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 Appreciate Culture 
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Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2003 1:42 pm
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Location: Boone, NC
I thought the quote, "Appreciate culture without putting it on a pedestal." from Dr. Turner today in class, was very valuable. I think it is especially important to think about as Americans. We are made up of a diversity of people and often encounter people who are culturally different from ourselves. We must learn to appreciate different cultures to live peaceably. However, being a great nation can lead us to putting ourselves, Americans, on a pedestal. The power and wealth may seem to be able to cover up problems. We should allow all children to see both the good and the bad sides of our country. (to a degree that they can understand) Only then will they have a balanced view of the world.

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Caryann Barton


Tue Jan 28, 2003 1:40 pm
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I think that you have brought up a good point about American culture and how we teach this to our students. It seems that a lot of the mistakes made by our nation have been covered up by more patriotic and glamorous stories of America as a great nation. Don't get me wrong--I do think we live in a great nation. At the same time, however, every country has made mistakes. I think it is important to let students learn from these mistakes as well. For instance, World War II was emphasized in the majority of my high school history classes. However, the Vietnam War was talked about very little in these classes. I have been told by professors that the Vietnam War is less discussed because it is more controversial and has the potential to make America look bad. I think that all areas of our history and culture should be open for discussion, allowing students to see both sides.


Tue Jan 28, 2003 9:26 pm
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I think before we can call America a great nation we must first determine in our own hearts and minds what makes America so great before we can teach this to our students. Does the"great power and wealth" really make this nation great? Is it worthy of even considering putting ourselves up on pedestals? It is what we do with this power and wealth that makes us great-or not so great. After listening to the State of the Union Address last night I am not convinced that we are using our resources in admirable ways. However, I believe our barely elected officials do, and are in turn alienating the rest of the world. No, blind patriotism is scary, students must be taught to make educated decisions for themselves and to consider themselves not only Americans, but more importantly, global citizens.


Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
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I think before we can call America a great nation we must first determine in our own hearts and minds what makes America so great before we can teach this to our students. Does the"great power and wealth" really make this nation great? Is it worthy of even considering putting ourselves up on pedestals? It is what we do with this power and wealth that makes us great-or not so great. After listening to the State of the Union Address last night I am not convinced that we are using our resources in admirable ways. However, I believe our barely elected officials do, and are in turn alienating the rest of the world. No, blind patriotism is scary, students must be taught to make educated decisions for themselves and to consider themselves not only Americans, but more importantly, global citizens.


Wed Jan 29, 2003 4:55 pm
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