Englisch Kommunikationsprüfung PDF

Kommunikationsprüfung Is the American Dream still alive? American Dream or Nightmare? USA - still the promised land in 2022? USA...

Kommunikationsprüfung Is the American Dream still alive? American Dream or Nightmare? USA - still the promised land in 2022? USA Pro: American Dream - people can still achieve their goals if they work hard Definition: The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version -> success stories: Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mark of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone. The Zuckerberg, Barack Obama (first black president) American Dream is achieved by sacrifice, risk-taking and hard work not by Oprah Winfrey is a good example for a success story because she pursued her chance. American Dream despite her humble background. She was an orphan who was -> basic idea: It doesn’t matter where you come from, the main thing is that you raised by her grandmother in poverty. Her story is really one of going from rags can achieve anything when you work hard. That means your race, class, gender to riches. or nationality can’t prevent you from living the American Dream. Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved his American Dream because he had a -> the term American Dream was first used by James Truslow Adams who successful career and is a famous politician. described it as "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer - free education for everyone and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” (a nation with unlimited opportunities) - it’s about equality of opportunities not equality of rich and poor Interpretation: -> equal opportunities still don’t mean that everybody will succeed because you have your own responsibility and self-reliance - personal dream: reach and preserve personal aims such as family, property, freedom, happiness, health but also materialistic wishes for self-fulfilment - endless opportunities - economic dream: prosperity and success, newness, desire to get continually - pursuit of happiness (many immigrants came to the USA to have a better life better and future) - social dream: equality and opportunity, classless society, belief in the melting - independence (right to wear arms/weapons -> second amendment) pot (multicultural society) - freedom (freedom of speech) - political dream: democracy and justice, basic human rights - equality (equality of opportunity) - co-existence of many different cultures (melting pot, salad bowl) - daily immigrants and many people show that the American Dream exists - American Dream is no promise of success because it depends on effort and hard work Contra: Critic: - the thousand who don’t succeed go unnoticed - only accessible to a minority - not only work matters but also luck and destiny -> Rihanna - lack of social mobility - if incapable of working hard (e.g. handicapped/inherent disabilities) you will - not everybody has the same chances (discrimination) not receive as much financial help as you would in Europe - American Dream makes it look like all poor and needy are self-responsible for - high quality schools/universities are expensive -> the rich become richer and their situation the poor stay poor Barriers: - limited chances to climb the career ladder when there are not enough well- - Inequality between men and women or blacks and whites paid-jobs - Racism and discrimination - many ethnic minorities get paid less -> Afro- Americans have a lower median income than e.g. Asians - Poverty trap -> poor education, poor healthcare, unemployment or disability - deportation of immigrants (they have to go back to their old land -> border - Economic crisis control) -> American Dream is still achievable but not everybody has the same - many immigrants are separated from their families and are punished an opportunities to become successful arrested Phrases: - public shootings/much gang violence -> ongoing debate about gun control The American Dream is something that most citizens of America want to achieve - gap between rich and poor (same opportunities but often depends on money) in their lives. The dream may include to have a safe country or to find your place in life but your own American Dream can be different or similar. - is more a dream for people who live in the upper class Question: Many Americans want to live the Dream but is the American Dream - most will not reach their dreams and other reach it but with the risk that you today still attainable or has the dream been lost or even turned into a can lose everything quickly nightmare? - not only success stories but failures; limited social mobility in the US The Declaration of Independence from 1776, created by Thomas Jefferson and - social inequality; reason: education four other Founding Fathers shows the important things like natural rights, pursuit of happiness, consent of governed people and the unalienable rights. - permanent financial risk, worse social insurance In the past they didn’t have all the opportunities we have today, mostly because → The definition and the achievement of the American Dream can’t be they were divided in classes that can’t be changed. In contrast to 1931 a social generalized but must be individualized progress is clearly recognizable because there is more equality than to this time. Furthermore today America is also much safer from crime and government - “education is the key to success”: costs of higher education leave many no protection. Additionally, the educational system is more extensive which is choice but to stay where they are beneficial for the realization of ones “American Dream”. - the American Dream is projected mainly on material prosperity -> main idea Most people think the pursuit of happiness is possible in America, for example has changed , mindset is consistent many immigrants came to the USA to have a better life and future. Historical background: The American Dream can turn into a nightmare because it’s more a dream for - America is built on immigration people who live in an upper income household than for once who get lowed paid. That’s the reason why it’s almost impossible for poor people to live their - after Columbus had discovered America in 1492, the first settlers came to the dream because they have to add money. first colony Jamestown (Virginia), most people from British Isles, Spain, France and Holland because they were poor and were looking for work and land Some people believe that the American Dream is unattainable because they suffer from poverty, oppression and discrimination regarding their race, colour, - 1620: Pilgrim Fathers, members of the English Separatist Church (a radical religion and gender among others. faction of Puritanism) fled from Great Britain to escape religious persecution, political oppression and poverty at home American Dream over time: - they sailed across the Atlantic on the Mayflower and found the second - 19th century: conquering and owning your own land, people were happy with permanent colony, the Plymouth Colony (Massachusetts) everything they had because they knew that they made a great future for their children and everything is alright - many others were also sent there for criminal offences and other were given land there - 20th century: homeownership and starting a family -> pursuit of happiness, people became more materialistic over the time - many Native Americans lived in America before the pilgrims arrived -> instead of integrating in the Native’s culture, they stole their land and started to kill - nowadays: material dream, people save less money and buy more stuff for thousands of them -> the Pilgrim Fathers formed a society based on bloody themselves, don´t