throw our trash anywhere and then abandon the area instead of finding a sufficient manner in which to dispose of the waste.

The contrast between nature and waste in this photo is also quite intriguing. We see a clear, beautiful blue sky above this abandoned land that is seemingly destroyed. It suggests that the area has potential to be quite scenic, but we have ruined it in our attempts to find places to rid ourselves of waste.

In that this photo represents the American tendency to own excess amounts of things and waste them when something new comes along, I believe that it represents our culture on one level quite well.

Posted by Crystal Swesey at 1:53 AM | Permalink

I took this picture in the summer of 2006 during my trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico. It was taken probably the first or second day we were in Mexico. We had barely gotten there, and we already flocking to the computers.

The center we studied had computer access, but there were only 5 availible for a number of students. After a day of school in a beautiful outdoor classroom, there was always a made dash to the computers. I have to be forthright in saying that I was one of those students who ran to the computers to use them, instead of perhaps taking a walk to the local bakery to get something to eat, or enjoying the sunshine outside by the pool.

This to me represents American society and our technological dependence. Twenty students had the oppurtunity to spend three weeks in a foreign country, in which the oppurtunity to learn outside of the classroom and the scope of the Internet. We still, however, placed a large value on our computer use. America as a whole is dependent on all technology to communicate and work. We rely on instant messaging, cell phones, email and chat rooms to connect with people. I do not remember that last time I wrote a letter to anyone, or went out of my way to talk to someone face to face when I needed to have a conversation with them. In Mexico, while computers were important, there was a different emphasis on talking with people and establishing interpersonal connections with people over a long meal or an evening recap of the day.

I am a victim of my own picture, so to speak. I rely too heavily on my computer to get things done. I place a value on technology that sometimes prevents me from making personal connections. One of my goals has been to get out my own technological bubble, and perhps being out of American culture for more than three weeks will help me.

Posted by Margaret Hiestand at 11:08 PM | Permalink

America is a nation of immigrants. Our parents, grandparents, or other more obscure ancestors came to this land for a life where achievement outranks inheritance. Even people of international backgrounds have been assimilated into American society, united by the common desire to succeed. Although the expressions used to define this country are overly optimistic and hackneyed--"land of opportunity" or "melting pot," for example--these descriptors are what make us quintessentially "American."
Pictured above are students that partook in an International Club trip last year. This group consists of international students, immigrants, first-generation Americans, and also the standard Caucasian Americans. Admittedly, this picture is by no means a good representation of diversity in America; however, it does manage to demonstrate that despite all the different backgrounds each student comes from (i.e. race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, etc.), we are not as different as we would like to think. As students, we all want to learn, to make friends, and to succeed in whatever our futures may hold for us.
Although Americans have become increasingly jaded and isolated in recent generations, the ideals this country was built upon are inescapable.

Posted by Tiffany Truong at 8:30 PM | Permalink

This picture was taken in Vail, Colorado. I took it while I was skiing down the mountain over spring break last month. I think it captures a certain essence of American culture that is not often seen. While there is a beautiful mountain landscape in the majority of the picture, a closer look will reveal more. Throughout the history of our country, the American has learned to use the environment for his/her financial gain. Notice the side of the highway (I-70) that is developed, this is the base of Vail Mountain, also known as Vail Village. This resort town has grown rapidly because of the excellent skiing, and somewhat ritzy western appeal. On the other side of the highway, however, an unchanged landscape still exists as it did centuries before. This stark contrast, directly divided by the interstate highway, is a prime example of the American culture. A culture that maximizes profit at the expense of the environment could be one view of it, but I tend to see things through a more optimistic lens. I think that the true definition of the American culture is its ability to offer a modernized technological, structural, and touristy setting, while at the same time offering an example of true North American landscape just a glimpse away. Great scenic destinations do not go un-noticed even to the everyday American consumer. Countering cities like Las Vegas with smaller towns like Vail show the diversity of culture and landscape that our country has to offer. The contrast of the small town rural area versus that of the large American consumerist city can be seen in my picture.

Posted by Michael Rooney at 3:42 AM | Permalink

This picture was taken in the North Side location of Vital Bridges. Vital Bridges is a non-profit organization in Chicago that works to integrate those people afflicted with HIV/AIDS back into society, helping them get back on their feet and helping them through their disease. I think this picture represent American Culture because it shows how we push those undesirable things "under the rug". People are walking around with desires to climb the corporate ladder and to be rich. But what does all this matter? In Tanzania everyone we met who was a little educated had dreams of going to the United States. The reason is because everyone is portrayed as rich. Not many people know about the huge HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many people still view HIV/AIDS as a shameful disease, and that those infected deserved it. I was told a story at one of the facilities about a heterosexual girl, who was infected with HIV because the condom broke. We are never taught about this is schools and grow up with fantasies of invincibility. This picture represents the ignorance of Americans, who are blind to what is under their own nose.

