I promised the students that I would ask my friends from all over America to help me answer these questions. Please answer any that you can. I would love to have some diverse opinions :) I will meet with them again on Monday (May 17th) and hope to have some answers by then. I typed the questions verbatim.
E-mail me if you've got answers. vasanghavi@gmail.com
Questions
*free sex=sex before marriage
1) In America is there discrimination between white skin and black skin?
2) We know that America is a developed country. But what are the less things [the problems] in America?
Is everybody rich and the number of poverty very low?
3) Why do Americans think free sex is ok? Why doesn't the government forbid free sex? Why do Americans like free sex? Do you agree with free sex?
4) Why do the students in high school not use uniform like in Indonesia? Why aren't they use uniform? What is the benefit of no uniform?
5) What is the solution of different religion in America?
6) Why does America support Israel? Why America does not want to help Palestine people?
7) Why America can say what they want to?
8) What does American people look like?
9) Why in New York most of the people don't know their neighbors?
10) Why are the Americans so furious and fight in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why American people like to go to war with Arabian country?
11) What are the religions in America? Is everyone atheist?
12) Do you think abortion is a good solution? Do you think it means kill someone [Do you think abortion is killing a baby]?
13) Does America ever have natural disaster? Like earthquake?
14) What is the meaning of liberty for American people?
15) What kind of ethnicities are in America?
16) What is the night life like in America?
17) What is special American food?
Questions
*free sex=sex before marriage
1) In America is there discrimination between white skin and black skin?
2) We know that America is a developed country. But what are the less things [the problems] in America?
Is everybody rich and the number of poverty very low?
3) Why do Americans think free sex is ok? Why doesn't the government forbid free sex? Why do Americans like free sex? Do you agree with free sex?
4) Why do the students in high school not use uniform like in Indonesia? Why aren't they use uniform? What is the benefit of no uniform?
5) What is the solution of different religion in America?
6) Why does America support Israel? Why America does not want to help Palestine people?
7) Why America can say what they want to?
8) What does American people look like?
9) Why in New York most of the people don't know their neighbors?
10) Why are the Americans so furious and fight in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why American people like to go to war with Arabian country?
11) What are the religions in America? Is everyone atheist?
12) Do you think abortion is a good solution? Do you think it means kill someone [Do you think abortion is killing a baby]?
13) Does America ever have natural disaster? Like earthquake?
14) What is the meaning of liberty for American people?
15) What kind of ethnicities are in America?
16) What is the night life like in America?
17) What is special American food?
(One of my friends posted this on facebook, and I thought I would give it a go. I've taught international students, so I love to help out where I can!)
ReplyDeleteQuestions
*free sex=sex before marriage
1) In America is there discrimination between white skin and black skin?
We try not to discriminate, but I think there is discrimination between white and black skin... Also between other races (Hispanic/Latino, Asian). However, I think the discrimination is becoming less and less. Sometimes I even think the discrimination comes strongest from one's own race (ie: white people discriminating against white people, or black against black).
2) We know that America is a developed country. But what are the less things [the problems] in America?
Is everybody rich and the number of poverty very low?
No, not everyone is rich. I think the majority of people are "middle class." They make enough to live, but can't buy anything they want. I think there is more poverty in the U.S. than people realize. We have special programs to help people who are considered "poor," such as food bank programs, welfare programs (food stamps, medical care, housing cost adjustments).
3) Why do Americans think free sex is ok? Why doesn't the government forbid free sex? Why do Americans like free sex? Do you agree with free sex?
I personally do not agree with free sex (sex before marriage). In my religion, it is not okay to have sex before you are married. However, many Americans think otherwise. In the U.S., rights are very important. Your body is your property, and you have a right to do with it as you please as long as it does not affect other people's rights. The government does not forbid free sex because the government does not have the right to control people and tell them what to do as far as their bodies are concerned. Since I do not agree with or participate in free sex, I cannot really say why Americans like it. I suppose it makes some people feel better about themselves. Most people just like sex!
4) Why do the students in high school not use uniform like in Indonesia? Why aren't they use uniform? What is the benefit of no uniform?