save money for their children or they don´t even have fights children - they had permission as God’s chosen ones: Americans have the right to guide The American Dream today: the whole world and to overspread it completely - nowadays: very critical and negative view of the American Dream - “e pluribus unum”: people from many colonies, states or ancestries came to - many values are not reflected America, lived their together and became a unity - “hard work will pay off/social standard is changeable”: huge gap between rich - problem: “no taxation without representation” (only the parliament can charge and poor, different social classes, no welfare system taxes) - “heritage is irrelevant”: racism is directed against the black population (Black -> solution: Declaration of Independence: Lives Matter) - the basic democratic idea and the American Dream were summarized in the Context of the “Old World”: Declaration of Independence Society was separated into different classes: - a document created by Thomas Jefferson and 4 other Founding-Fathers - King (GB): monarch, powerful, rich (luxurious life), money was important -> (Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, John Adams and Roger Sherman) rich people do politics for rich people - was published on July 4, 1776 - society (GB): upper, middle and lower class -> expensive events, poor people - the Americans were no longer under British rule had to keep up, reality different lifestyle, no movement between classes - it declared the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain -> Declaration of Independence gave hope (especially for lower classes) -> first American Dream created (lower class often didn't have the money to leave) -> purpose to announce and explain separation from Great Britain -> America as the “New World”: no class system, everyone could live freely - important phrases: pursuit of happiness (trying to find joy and contentment), consent of governed (people agree to be governed), unalienable rights (rights Bill of Rights: that can’t be taken away like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) - first ten amendments to the American Constitution - “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that - written because some delegates feared that the new American government they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among would threaten the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence these, are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” - guarantee inalienable rights like freedom of religion, freedom of speech etc. + - possibility to pursue your own dream and happiness under an equal and fair right to bear arms (2nd amendment) democracy - America gets more attractive to people who hoped for a better life The American Frontier (a myth): - 4 parts: Preamble, Declaration of natural rights (government is there to protect the rights of the people - life, liberty and property), list of grievances, Resolution - border between the populated country of the European settler (civilization) of independence and uninhabited land (wilderness) Details: - the advancing border that marked those lands that were settled by Europeans - proclaims that all men are created equal (not black slaves, woman at first) - characterized by the West Expansion of European settlers from their original settlements on the Atlantic coast (17th century) to the Far West (19th century) - proclaims that their creator gives them rights that can’t be taken away -> rights to life, freedom (liberty) and pursuit of happiness (poverty/wealth) – - white settlers poured into the territories of the Native Americans and had the unalienable rights ambition to push this boarder further west - proclaims the governments are created to protect these rights - rough living conditions, dangerous: unknown areas, furious Native Americans - proclaims that governments have power only if the people they are governing - the more people arrived, the more land was needed -> they turned wilderness agree they do into urbanized, civilized society - lines of frontier in history: Frontier Spirit in the past: -> First Frontier: old Britain colonies, people took the first step of becoming an - feeling of unlimited opportunities (self-reliance/Individualism, Optimism, American by the continent Simplicity, pursuit of happiness, ethnic background did not matter (in the most cases), equality, social mobility, prosperity for (almost) all -> Second Frontier: reached deep into the inland, new states were founded - self-image of brave people conquering the Wild West -> Third Frontier: complete Extension until the Pacific Ocean, first come-first- served ideology - success depended on how much effort you put into your work -> Californian “Gold rush” - Frontier Spirit: Influence on the modern society: -> formed by the simple life at the Frontier - widespread optimism and urge for freedom -> new beginnings brought complete life changes - unleashed Capitalism -> do not want the state of interfere -> spirit that everything is possible (living a complete free life in every way) - pioneer spirit of immigrants (willingness to endure hardship in order to explore European colonization: new places or try out new things) pouring into the country -> lack of opportunity - 1492: Christopher Columbus reached North America in the “old country” - 1607: predominantly English people went to Virginia interested in gold and - basis of the “American Way” and the “American Dream” adventure -> West Expansion started - birthplace of western democracy - 1621: Puritans and Pilgrims came interested in establishing a better society but: waste of natural resources, fierce competition and greed, widespread West Expansion: injustice -> state does little to improve the situation, almost no welfare state Ambiguity of belonging: 1776: Declaration of population growth -> 1803: Lousiana started to prosper Independence Immigration Purchase - independent national identity was formed (Wild West experience, independent from European culture, equality, freedom, democracy and optimism) expansion of the admission of the last transport system Gold Rush 1848/49 in few western territories - Americans identify with these values and lifestyle and Frontier spirit deeply Homestead Act 1862 (railway, river California -> End of the Expansion rooted in the American society navigation) (1890) - frightening to see that the USA´s commitment to democracy and freedoms only applies to its own people, they don’t mind depriving other peoples of these -> the frontier and people moved more and more forward into the west because very freedom of different reasons: Manifest Destiny, Louisiana Purchase, Gold Rush, Oregon Trail - Manifest Destiny (God-given-mission) National Symbols: are used to represent what is unique about the nation, reflecting different aspects of its cultural/political life and history - definition: the idea that white Americans were divinely ordained to settle the entire continent of North America -> belief in superiority of white people Freedom: The Statue of Liberty - were convinced that they were destined by God to conquer North America - given to the USA as a gift from France in 1886, to celebrate the first 100 years of American independence from Britain - was coined by the American journalist John L. O’Sullivan in 1839 - shows Libertas, the Roman goddess of Freedom - stands for the belief that America has been chosen by God to: - located in New York Harbor -> expand from east coast to west coast (from Atlantic to Pacific Ocean), spread democracy, American belief and western way of living across the globe - national monument since 1994, called “Lady Liberty” - America = a country that is