Fluent Essays

Content: Begin with an introduction with a thesis statement. Provide a brief history of your culture. Explain how your chosen culture is represented in the United States. Discuss whether your culture individualistic or collectivistic. Provide at least one example. Detail some of the artistic (art, music, architecture, dance) contributions of your culture. Explain some of the values of your culture. Provide at least three examples. Discuss your culture’s religion(s). Include name and basic belief system of at least one of the major faiths. Detail some of the sex and gender role differences in your culture (provide at least three examples) Discuss what we would need to know to acculturate into your culture. (If a past one, what would we need to do for preparing for our time machine to fit in). Provide at least one concrete suggestion. End with the conclusion. Specific Requirements: Length four to six pages in length (Times New Roman; One inch margins; Font 12; Double-spaced) Must contain in-text citations in current APA Style Check your spelling and grammar Include a minimum of three or more credible sources (books, journal articles, magazine/newspaper articles, etc.) Outline: INTRODUCTION HISTORY CULTURAL CONTEXT Represented in US Individualistic/Collective Artistic Values Religion SEX AND GENDER ROLES ACCULTURATION CONCLUSION REFERENCES Signature Assignment Topic Selection Name: 1. What is your topic 6. What are some of the artistic values? 2. What is the history 7. The values of the culture 3. Cultural Context 8. The Religion 4. Representation in the US 9. Sex and Gender Roles 5. Individualistic or Collective 10. Acculturation of the culture 1. What is your topic The Aztec culture 2. What is the history When Cortez and his conquistadores arrived on the same shore, that mythology had lasted for generations and had become part of the Aztec civilization. Around 1300 A.D., the Aztecs came in the Valley of Mexico as nomadic wanderers. They arrived in the area north of the Gulf of California. The Aztecs extended their dynasty through armed conquests and kept it going by levying tributes on conquered lands. The Aztecs required new slaves to pay tribute to Tenochtitlan every 80 days. The Aztec society was extremely complicated. There existed a social gap between the nobles and the common people. 3. Cultural Context Tenochtitlan, Mexica or Tenochca city-state; Texcoco; and Tlacopan, once part of the Tepanec kingdom, whose main power was Azcapotzalco, became the Aztec Empire in 1427. The Aztecs culture was primarily a militaristic and agricultural civilization. Huitzilopochtli, the deity of battle, and Tlaloc, the lord of rain, were their two most prominent deities. The Aztec economy depended on the combination of military and agriculture. 4. Representation in the US The Aztecs were newcomers to Mexicos Valley of Mexico. South America and Central America were inhabited as far north as the Valley of Mexico during the first migration. When the glaciers in northern North America receded around 12,000 BCE, the second migration occurred. It was responsible for the population of what is now Canada and the United States. 5. Individualistic or Collective The topic is based on a collective and holistic view of the Aztec community culture in the country 6. What are some of the artistic values Human sacrifice to their gods was one of the Aztecs most prized possessions. The Aztecs thought that the gods required to be given human blood in order to maintain the universes integrity. It was critical to obtain human sacrifices since they need it. 7. The values of the culture  Morality was emphasized by Aztec philosophers as a means of achieving equilibrium. With the ever-changing teotl, the world was perceived as continuously altering. Morality was concerned with finding a way to live a balanced existence that would give stability in an ever-changing environment. They produce petals before withering and dying. 8. The Religion Like other Mesoamerican cultures, the Aztecs possessed a large number of God or goddess. As a result, they were a polytheistic culture, which meant they worshipped numerous gods, each of whom represented various aspects of the universe to the Aztecs.  9. Sex and Gender Roles Men and women in Aztec society played vastly distinct roles. In general, males were required to undertake more physically demanding work, whilst women were supposed to stay at home and care for their families. Women were entrusted with caring for small children, making meals, and mending clothing, for example. 