Some schools in the U.S. DO use uniforms, and these are usually Private Schools. But most do not, and these are usually public schools. Uniforms can be expensive, and many families might not be willing to pay for them. The advantage of no uniform is that it allows students to express themselves through dress. Individuality is considered very important in the U.S. Not very many people like to be told what to do all the time. Hence no uniforms in public schools. However, most schools still have rules about certain things that cannot be worn in school. The students can wear what they want as long as they abide by these rules (such as: no hats, no bandannas, no offensive language/images, etc.).
5) What is the solution of different religion in America?
I'm not sure I understand this question, but having different religions is one thing that makes America so diverse. There are different religions because in America you are free to believe what you want. No one can make you believe in one religion, it is your choice. We have freedom of religion!
6) Why does America support Israel? Why America does not want to help Palestine people?
I'm not sure how to answer this question, as I am not politically savvy. If you ask most Americans, they would probably say they wish that Israel and Palestine could get along, and that there was no more fighting. As far as I understand, America has had a political alliance with Israel for a long time, right...? That is probably why they are "supporting" Israel, though I think in reality if we could support BOTH sides, we would. We don't like fighting or war, although it may seem like it.
7) Why America can say what they want to?
ReplyDeleteIn America, our constitution grants us the right to "Free Speech." This means we can express our opinions and not be punished for it, because we have the right to believe what we want and say what we want. This can lead to discussions and even arguments, but that's okay because everyone has a different opinion, and they have the right to express it! For instance, as stated earlier, I do not agree with sex before marriage, but many people are okay with it. Neither of us are wrong because we both have the right to express our opinion. Our constitution grants us that right!
8) What does American people look like?
American people are all different, so there is no one way to describe them. Many people might think that Americans are white, blonde-haired, big-nosed, and blue-eyed. However, Americans come from ALL OVER THE WORLD, so a true American can look like anyone from around the world! European, Asian, Middle-Eastern, Latino, Black, White....Americans can look like anyone!
9) Why in New York most of the people don't know their neighbors?
I live on the western side of the U.S., so I don't really know. But my guess would be that some cities can be dangerous. New York can sometimes be dangerous, and if many people don't know their neighbors it may be because they don't want to get in trouble. Some Americans can be busy, and so they don't take the time to get to know their neighbors! I live in an apartment complex where people move in and out all the time (because they are students), so I usually don't know who is living in the apartment next to me...
10) Why are the Americans so furious and fight in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why American people like to go to war with Arabian country?
We don't "like" to go to war with any country. It makes us quite sad. We fight in Afghanistan right now because of the airplane attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 (we call those attacks 9/11). In Afghanistan, we are fighting the Taliban, and looking for Osama Bin Laden, who was behind those attacks. We are at war in Iraq because it was thought they had nuclear bombs to attack America. The war in Iraq is very controversial even in America. Many Americans do not agree with it, and protest it all the time (as is their right, because of Free Speech!). Most Americans wish the wars would end.
11) What are the religions in America? Is everyone atheist?
There are all kinds of religions in America, because we have freedom of religion. Not everyone is an atheist. In fact, I think most people are Christians! I am a Christian--I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. But you can find every kind of religion in America! That's one thing that I think makes America so great!
12) Do you think abortion is a good solution? Do you think it means kill someone [Do you think abortion is killing a baby]?
I do not think abortion is good, and I do consider it as killing a baby. I have a baby boy myself, and I can't imagine life without him! I also think abortion makes it so people don't take responsibility for their actions (like "free sex"). In some situations, I think abortion might be necessary (such as if it endangers the mother's life, or in some cases rape). But overall, I personally think abortion is very wrong, and that it is murder.
13) Does America ever have natural disaster? Like earthquake?
ReplyDeleteYes, America has natural disasters all the time! Have you heard of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed much of New Orleans? There are also tornadoes, wind storms, snow storms, and earthquakes. California is well known for having earthquakes all the time (most of them very small). Tsunamis also threaten the coastal regions of the U.S., but we have been lucky and not had a tsunami for a long time--as far as I know.
14) What is the meaning of liberty for American people?