superior to all other countries as it being the - millions of immigrants in the 19th century saw Lady Liberty as first sight “promised land” when they arrived in America by sea - “I’m proud to be American” -> strong national pride because they see - a robed woman holding a lit torch in her right and tablet in her left hand, themselves as the chosen people showing the date of the Declaration of Independence Beliefs and values: - symbolizes enlightenment, independence, liberty and freedom - freedom: everyone can participate, individual freedom, no oppression - torch: symbol of enlightenment -> it lights the way to freedom showing us the path to liberty - equality: no class distinctions, equality in court - crown: contains 25 windows that symbolize gemstones and heaven’s rays - individualism: idealization of the independent individual shining outward to the world - mobility/flexibility/optimism: social mobility (upward and downward) on the - tablet: represents the book of law and features the date America declared “ladder of success” independence from Britain (Declaration of Independence) - hard work: heritage is not important if you work hard, key to prosperity - robe: wears a stola and palla (gown and cloak) which are common in depiction - education and self-improvement: education is the key to individuals realizing of Roman goddess of liberty their full economic, social and personal potential - foot/feet: has a broken chain at the feet to remind oppression and slavery - progress: desire to progress personally by making use of opportunities -> liberty: the state of being free from excessive restrictions placed on one's life - patriotism: patriotic symbols e.g. national holiday (Thanksgiving), a lot of flags by a governing power -> main American/ national values: freedom of the individual, self-reliance, self- -> freedom: the state of not being prisoner or a slave; the power or right to act, discipline, self-sufficiency speak The New Colossus: - 13 stripes: original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, symbolic of rays of light from the sun - sonnet from Emma Lazarus -> 6 white stripes (purity, innocence) - was chosen to be inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty and it remains a most moving and eloquent expression of an American ideal: “Give me your -> 7 red stripes (valour, bravery) tired, your poor” The Confederate (Battle) Flag: - first quatrain: contrast to the colossus of Rhode - in February of 1861 many of the states in the southern part of the United - second quatrain: welcomes people; symbol of hope States decided to form their own country (the Confederate States of America) - 2 tercets: appeal to the old world to let poor, homeless people come to the - the northern states didn’t agree that these states had the right to leave and new world; offers opportunities (“heaven on earth” -> golden door) started the Civil War 1861-1865 -> America as a sanctuary or refuge for immigrants - they created their own flag, called the Confederate battle flag or “Southern Cross” or cross of St. Andrew - symbols: “lighthouse” = guidance; orientation for ships; power, “mother of exiles” = protects people; cares about them; offers shelter, home and family, - described either as a proud emblem of Southern heritage or a shameful “torch and flame” = freedom and hope; promise for the future -> the statue of reminder of slavery, a time of terror, torture and oppression liberty stands for America’s promise of hope; universal message - has also been used by the Ku Klux Klan and other racist hate groups; so the flag The Star-Spangled Banner: has a bad meaning - nation anthem written by Francis Scott Key as a poem in 1814 after he The Great Seal: witnessed the British Navy bombarding the ships during the battle of Fort - bald eagle: national bird of the US and symbolizes power McHenry in the War of 1812 - eagle is holding an olive branch with 13 leaves and olives in his left crawl which - the melody was “borrowed” from the tune of a popular British song symbolizes peace and bundle of 13 arrows in his right crawl: representing the - the song became the official national anthem in 1931, replacing several other power of war songs commonly sung at public events - shield: shows that the USA is (always) ready to defend themselves , America - controversial because of its war-related imagery and the challenge that the stands together in times of peace and war music poses to singers - 13 stars: representing the 13 founding states Flag of the United States: “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory” - a scroll with the motto “E pluribus unum”: out of many states (13) a new - 50 stars: current 50 United States, symbol of the heaven/goals to which united nation (USA) was born /is emerged humankind aspires -> today the Great Seal refers to the many ethnic groups that make up the -> blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice population of the US (diversity) Liberty bell: Americana: - for the abolitionists the bell was a symbol of their struggle to abolish slavery - Things typical of America Uncle Sam: - Characteristics of the United States - his image appeared during the war of 1812 → social habits (college sports), traditions (Thanksgiving), Brands (Coca Cola) - old man with a beard & clothes that represent the national flag Common American Stereotypes: - symbol of the U.S. government - American are fat -> a lot of fast food chains - used in political cartoons and advertising - patriotism -> education system & TV media are US centric, many American flags Other symbols: acorns/oak leaf (awarded to holders of certain military decorations), monarch butterfly (first worm than cocoon and then a beautiful - gun lovers (right to bear arms): debate about stricter gun laws because of butterfly -> immigration: they came to the US and became super big), dollar several mass shootings, the control lies with the NRA (currency in USA), fast food (burger, pommes frites, hot dog), football( sports, - loud people -> think they should be heard, freedom of speech Superbowl), national rose (cultivated in all states), rocket (NASA) - wealthy -> powerful global economic standing, many cars, big house National identity and stereotypes (materialism) National identity: “a sense of a nation as a cohesive whole, as represented by - optimism -> American Dream, pursuit of happiness distinctive traditions, culture, and language” - Stereotype of the American Cowboy -> freedom, courage, strong will, Cando The American Creed (Defining element of American identity, first phrased by spirit → American Dream Thomas Jefferson) - Stereotypes are represented by Republican voters → Donald Trump - visible almost every day in American life through symbols like the flag and rituals like the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem Disadvantages from stereotypes: prejudices, generalizations, racism and sexism - the idea of freedom and to be equal - “Liberty and justice for all” The Cultural Iceberg: Barack Obama: “In no other country on Earth is my story even possible” - surface culture (how we do things here): language, eating habits, religious practices, behaviour, law, politics, traditions In the speech he told his story because a lot of people were nervous about the idea of a black president, he wanted to show that they had nothing to worry - underlying culture (why we do things this way here): history, religious beliefs, about. America is a nation of immigrants and every story can be possible. values and mindset, perceptions and attitude “Out of many we are truly one” -> Approved as „motto” in the United States -> People make assumptions based on what they see without really 1771, points to