Unit 6

Unit 6. 

1.

In the American Culture, Valentine’s Day is a holiday filled with feelings, love, and even some confusion depending on who you talk to. Most people would respond that Valentine’s Day is a holiday based on showing whoever you care about, whether that be your “special someone”, your family, and even your friends. The history of Valentine’s Day comes from the Saint, Saint Valentine who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were then persecuted by the Roman Empire. By the 15^th Century it was changed to be a day revolved around lovers and their love for one another.

In America, genders think of Valentine’s Day in very different ways. For both male and female, literal gifts or acts of adoration are generally expected, but for women it is more highly anticipated and the amount of love and adoration shown is important. Women in America expect flowers, chocolates, a nice date etc… sometimes even an engagement ring (although opinion on this gift varies from female to female). Women will give adoration and affection to their man, but often not to the same extent. It is generally the man’s ‘duty’ to do the gift-giving and sending. There are also terms (PDA- Public displays of affection) that refer to men and women showing their ‘love’ for one another. However, in cultures like Japan, there are actually two separate dates for Valentine’s Day; one for the women to show their affection and one for men to show their affection to their loved ones. 

Social status can be seen mostly in the amount of gifts and dates that couples go on. Although sometimes couples purposely stay at home or have a date somewhere cheaper and more intimate, generally the more expensive place a couple goes to, the more money they have. You can see the difference in food ordered at a restaurant, or the wine glasses drank; couples drinking soda and eating chicken vs couples having steak and a vintage bottle of wine. 

As mentioned above, couples on Valentine’s Day display their affection for one another in different ways, but what do kids of the younger generation do? Depending on what age, many school-kids have Valentine’s Parties in their school classrooms. They share candies, chocolates, cards and have a “fun day” directed towards the care for everyone else. Children also often make gifts and cards for their parents or others in their family they care for. Valentine's Day for children becomes more of a day celebrating and enjoying candy than a day actually showing adoration to the ones you love. 

2. Do You Speak American?

In the PBS documentary, "Do You Speak American?", the host travels through different sections of America looking at not only different dialects and accents within America, but how those dialects have changed and how they are looked upon throughout society. One dialect, African American English (AAE) also known as Ebonics, can tend to be frowned upon in Standard American English speakers. One teacher even goes so far as to let children of African American and Latino descent become aware of these languages and immerse themselves in learning Standard American English. The teacher here is very aware of the necessity for Standard American English usage to get a job in most places in America, but also does his best to not make any of the students feel "less worthy" or underneath anyone else. This is important for a child's ego.