Posted by Caroline Lewis at 8:26 PM | Permalink

If I was to pick one thing that I think our culture is obsessed with, it would be perfection. I think Americans are always searching for something better, bigger, prettier, etc. Somehow as we keep working for this unattainable goal we end up perverting the original. We make parks to preserve nature and then build roads through them so tourists can take less than three minutes to snap a picture and move to the next photogenic spot. We ruin our food by trying to make things bigger, healthier, faster, and tastier than the original while replacing nutrients with chemical sugars. As the picture suggests, we constantly paint, pluck, and poke our bodies in order to achieve the best look possible. Our culture is a stretch for the unattainable perfection, heedless of the messes we create in the process.

Posted by Erin Horning at 2:10 PM | Permalink

This picture for me, represents the new emphasis on being preoccupied all of the time within American Society. Life for Americans, seem to be getting busier and busier by generation. Advancement in technology and the need to have the fast and easy life where you always want more has become a major part of the new American Dream. No one seems to have the time to stop and take a breathe, nor do they seem to want to. I think that this picture represents the pace that we as Americans, have set for ourselves. The value of time and money seem to now go hand in hand, not that they didn't before. It just seems to be that much more intense and emphasized as time moves and history happens. We live in a world where efficiency, productivity and competition reign. I think in some instances, we value our companies and our economy more than we value ourselves. I think that this is just one facet of American Society but, it seems to be fast becoming the whole part.

Posted by Kristin Isabelli at 10:25 AM | Permalink

This picture was taken when I was in New York City last spring in Times Square. The taxis, people, and advertisements all capture the essence of American life. New York City is a city that never sleeps and the people there are constantly in motion. The yellow cab at the bottom right corner of the picture is whizzing by trying to get to its desired destination. That is the thing about America; people are always going somewhere, to get to some place in a hurry. The hustle bustle you see in NYC is in all major cities and towns across the U.S. The belief of many Americans is that in order to be successful you have to work, which is why everyone is always on the go. The center of the picture shows a variety of advertisements, which captures this American ideal of capitalism and choice. The picture of the Coca Cola bottle is a long time symbol of American culture and fits perfectly with the rest of the advertisements. The advertisement directly above that, of a Samsung cell phone, shows just one of the many brands of cell phones Americans have to choose from. Americans are so dependent of their cell phones today; not a moment goes by that you do not see someone chatting away on the cell phone. Just from this picture, one can tell how busy and chaotic American life, and all the choices available to us on a daily basis.

Posted by Elizabeth Andrews at 10:32 AM | Permalink

I believe this image represents the obsession Americans have with living life in the fast lane. Not only do we stereotypically dine in the the drive-thru at McDonald's but we drive fast as well. I think this image shows not only are obsession with doing things as fast as possible but also how proud we are of our flag. The flag is a symbol of who we are, Americans. It's important to us, just like getting things done as fast as possible.

Posted by Meghan Fatzinger at 5:21 PM | Permalink

Image source: www.calvin.edu found through Google Images

Most of the photos I've taken are of horses and nature, so when I went looking for an image that represented American culture, I had a specific type of photo in mind. I've traveled to several countries, and found that you can always point out the american tourists through a few simple stereotypes. I wanted to carry that into my photo so I looked for a photo where the Americans looked awkward and out of place in the host culture, where they were striving for things 'from home', and they simply didn't assimilate well. Unfortunately, such a photo was not difficult to find, simply by Google Image searching for 'American tourists'.

In this photo, the people all fall into those stereotypes. The caption of the photo from the original site read "American Tourists try to figure out proper coins for ubiquitous vending machines in Tokyo". Of course, this is a Coke machine--they were not drinking 'matcha' or 'Qoo', two drinks that are distinctly 'Japanese'. Whatever happened to 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do'? They continue to dress like American tourists with large bags slung over their shoulders and arms (a terrible temptation to pickpockets, as you wouldn't feel it if someone slipped a hand into that bag). Cameras are slung around necks, and they're huddled together like a paranoid herd of Americans.

We as Americans tend to do this. When walking around in foreign lands, we group together like lemmings and make our lack of assimilation even more apparent. We additionally continue to eat and drink foods that are familiar and 'safe' for us, such as Coca Cola, and ordering a Philadelphia roll or a California roll when eating sushi at a genuine, traditional Japanese sushi restaurant. We also have the belief of American 'exceptionalism': while we're paranoid about health and safety when traveling, we seem to forget those concerns once we land in a country. The large bags, the clothing, the expensive jewelry that one woman flaunts around her neck all point to this group as supposedly wealthy Americans who didn't think about pickpockets on the streets.

I think this may be more than 250 words, so I'm going to wrap it up here.

Posted by Katie Locke at 12:06 PM | Permalink

REPRESENTING CULTURE:

For this posting, upload an image that you feel captures the essence of American culture. Try to choose a picture that you have taken. After you have uploaded the picture, write a response to the following prompt:

What does the image that you have selected reveal about the American way of life (its values, beliefs, the American lifestyle, etc.)?

Your response should not exceed 250 words, and should contain the title "Representing Culture" at the beginning.

Due Date: Friday, April 20, 2007

Posted by Ishita Sinha Roy at 9:09 AM | Permalink