diversity, everybody should be a part, America is formed of all understanding the values and beliefs behind the culture or individual the individuals Immigration - History of Immigration: Different groups of immigrants: legal immigrants and illegal immigrants (unauthorized and immigrating without permission) First immigrants - colonial period (1607-1776): - undocumented immigrants, especially from Mexico cross the border by - British settlers founded the first colony and started growing tobacco crossing the Rio Grande - 1620 the second colony was founded by the people called Pilgrim Fathers - the number of illegal immigrants increases Old immigration (1790-1890): - not difficult to find a job because they are cheap workers - immigrants came from Northern and Western Europe and predominantly from - they work in agriculture and private homes Britain, Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia to the USA - immigrants apply for better paid jobs Ellis Island: an island of hopes - the increase worries people - a federal immigration station from 1892-1954 Problems: - over 12.000 poor and politically persecuted people or people who were excluded through their religion arrived there daily and dreamed of a better life - 12 million people live in the shadows in the USA - hundreds of people die during their way to the USA - they had to go through strict controls, medical test and had only 60 seconds to - general rejection of immigrants, acceptance depends on political party answer lots of questions -> if they failed they were detained there for legal or (Democrats: pro, Republicans: con immigration) even sent back to their home countries; is also called “the isle of tears” Policy: New Immigration (1890-1930) - Trump: restrictive policy, against immigration -> people from Asia and Latin America entered the country - Biden: supporting immigration, “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”, Internal (Im)migrants (1920-1965): “Dream Act” - black and white people migrated from the southern states to the northern Current situation: states -> searching for work, for freedom of racial segregation - terrible circumstances at the Mexican Border, very dangerous to reach the USA The latest immigrants - Covid 19: harder for immigrants to gain roots (for example: closed schools), - revision of the immigrant laws (1965) -> new immigrants enter the country higher risk of infection because of the poor lifestyle (e.g. Caribbean) - work and economic, political and religious freedom → war of their home countries (Vietnam, Iran, Cambodia) Immigration today Push factors: - “Nation of immigrants” → has more immigrants than any other county (15% of - not enough jobs the population) - poverty and poor medical care - Citizens: were born in the US or have become “naturalized” - political fear - there are still many immigrants coming to the US - natural disasters - most immigrants are Asian and Latin American rather than European - war, crime, violence - education, culture and economic opportunities attract Pull factors: - Residents: have a green card - better living conditions and less crime - Non-immigrants: legal immigrants on a temporary basis - join their families - Undocumented: illegal immigrants - political and religious freedom -> most illegal immigrants come from Mexico -> not likely to get an asylum or a green card, sent by parents as a child - better education and school system, college, university -> illegal border crossing, staying after VISA expires -> fear of getting caught, difficult to find a job and roots - economic opportunities and better jobs ➔ People have immigrated in the past for the same reasons as today Ethnic groups 1. Hispanics (12,5%) Prejudices/myths 2. Blacks (12,3) - take away jobs/don’t want to work 3. Asians (3,2%) 4. Native Americans (1,6%) - share different values - foreign culture might be too dominant - largest origin group is from Mexico with 25% of all US immigrants - don’t want to integrate - more Asian than Hispanic immigrants since 2009 → fast population growth - might be terrorist or bring their problems and crime from their old country to them Reality/facts - do jobs nobody else wants - make people more open-minded - some work hard to fulfil their dreams Wall to Mexico - don’t commit more crimes than others - a border of more than 3.000 kilometres separates the USA from Mexico - Integration is difficult - it is defined not only by physical barriers made of concrete and steel but by an immigration policy which is failing to address the issues behind illegal migration -> The majority of Americans have a positive view of immigrants - Democrats are against the border wall and the Republicans are in favour Still a country of immigration? - problem when people come to the US through the desert: most of the Pro: immigrants haven’t been in the desert and are mentally and physically defeated - long tradition of immigration for over 4 centuries - Trump wants Mexico to pay for the wall but in reality America pays for the wall - still immigrants coming - his priority was to reduce illegal immigration and drug income - immigrants shaped the culture and the country is built up by immigrants -> the asylum rules have tightened - economic relies on immigrants - wall wasn’t useful because there are still people crossing the border illegal, he - the majority of Americans are originally immigrants used fake facts and made wrong promises, only used it for his election but after that nothing really happened - rich history of diverse immigration - a wall doesn’t make that problem disappear, instead of it, it gets bigger and Contra: America should be a country which shows possibilities for immigrants and - welcomes just well-educated immigrants welcome and not judge (e.g. teach them the language) -> they should also change something on the Mexican side to make people stay - Trump builds a wall at the boarder to Mexico Donald Trump - attitude towards immigrants has changed - 45th president of the United States - strong feeling of distrust towards muslim (because of 9/11 the fear of terrorism got higher) - “Make America Great Again” - slogan for his presidential election of the United State, often used) - America don’t regard themselves immigrants anymore - doesn’t use fair means for the elections, insults rivals and calls journalists’ liars - becomes less valuable because of less taxes - stands up against Hillary Clinton of Democrats when he was president Naturalization in the US: there are main steps a legal alien takes to become a citizen of the US through naturalization: - as a president he spreads fake news 1) Live in the US for five years 2) Apply for Naturalization 3) Interview and - “America first” - slogan: for him only the interests of the US are counting Citizenship Test 4) Oath of Allegiance - wants to build a wall between US and Mexico Melting pot: -> he has the opinion that Mexicans are rapists and are people who bring crime - the various ethnic groups (different cultures) melt into one nation (common and drugs culture) - he tries to deport everyone who doesn’t have pure American blood - immigrants give up most of their national identity, way of life, language & culture -> became part of a unified, monocultural American nation (assimilation) Multiculturalism - advantages: shared values and customs, united, cohesive community, less - diversity of ethnic within a community potential for conflict - culture: set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices: - disadvantages: individuality gets lost, no proportional representation of -> hard factors (language, race, religion), soft factors (social behaviour, different cultures in the resulting culture interpersonal actions) Roots -> culture shapes the sense of belonging and thus also the ambiguity of Cultural origins of the US: belonging - primarily: western origin Multicultural society (ways of integration): a society where various ethnic groups and their cultural heritage are accepted in their own right - America’s past with its large-scale immigration, indigenous tribes and cultures and also Afro-American slavery led to ethnic and racial diversity Salad bowl: - influences: African Americans, European Americans, Asian Americans, Latin - the different cultures form one nation but hold on to their own culture: “unity Americans, Native Americans in diversity” Cultural exclusion – racism: - mostly strong cultural ties are kept to home countries - big problem in multicultural societies - problems: racism, discrimination, ethnic disadvantages - US have a racist history -> multiculturalism - scars of segregation are still present - advantages: individuality, high acceptance toward different cultures - deep racial and ethnic inequities as a direct result of structural racism - disadvantages: risk of isolation, lower degrees of integration (because immigrants don’t have to assimilate as much as in a melting pot society) Main problem: intentional exclusion and oppression of PoC -> strengthens ambiguity of belonging - current evidence, why the US have a problem with racism: BLM as a reaction, border wall to Mexico - Americana = characteristics for the US and its citizens -> not to mix of with - Southern States: more agriculture (slaves were needed for plantation work stereotypes! (harvest sugar, tobacco etc.) -> did support slavery - brand (Coca Cola), people, historical events, concepts, social habits, cuisine 1775-1783: American Revolutionary War - Abolitionist ideas start to flourish in (apple pie), traditions (Thanksgiving) the North -> US traditionally called a melting pot society because over the time the 1783: the slave population increased with the development of the cotton gin different cultures melted together and formed one nation because they could clean the cotton 5 times faster than with their hands -> that’s the reason why more slaves were needed to pick and haul the cotton - nowadays salad bowl is the more appropriate term to describe the situation because of the different cultures which don’t mix that intensively 1789: first free slaves in the North -> salad bowl is more politically correct 1861: president Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery law in all states but the Southern states were unsatisfied because slavery was important for their Slavery economy -> 11 Southern States founded their own nation “Confederate States - 1619-1808: Triangle Trade of America” Europe 1861-1865: American Civil War: US Manufactured Northern Union States -> all men are created equal goods Africa and Confederate Southern State (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas) -> right to property -> slaves came to America, provide rust material for Europe, Europe shipped products to Africa in exchange with slaves for America -> lead into war with northern states , southern states lost and had to give up their nations and slavery law (official end of slavery 1865) - started in the 17th hundreds: African slaves were transported on ships over the Atlantic from Africa to America (South) in horrible conditions and many died on -> lead to economic rise in the whole country and is the reason why America the way -> being tied together with chains, long walks on the coast, some chose became a superpower death rather than to endure the degradation (Erniedrigung) - Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863): abolished the slavery and - slaves were treated like animals and had no rights liberated all slaves, guaranteed the freedom of African slaves (13th amendment: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime - ways to resist: violent rebellion, subtle acts of resistance, e.g. working slowly, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United pretending that they didn’t know how to do something, accidentally breaking States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”) -> in theory black and white equipment people were equal now - Northern states: more industrial (slavery was not essential for labour, work - after the 13th amendment in 1865: they soon discovered that life meant more was mostly done with modern machines) -> didn’t support slavery than just having simple freedom without economic support and that’s the reason why many were forced to go back to the old plantations and to contract - Uncle Tom: is applied to Afro Americans and the character was seen as a with their owners for work humanistic portrayal of a slave, one who uses nonresistance and gives his life to protect other who have escaped from slavery -> right to vote, racism continued, separation, brutal abuse, impossible for free slaves to create a new independent life Important things: underground railroad: was an informal smuggling network consisting of opponents of slavery (including whites) that organized the escape of enslaves African Americans from the southern states of the USA to the safer northern states or to the province of Canada Harriet Tubman: -> Abolitionist Movement (1830-1860): - she escaped from Maryland Plantation in 1849 and became familiar with the roads, hiding places and depots that were used to conduct runaways to freedom in the north - she concerned herself about people of all races and her method relied on secrecy and surprise - for those who determined that they were going to turn around, she told them go forward or die - during her trips to the South, she became known as the Moses of her people because she successfully conducted over 600 slaves to freedom including her own family - case of Dred Scott: He was a black slave who brought suit against his owner on the grounds that he had legally become emancipated while traveling through the free soil state of Illinois. The Supreme Court ruled against Dred Scott declaring that as a black man, he was not a United States citizen and had no right to bring a suit in a federal court. The court ruled that a slave didn’t automatically gain his liberty by entering a free state. - the promised land: Canada is the promised land for the slaves and in Canada slavery was denounced in 1793 and formally abolished in 1834 Racism in the past and the present KU KLUX KLAN DEFINITION - didn’t accept that slavery has been abolished -> formed a community that was based on racism „Racism means that groups of people are defined by their differences (skin - oldest terrorist organization in the USA including veterans of the colour, culture, appearance) and that, because of these differences, one group is Confederate Army seen to be better than the other.