1)
I chose this image because it is representative of the quintessential "American Dream" that so many people, citizens and immigrants alike, seek in this country. While the home with the white picket fence is a somewhat obvious reference, the coloring of the photo (red and white house against blue sky) has a subtler association with America. Furthermore, the composition of the photograph represents the "American Dream" because the home is the focal point of the image, mimicking the reality that material wealth is necessary in order to live out this dream. Not only is the home in the center of the picture, but the fence and delineated path draw the viewer's eye straight to the house. The house is also set far back in the picture, and, like the notion of the dream, it is in plain sight but not readily available. It is inviting and appealing but it sits off in the distance and may very well be out of reach. It seems that Americans are never satisfied with what they have, they are always seeking to upgrade or expand.
Especially in light of the recent revolution in Egypt and current situation in Libya, it has become clear that Americans enjoy a great deal of freedom of expression compared to people in most other countries around the world. And they are not shy about exercising these freedoms, specifically the right to protest and criticize the government. Regardless of my personal opinion on the Tea Party platform, I associate their right to gather and vocalize their opinions, no matter how radical they may be, as "American."
I cannot help but associate "America" with excess, gluttony and the growing obesity epidemic. Historically speaking, Americans have hardly ever settled for less. When past-Americans wanted something, they never hesitated to take it (ahem, Native American land) despite the possible repercussions and this attitude has become ingrained in our culture. This is particularly visible in the overly-indulgent foods we eat and subsequently in our hefty population. Americans seem to want it all and once they get it, they crave even more. Only in America would I expect to find such a snack as the 1500 calorie "donut bacon burger." I highly doubt you could satisfy your craving for one of these anywhere else in the world. Go big or home, right?
"Non-American" Photos:
1)
I classified this photo as "Non-American" for a few reasons. Most obviously, it is set in France along the Seine River, making it geographically "Non-American." The attitude and tone conveyed by this image is what truly distinguished it from America. Although Europe and America are arguably very similar (at least more so than Tanzania and America), the typical lifestyles in each country are vastly different. In Europe, people tend to move at a slower pace and stop to appreciate the beauty that surrounds them. In this picture, couples have stopped to spend a leisurely afternoon along the river. In America, people move at a faster speed and are constantly busy with something. It seems as though we are almost never doing nothing in America; we go to work, text and eat on our break, run errands, drive home, eat, talk, watch TV, surf the Internet, read, etc. Relaxing simply is not the American way. We are instantly bored without something to stimulate us, which is not the case in may other countries.
2)
No doubt American forces have utilized tear gas in the past and may continue to do so abroad. That being said, I feel as though the practice of using tear gas to control a crowd of protesters is usually implemented in foreign countries that are not so willing to encourage free speech and demonstration against government. If Obama authorized troops to gas Tea Party demonstrators, citizens would be outraged despite their political opinions. Foreign governments use tear gas regularly as a means of controlling protesters and it sticks out as "Non-American" to me.
3)
The concept of a daily market selling fresh produce, flowers and spices is foreign to me. Although San Luis Obispo has a fantastic Farmer's Market, it is only once a week and cannot realistically be a viable substitute for going grocery shopping. This is a photo of an outdoor market in the South of France, in Aix-en-Provence. I have actually been to this town and I was amazed that all of the people shopped at the market each day, for the foods they would eat that same evening. These market set-ups, be they in India, Africa or France, are in stark contrast with the Costco's of America. While we stock-pile pretzels and cookies in bulk, other people around the world purchase only what they need for a day or two. To Americans this may seem inconvenient or unrealistic. You would be hard pressed to find a "donut bacon burger" in Aix, that is for sure.
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