To me, liberty means I can think and do what I want without the government interfering, as long as I'm not infringing on the rights of other Americans to think and do what they want. It means I have the right to life and the pursuit of happiness, and no one can deny me that. It means I can sit here and type all of these things and it's not wrong--it's just my opinion! It means that whatever you think about what I have written is right--because that's your opinion!
15) What kind of ethnicities are in America?
Any kind of ethnicity you can think of, it is in America. The only "True Americans," some people say, are the Native Americans who lived here before the Europeans came over to colonize. Everyone else came from all over the world! As such, an American can look like anyone from around the world! Americans come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Thus it is difficult to describe what a "typical" American looks like.
16) What is the night life like in America?
It depends on where you live in America! Night life in big cities is usually pretty lively. Many people enjoy going out to bars at night (I don't drink, so my night life is going out to the movies with my husband! Or out to dinner with friends). Socializing is a big part of most Americans' lives.
17) What is special American food?
This also depends on where you are from in the U.S.! If you are from New York: Hot dogs or pizza. From the south? Jambalaya, gumbo, or anything deep fried! Some say hamburgers, some say macaroni and cheese. I come from the Oregon Coast, and they are famous for seafood! If you ever visit a place in the U.S., ask the locals what they think their special food is, and try it! You might be surprised!
Hope that helps! These are just my thoughts, so I hope you get more answers!!
1) In America is there discrimination between white skin and black skin?
ReplyDeleteYes, there is discrimination between white people and black people. Actually, there is also discrimination between both of these groups, and brown people from everywhere in the world - including Indonesia. I'l note that there is also discrimination between darker-skinned Indonesians, especially those from Papua, and others, and that in fact the fair-skinned Sundanese are, to some extent, pedastalized. (Have fun explaining that, Ms. Vidhi.) I think this question misses the point, though. There are so many more people working together to try to bridge our gaps - here, there, and everywhere in the world. I myself work in a "majority-minority" school in the South Bronx. I teach kids from 7 different countries - and I only teach 19 kids! The truth is, the world is becoming one, in more ways than one.
2) We know that America is a developed country. But what are the less things [the problems] in America?
Is everybody rich and the number of poverty very low?
This is a good question. It is true that most middle-class Americans live a lifestyle that would be considered upper-class in most developing countries (and they don't even know it!). But ever since George Bush took us to war, we have been in debt. Now our country's economy is not doing well. Many of my friends have a hard time finding and keeping a job. And without a job, I would have to move - my rent costs $975/month (hampir sepuluh jutah rupiah per bulan)! These are big problems that even educated Americans are facing because of bad choices our government has made. President Obama is trying to fix it, but there is a lot to fix...
3) Why do Americans think free sex is ok? Why doesn't the government forbid free sex? Why do Americans like free sex? Do you agree with free sex?
Not all Americans feel that free sex is OK - remember, we are not all the same! The U.S. government doesn't forbid free sex for the same reason that the Indonesian government doesn't forbid free sex, I guess. I personally think that love between a husband and a wife is one of the most valuable things in the world, and that the family is one of the most important institutions in society. As sexually fulfillment is such an important part of a marriage, I cannot imagine marrying someone who I have not had sex with before - actually, I think that is more dangerous! Also, I will note that I became aware, after living in Indonesia for a year, that after marriage, it is not uncommon for Indonesians to have affairs. I actually believe this is worse than having sex before marriage, because infidelity harms others.
4) Why do the students in high school not use uniform like in Indonesia? Why aren't they use uniform? What is the benefit of no uniform?
Actually, at my school, the students do wear uniforms. They have two choices for a shirt - blue or white. But in much of America, students do not have to wear uniforms. This is so children can express themselves. In my experience in the South Bronx and Indonesia, though, I found that kids always find other ways to express themselves. I also think it creates a sort of equality that removes some socioeconomic barriers for students.
5) What is the solution of different religion in America?
ReplyDeleteDifferent religions are not a problem, so they don't have a "solution." In Indonesia, one of the first things Soekarno did was to introduce the concept of Pancasila. This is because the only way for millions of people to live together and work together is if they accept (and celebrate!) each others' differences.