“ - 1865: wanted to intimidate the slaves who were set free from slavery with scary masquerades -> reason it exists is simply that the prejudice that blacks are dangerous is still - goal: terrorize the whole population there with lynchings on black people or - 13th - death of civil rights activists Amendment: Trayvon JIM CROW LAWS end of racial illegalization segregation Martin of slavery - 1870: 15th Amendment – right to vote for everyone Tulsa Race (John F. - Black Lives - laws made it impossible for blacks to be seem equal and feel accepted slavery - Ku Klux Klan Riot Kennedy) Matter - legalized racial segregation and existed for about 100 years - blacks had to pass math and spelling test in order to vote 1954– 1961– - racial segregation in public facilities (restaurants, cinemas, hotels, 1619 1863 1865 1870 1921 2008 2013 transportation and sport facilities 1968 1963 - defying these laws -> arrest, fines, jail sentences, violence and death Emancipation - 15th Civil Rights election of Proclamation: Amendment: Movement the slave right to vote president: liberation for all Barack (Abraham - Jim Crow Obama Lincoln) Laws CONSEQUENCES OF RACIAL SEGREGATION -> segregation - because of injustice and brutal violence -> African Americans moved in of blacks the north to get better jobs and more protection for their families RACISM IN THE PAST - wherever they went, the racism was already there SLAVERY - more subtle and less violent in the north but still effective - formation of civil rights organizations with black and white activists - racism has been around since the 1700s - 1964: Civil Rights Act signed by Lyndon B. Johnson - black people = properties, not people ➔ Jim Crow Laws were abolished and the racial segregation ended but - 1865: 13th Amendment – illegalization of slavery racism persists still in people’s minds ➔ there was still a racial segregation - existing ghettos and more black people living in poverty RACISM IN THE PRESENT Martin Luther King - the situation of the black population in the slums is characterized by - 15th January 1929 – 4th April 1968 violence and a lack of access to education, jobs and living space - there are many anti-racism programs and initiatives in the northern - leader of the CRM in the 50s and 60s states but racism is still in reality - he was born in Atlanta which is in the South of the US where they have a POLICE BRUTALITY CASES bigger problem with racism than in the North - increased since the 1980s - he grew up in a society in which segregation was still normal examples: - his dad started to fight against racism and injustice - 1991: African American Rodney King is victim of disproportionate police violence, he is hit and kicked by a police officer - as a teenager he started to preach in his community (most times about racism) - 2013: shooting death of Trayvon Martin ➔ Black Lives Matter Movement was founded - got priest, had a wife and 4 children - 2020: African American George Floyd was choked to death by a police - his main goal was an equal society officer in the street when it was not necessary ➔ his death sparked protests across the country like the Black Lives - he was the leader of the bus boycott -> the racial segregation ended in buses Matter Movement because of the boycott HAS RACISM IMPROVED ? - he gave speeches, organized demonstrations and attended protests - it has improved but there are still many things we need to improve on society - got often arrested (29 times in total) - we don’t have slavery and there isn’t a separation between black people - King wanted every action to go nonviolent -> following the example set by and white people anymore ➔ doesn’t mean that racism is gone Gandhi - it’s still there but more hidden and still anchored in many people’s minds - slowly his actions had success - idea of white supremacy and systematic racism is still part of the society AMBIGUITY OF BELONGING - King was and still is because of his engagement the face of the movement - not everyone has the feeling of belonging because of unequal educational - brought diverse groups which are all against racism together -> to negotiate opportunities and unequal punishments and demonstrate together - black and white people stand up against racism through protests or movements - he exerted pressure on the politics so they had to bring changes ➔ black people are given the feeling of belonging - got the Nobel peace Prize in 1964 - can’t feel that they belong when a president like Trump spreads racism again - got shot in Memphis while he stood on a balcony to talk to another person on 4th April 1968  1 Famous speeches: freedom riders tested the Supreme Court´s decision 2 no segregation in public transportation - 28th August 1963 at the “march on Washington for jobs and freedom”: “I have 3 outlawed discrimination and banned segregation in public places and a dream…” -> he claimed for justice and freedom, is a vision for blacks and employment practices whites 4 increase of Black voters in Mississippi - September 1964 at the Berlin Wall: during a visit to Germany, he wanted to Rosa Parks: Montgomery Bus Boycott bring the people together, tried to give everyone hope again and wanted to show that everyone has the same value and that a wall couldn’t break that - On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks found a seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus after work Dream: freedom, equality in society and law, justice, a human community, no - she refused to give up her seat for a white woman and gets arrested judgement - as a reaction to the arrest the National Association for the Advancement of coloured people called a boycott of the Montgomery City Bus Lines Reality: prejudices, racism, segregation, violence, restrictions, inequality, System -> the Boycott lasted 381 days until segregated seating was discrimination, suppression declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court Civil Rights Movement: struggle for social injustice that took place during the Emmett Louis Till: 1950s and 1960s for blacks to gain equal rights under the law in the US - while visiting some relatives in Mississippi Emmett talked to a white Means: non-violent protests, civil disobedience and boycotts woman, when buying candy in an immoral way - the husband of the woman later kidnapped him - a national effort to eliminate segregation and to gain equal rights for Black - his body was found in the river connected to a 30 kg heavy object on his Americans bare neck, he lost one eye and had a broken nose - the trial against his killer was regulated by 12 white judges, several 1865: 13th witnesses disappeared -> the killer was discharged -> protests of people 1776: 1876: Jim increased 1776-1865: Amendment Declaration of Crow Laws -> Slavery in USA (end of The Brown Decision (1954) Independence segregation slavery) - the Supreme Court decided racial segregation in public schools was unequal 1954: Brown -> supremacist groups as the Ku Klux Klan acted violently 1961: 1960: Sit-ins 1955: Decision -> no Freedom Boynton vs. Montgomery Civil Rights Act (1964) segregation in Rides 1 Virginia 2 Bus schools - Outlawed segregation in public areas -> “Freedom Summer” blacks try to register for voting 1963: "I have 1965: a dream" 1964: Civil Freedom Voting Rights -> Voting Rights Act (1965) gave voting rights to Blacks speech by M.L Rights Act Summer Act (1965) King (1964) -> more radical and violent groups were formed (Malcom X) From Slavery to the Black Lives Matter Movement: Police violence 1863 1963 2016-today - police brutality has become one of the biggest problems in the USA dream - abolition of slavery - “inalienable rights - better education - realization of freedom of life, liberty and programs for all - there have been many cases of police brutality in the past and it has increased and equality the pursuit of - tolerance and enormously since the 1980 - equal opportunities happiness” acceptance -> including the death of the African American George Floyd, who was choked to (Declaration of - execution of death by a police officer in the street when it was not necessary independence) existing laws and - social mobility constitutional -> his death sparked protests across the country like the Black Lives Matter - justice rights (justice and Movement – - brotherhood equality) Reality - Southern states: - segregation: - still unable to > while this was one of the few cases that was filmed, there are daily cases like for the advocates of slavery white and black by participate in the this. black - Northern States: Jim Crow laws -> American - another important point is that through the