8 Culture and Society in the USA
Explore American history, culture and society.
55 min
6 oppgaver
American historyPoliticsSocial issues
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Understanding the United States
USA er verdens mest innflytelsesrike supermakt og har formet global kultur, politikk og okonomi i over et arhundre. A forsta amerikansk samfunn gir innsikt i mange av dagens globale utfordringer og muligheter.
Basic Facts:
- Population: ~330 million (3rd most populous)
- 50 states + Washington D.C. (capital)
- Federal republic with presidential system
- World's largest economy
- Most ethnically diverse nation
The American Dream:
The belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success through hard work. This ideal has shaped American identity but is increasingly questioned.
Historical Overview
Colonial Period (1607-1776):
- British colonies established
- Slavery introduced (1619)
- Conflict with Native Americans
- British colonies established
- Slavery introduced (1619)
- Conflict with Native Americans
Independence & Early Republic (1776-1865):
- Declaration of Independence (1776)
- Constitution (1787) - "We the People"
- Westward expansion
- Civil War (1861-1865) - slavery abolished
Industrial Era & World Power (1865-1945):
- Industrialization
- Immigration waves
- World Wars - US becomes superpower
Cold War & Civil Rights (1945-1991):
- Nuclear rivalry with Soviet Union
- Civil Rights Movement (1950s-60s)
- MLK, Rosa Parks, desegregation
- Vietnam War protests
Modern Era (1991-present):
- Only superpower
- 9/11 and War on Terror
- Economic crises
- Political polarization
- Black Lives Matter movement
American Society Today
Political System:
- Two-party system: Democrats (liberal) vs. Republicans (conservative)
- President elected every 4 years via Electoral College
- Congress: Senate (100) + House of Representatives (435)
- Supreme Court - 9 justices, lifetime appointments
- Two-party system: Democrats (liberal) vs. Republicans (conservative)
- President elected every 4 years via Electoral College
- Congress: Senate (100) + House of Representatives (435)
- Supreme Court - 9 justices, lifetime appointments
Social Issues:
- Gun control debate (2nd Amendment rights)
- Healthcare (no universal coverage)
- Immigration policy
- Racial inequality and police brutality
- Climate change response
Cultural Diversity:
- "Melting pot" vs. "salad bowl"
- Hispanic/Latino largest minority (~19%)
- African American (~13%)
- Asian American (~6%)
- Regional differences: South, Northeast, Midwest, West
Cultural Exports:
- Hollywood and entertainment
- Music: jazz, rock, hip-hop
- Fast food and brands
- Social media platforms
- Tech innovation (Silicon Valley)
✏️Example: Understanding American Political Division
Hvorfor er USA sa politisk polarisert, og hvordan pavirker dette samfunnet?
The Current Political Climate:
Americans are more divided along political lines than at any point since the Civil War. But why?
Historical Factors:
- Two-party system creates binary choices
- Electoral College can make "winner take all"
- Gerrymandering creates safe districts
- Media landscape has fragmented
Contributing Factors:
1. Media ecosystems: Fox News vs. MSNBC, social media bubbles
2. Economic inequality: Growing gap between rich and poor
3. Cultural wars: Abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, religion
4. Geographic sorting: Urban/rural divide
5. Identity politics: Race, gender, religion as political markers
Effects on Society:
- Difficulty passing legislation
- Distrust in institutions
- Family/friend relationships strained
- Violence at protests
- Challenges to democratic norms
Example - Gun Control:
- After mass shootings, debate intensifies
- Democrats: Support stricter regulations
- Republicans: Defend 2nd Amendment rights
- Result: Limited federal action despite public support for some measures
Key Vocabulary:
- Polarization: Division into two opposing groups
- Gerrymandering: Manipulating district boundaries
- Bipartisan: Involving both parties
- Gridlock: When government can't act due to disagreement
📝Oppgave 1
Match the historical event with its significance:
a
Declaration of Independence (1776)
b
Civil War (1861-1865)
c
Civil Rights Act (1964)
📝Oppgave 2
True or False - explain your answer:
a
"The USA has always been a democracy where everyone could vote."
b
"The American Dream means everyone in America is wealthy."
c
"The USA has universal healthcare like Norway."
📝Oppgave 3
Compare the political systems of the USA and Norway:
a
How is the head of government chosen?
b
How many major parties are there?
c
Which system do you think better represents diverse viewpoints? Why?
📝Oppgave 4
Research task: Choose one American social movement and write a report (200-250 words). Options:
📝Oppgave 5
Analyze American cultural influence: How has American culture affected Norwegian society? Give specific examples in the following areas:
a
Entertainment (movies, TV, music)
b
Food and brands
c
Language
d
Technology
📝Oppgave 6
Essay: "Is the American Dream still achievable?" Write 300-400 words discussing this question.