6) Why does America support Israel? Why America does not want to help Palestine people?
Let me first say that America DOES want to help Palestinians. President Obama has brought Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netenyahu together more than once to try to find a solution. Many Americans, such as Michael Heart, have openly declared that Palestine is being treated unfairly. I personally feel that Palestine is being treated unfairly, and that America should stop giving Israel weapons of any kind. My government supports Israel for other reasons, though. First, because Iran is almost certainly developing weapons-grade uranium for a reason. Second, because our political structure is for sale. (Vidhi, I didn't feel like typing that essay out, but feel free to continue where I left off).
7) Why America can say what they want to?
For the same reason we can have free sex and follow different religions and sleep over at the houses of friends of the same gender - because America is a country that places a high premium on individual freedoms. That does come at a cost, though - the cost of communitarian freedom. =/
8) What does American people look like?
Just like question 3 and 7, this question presupposes that all Americans are pretty much the same. We are as diverse as Indonesia is - the Mandar, the Bugis, the Sundanese, the Batak, the Acehnese, the Balinese, the Papuans...the list goes on!
9) Why in New York most of the people don't know their neighbors?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great question. In New York, people don't stay outside of their house. The streets are busy and narrow, and a lot of people are walking. Usually, you have to go to a park or museum or coffee shop. It is hard to meet your neighbor when you never hang out outside of your locked door.
10) Why are the Americans so furious and fight in Afghanistan and Iraq? Why American people like to go to war with Arabian country?
Most Americans are furious at our government for being in those wars. I was furious that we got into them in the first place. The war in Iraq was a complete mistake. The war in Afghanistan might be more justifiable, but the United Nations should act on issues such as that - not just America. I sad fairness, America does not like going to war in Arabian countries any more than it does Central and Southern American countries. We seem to have a real disinterest in going t war in Africa, though. It seems we go where the money is. And there is a lot of oil in the middle East/Arabian countries. This is a shameful thing, but I think it is true.
11) What are the religions in America? Is everyone atheist?
I have friends who are Methodists, Baptists, 7th day adventists, Episcopalians, Catholics, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, Muslims, AND Atheists (and others!). Actually, very few Americans are atheists. But in fairness, why don't you believe in all the other Gods? Atheists agree with you on every one - they just believe in one less God than you.
12) Do you think abortion is a good solution? Do you think it means kill someone [Do you think abortion is killing a baby]?
I believe that killing is wrong in any form. I think abortion is bad, but I think the death penalty is also bad. These killings occur in both of our countries. I think, in a just society, no one should be killed for a crime. I also think no one should be killed before being born. I also believe, however, that it is unfair to say that everyone should have to live by my rules. You asked whether I think abortion is a good solution. The use of the word "solution" this time is actually important. If you were a 23 year old woman with with no family, you just got fired, and someone raped and impregnated you, you might think of abortion as a solution. I would think you were wrong, but I don't think it'd be my business to tell you that, much less to legally disallow you from having an abortion.
13) Does America ever have natural disaster? Like earthquake?
ReplyDeleteWe do. They happen along the San Andreas fault, near California, often. There are other earthquakes around America sometimes, too. But more of our natural disasters nowadays come in the form of hurricanes and floods, like the one that hit New Orleans.
14) What is the meaning of liberty for American people?
The meaning of liberty, for me, is the ability to do as I wish, as long as it does not cause harm to others around me or the social systems I am a part of.
15) What kind of ethnicities are in America?
Americans come from every corner of the Earth. See questions 1 and 11.
16) What is the night life like in America?
I might not be the best person to ask. I do not go out all too often in America, because it is very expensive to do so in New York City. When I do go out, though, there are many options - theaters, restaurants, bridges, parks, the statue of liberty, times square, the movie theater, and others.
17) What is special American food?
My favorite food as a kid was Toasted Ravioli - they are khususnya St. Louis. But now I am a vegetarian, so I do not eat them anymore.
10)... *In fairness...
ReplyDeleteAlso, Britainy, I liked your responses, which i swear I didn't read before posting my own!