persistence of racism, especially people opponents of slavery black people had economy- -> Civil War the worst jobs and persistent racial Afro-Americans are affected by this brutality. - Emancipation lowest standard of disparities - #Blacklivesmatter ≠Alllivesmatter -> because more blacks are affecting by Proclamation: legal education - poverty -> less police passes and controls, they were hurting and need to life a live in danger abolition of slavery but - discrimination home ownerships discrimination, segregation and oppression - police brutality -> Racial-confidence gap (racial = black and white, confidence = confidence in and social exclusion were - poverty (George Floyd in police work and police officers ) still prevalent 2020) -> not much has changed since 1970 key Abraham Lincoln with the Martin Luther King: Barack Obama: figures Emancipation Proclamation CRM and I Have A former president Dream (1963) of US as proof of Rosa parks: black people’s Montgomery bus power Boycott Social issues (inequality) -> white teachers have lower expectations of black students and different treatments and Equality is when individuals are not treated differently because of their race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. Influence of race: still clusters of black and white in school/ university; unequal distribution Inequality is an unfair situation in which some people have more rights or better opportunities than other people. - Welfare gap between blacks and whites since decades → financial wealth determines chances of General arguments (Equality) education Pro: Geographic differences - the nation has progressed because all citizens have the right to vote, the right Rich state – good education: Poor state – bad education: to many basic freedoms, right to free speech and to get educated example New Jersey example New Mexico - equality is therefore a big goal that the country is still striving forward -> especially southern states have problems – many problems get together Con: Comparison Germany and USA: - social equality still hasn’t arrived for many people, especially African- Americans or Latinos -> they are more often in police custody or have less Universities: opportunities from the beginning, even though they have the same civil rights -> Germany: free (better chances for everyone) - there is still racism, discrimination against religion, nationality etc. -> USA: Unaffordable costs - less foreigners are offered a job and also earn less School types: Education inequality -> Germany: three different types Significance of education: responsible for the chances of your personal -> USA: Highschool for everyone American Dream → important for economic, social and cultural development of every individuum Ways to prevent: free colleges, more support for poor students, stop discrimination, invest more in public schools, more support for different levels Student loans: gap between poor and rich -> 83% from high income families, of thinking ability 63% from low income families (college) -> better quality schools = better chances -> schools in low income neighbourhoods: need for financial aid and minority students live in low income neighbourhoods (worse schools) Gender inequality: It refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals Solutions: based on their gender. It arises from differences in socially constructed gender - the government should make it illegal for companies to pay men more than roles. Men and women are not viewed as equals and instead discriminated women against each other - give women flexible work, better maternity Common issues: - reduction of gender gaps in the labour market - gender stereotypes: Current situation due COVID-19: -> women: kind, emotional, passive, supposed to look after their children and do household - Covid-19 left millions unemployed → women are more affected -> men: aggressive, independent, active tough, have to be successful and care - mothers had more homeschooling and childhood responsibilities → increase of for their family women in the household - the gender wage gap: smaller wages for women Obamacare and Health System - lack of women in leadership roles (politics, business positions) Health System: - health: safety protection in cars are made for men, women are 3 times more - by the 21st century there were still 48 million Americans without any health likely to experience violence in a partnership insurance - society: smaller participation and representation of women in politics, women - access to health care as a free right products are more expensive (7% higher), men are more often shown in sports then women, sexual harassment Obamacare Affection: It continues to persist in many forms, including the disparity in - signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010 women’s political representation and participation, occupational segregation - gives Americans more rights and protections and the unequal distribution of household labour - aim: make health care more available and affordable for everyone by lowering Causes: costs Pay gap: - health care in U.S. extremely expensive - women have less work experience than men (14% of gender wage inequality) - pro: Obamacare contains many benefits - more Americans have health - 50% can be explained due to gender differences in the industries (17%) and insurance, health insurance is more affordable for many people occupations (33%) - cons: some obstacles & higher costs - many people have to pay higher - the man is still regarded as the main provider from the past even if the image is premiums, uninsured must pay a modest fine, higher taxes, today, 55% of outdated in society Americans support the law Poverty Trap: mechanism that makes it extremely hard to escape poverty What do guns mean to Americans?: Lack of: education, access to health care systems, well-paid jobs, emotional - a gun is giving them safety and they are less scared because they can defend attitude (you can‘t change anything) themselves Causes: most people are born into poverty - they also have the pressure to have one because so many have one and that’s why they think they also need one Life shocks: Problems: - marriage -> divorce - gun violence (mass/school shootings) - unplanned pregnancy -> dropping out of school - accidental shootings (among kids) - bankruptcy - high mortality rate - foreclosure -> can‘t pay loans Pro: Reasons why you can’t escape: - gun violence is becoming more common - people would need a certain amount of money - guns are barely used for self defence - if you have no savings, you fall back down - decrease in suicides - You can‘t afford the most important solutions - decrease in mass shooting - Factors: not enough education, teen pregnancies, emotional bias - guns in families can end up being accidentally used by children Ways to break the cycle: - violence is reduced Help the people obtain: education, health services, child care, emotional and financial support, better paid jobs -> for this you need: external help/financing - Bill of Rights - is written there don't change it Gun Control - politics try to make safer rights and decisions Gun Control is the regulation of the sale and use of weapons. It’s used to protect - crime happenings increase -> protection and safety our fellow Americans from any violent crime. But it can come up the question if - safety for crime -> make them insecure the control of weapons can solve the problem of violence or if it even creates a problem? In the following I would like to explain why gun control is affective/not - 2nd Amendment: old history, needs to be adapted to modern life affective. Con: - militia is a trained and armed group of people outside the army of the state and they also can do good or bad things to people - guns are used for self defence -> Does the word militia limit the right to keep and bear arms to military or is - guns cannot be controlled every citizen allowed? Does the mention of militias result in a purpose? Which - impossible to prevent criminals from getting guns because many would be weapons are meant? stolen While the federal government is therefore subject to restrictions on legislation - impossible to confiscate all the existing guns regulating the carrying and possession of weapons, legislation can be passed at the state and local levels without restrictions. - cultural and traditional tradition to own a gun In summary it can be said that gun control is affective/not affective… The - the death rate isn’t higher because of the gun solution to gun control is to have good gun laws that are not strict but flexible. Guns don't kill people - people kill people. Bans on guns won't keep criminals from committing crimes. Criminals will always find access to weapons, legal or illegal. banning guns might give criminals new business models (gun trafficking etc.) “ The right to own a gun must not be infringed.” (= Das Recht eine Waffe zu besitzen, darf nicht verletzt werden.“) Bill of Rights: articles in addition to, and Amendment of Constitution of the United States The Second Amendment grants: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed” -> Americans have the right to protect themselves, their families and property 2nd amendment: - doesn't apply to individuals, only the state has the right to have weapons - only applies to some individuals, every soldier has the right to keep arms during the soldier carrier, they only keep arms if the government fails to provide firearms - all individuals are allowed to carry and buy a weapon - things that aren't in the Constitution could be interpret from people Great Britain (United Kingdom) -> Chicken Tikka: originally Indian, Masala sauce: British taste Should the UK dissolve? independence is rather detrimental than beneficial, no -> British society has integrated external cultural/typical habits in their complete independence but also no total unity! lives/routine, so this adaption enriches the Origen community, also: integration of new communities ≠ loss of the original community and values - flag: Union Jack – three flags in one British character: open-minded, polite and friendly, sociable and tolerant British humour: strange, silly, dry, dark, love to see people fail, like puns and quiz nights England: a red cross on British stereotypes: white background - Fiction: emotionless, rainy weather all the time, top hats and tails (English) or kilts (Scottish), Nannies (Mary Poppins) and Au pair - Facts: love tea (Afternoon Tea), love talking about the weather, pale skin (pale is the new tan) Scotland: a white (diagonal) MR/MRS AVERAGE cross on blue background - drinks three Cups of tea and talks about the weather - believes in God and says “sorry” million times on a lifetime - own home + two children and drives Ford Fiesta Ireland: a red (diagonal) - are wearing an England football shirt and knows every word of “God save the cross on white background Queen” Britishness - humour Britishness (by Robin Cook): British is not a race, but a gathering of diverse John Bull (= personify Englishness) people and communities (-> 30 ethnic communities) Briton = a citizen of the UK United Kingdom (UK) = England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland surnames = for instance McCarthy, O´Brien, Jones, Smith Great Britain (GB) = England, Wales, Scotland Ethnic diversity: Multicultural Britain: - different religions: Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindus - Chicken Tikka Masala: a true British national dish -> perfect illustration for the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influence - ethnic groups: white British; Asian; Mixed black/African Multiculturalism in the UK (-> British Empire) Pro: Roots: - more peaceful and colourful society -> less segregation and racism - the British began trading African slaves in 1562 and slavery in the UK was - cultural exchange and input -> exchange of knowledge, cultural values abolished in 1833 - different music, art, food, fashion, traditions and religions -> people can - the whites benefited from slavery and it became part of British society experience variety of cultures in one country -> enrichment for society, broadens the horizon - Africans were transported to work unpaid on sugar cane and cotton plantations - linguistic variety makes GB a preferred location - being a slave in the UK meant that you will also die as a slave and that you will - variability of products because of ethnic diversity -> multicultural character of never experience freedom because you get treated like an animal British food (Chicken tikka Masala) - “We are here because you were there” -> it meant War and should remind - greater and skilled workforce -> rising economy -> cultural and economic Britain of its historical economic and social ties vitality History of Immigration in Great Britain: - supports the concept of tolerance and respect towards each other -> break down barriers, learn how to accept differences and how to sole conflicts - people from the colonies immigrate to GB, trying to become a part of British society -> creating an open-minded national identity and sense of belonging - during World War II people flew because of the Nazis -> especially Jews Con: immigrate to GB after WW2 - “Britishness” might get lost when suddenly greater ethnic influence - after WW2 there was a big growth of industry and many workers were needed -> Britons could become a minority in their own country - because of the EU many people came especially from eastern Europe as -> foreign countries suppress the native one workers to GB, high salaries - members of ethnic minorities experience growing number of social Example of Multiculturalism: Liverpool disadvantages -> exclusion, racism, xenophobia, prejudices -> divided - different ethnics society/parallel societies emerge -> big black community: Liverpool was one of the main harbours, many slaves - language barrier: big problem -> complicate the integration entered GB - no integration = radicalisation, segregation, suppression, depression -> big Asian community: good trade relations to Shanghai Problems: religious/cultural conflicts, language barrier (people can’t communicate - causes isolation), fear of foreign influence on their traditions Brexit February 1, 2020: Begin of the transition phase = “Britain” + “Exit” -> it refers to the withdrawal or exit of the United Kingdom December 30, 2020: EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was signed (UK) from the European Union (EU) (entered into force on May 1, 2021) - reasons for leaving: they always felt kind of left out December 31, 2020: End of the transition phase Timeline: January 1, 2021: The UK is no longer part of the EU-internal market and the EUCU (European Union Customs Union) 1973: The UK becomes an EU member state Consequences of no deal (Brexit): 1975: first referendum regarding their stay in the EU For the UK: 2014: European Parliament election -> UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) - end of membership in EU single market and customs union 2015: United Kingdom general election: David Cameron pledging to hold a new - new taxes and custom controls for goods referendum - border controls for travellers June 23, 2016: Brexit referendum -> 52% Brexit, 48% Bremain (turnout: 72,2%) - big companies leave and unemployment increases A majority in the UK voted to leave the EU, but a majority in Northern Ireland - Pound Sterling los