10. Acculturation of the culture ** Write how you would fit into the Aztec culture*** 2 Signature Assignment Outline Kaytlin De Los Santos West Coast University HUM 370 September 19, 2021 I. Introduction The Aztec community remains one of the earliest to arrive on the shores of America. Their presence led to the shaking of the status quo. The Aztec community practiced a different culture than most of the other communities in America, and their assimilation and continued interactions with other communities through war and conquest continued to shape their culture and religion. It also, in a more significant way, impacted their economic way of life. II. History The Aztecs emerged in Mesoamerica–as the south-central area of pre-Columbian Mexico was recognized in the early thirteenth century. Their arrival occurred after the Toltecs, the formerly dominating Mesoamerican civilization, fell or may be aided in the collapse of the Toltecs. The Aztecs arrived in the Valley of Mexico as nomadic wanderers around 1300 A.D (History.com Editors, 2021). They arrived in the region north of the California Gulf. The Aztecs used armed conquests to expand their reign and kept it running by levying taxes on conquered areas. Every 80 days, the Aztecs demanded fresh slaves to pay tribute to Tenochtitlan. The Aztec civilization was a maze of intricacies. Between the nobles and the ordinary people, there was a social divide. III. Cultural context a) Represented in the United States 1) The Aztecs were foreigners to the Valley of Mexico in Mexico. During the first migration, people lived as far north as the Valley of Mexico in South America and Central America. The second migration began approximately 12,000 BCE when the glaciers in northern North America began to melt. The Aztec community is credited as the genesis of the current populations of Canada and the United States. 2) The Aztec’s arrival to the shows of America continued to challenge other communities through war fairs and cultural activities. In their dominant period, the Aztec community assimilated most other communities, making it the largest community, which by far continues to influence the United States Culture. b) Individualistic/collective 1) During the migration ad the settlement on American soil, individual culture continued to be shaped by interactions with other communities, interactions between one another, and mainly through economic and war activities. 2) Collectively, the cultural believes of the Aztec community continued to be shaped by their cultural, economic, and war fair activities. The Aztecs relied on other communities for products they could not produce themselves, and, in the process, the interaction brought about change in their own culture. Secondly, during wars and raids and the capturing of slaves acted as a catalyst in impacting the Aztec culture. c) Artistic 1) The Aztec communities contributed to numerous artistic values during their era. They practiced human sacrifice. One of the Aztecs most precious assets was a human sacrifice to their gods. The Aztecs believed that to maintain the universes integrity, the gods needed to be fed human blood. It was essential to secure human sacrifices since they were in desperate need. 2) The Aztecs also practiced iron smithing and cloth making. They produced their swords, spears, and arrows that were utilized during wars and raids. d) Values/Religion 1) Aztec thinkers stressed morality as a method of reaching harmony. The world was seen as constantly changing because of the ever-changing teotl. In an ever-changing environment, morality was preoccupied with finding a means to live a balanced living that would provide stability. 2) The Aztecs, like other Mesoamerican cultures, had a vast number of gods and goddesses. As a result, they were a polytheistic civilization, worshiping several gods representing different parts of the world to the Aztecs. e) Sex and gender roles 1) In Aztec civilization, men and women had very different roles. Males were expected to do more physically demanding labor, while females were expected to stay at home and care for their families. Women were entrusted with tasks like caring for tiny children, preparing meals, and repairing clothing. IV. Acculturation 1) The Aztecs expanded their empire via armed conquests and maintained it by taxing conquered areas. Through war fairs, the Aztec civilization was able to spread its culture. V. Conclusion a) The Aztec arrival in America is documented as to have happened in the 1300A.D. Their influence over the land was immense, and their arrival affected both their culture and that of the natives. b) The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice to entice their many gods and practiced war and raids as cultural and economic practices. References History.com Editors. (2021, September 9). Aztecs. HISTORY. retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-americas/aztecs#:\%7E:text=The\%20Aztec\%20civilization\%20was\%20also,indentured\%20servants\%20and\%20enslaved\%20workers. Running head: 1950’S AMERICA 1 Signature Assignment: 1950’s America West Coast University This study source was downloaded by 100000764757725 from CourseHero.com on 10-18-2021 11:26:30 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ Th is stu dy re so ur ce w as sh ar ed v ia C ou rs eH er o. co m https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ 1950’S AMERICA 2 Abstract This paper will explain certain aspects of America’s culture in the 1950’s. Some of these aspects include cultural values, artistic contributions, religion, sex/gender roles, and many more. It will expand upon how one would assimilate into this culture and what actions they would take in order to achieve assimilation. This study source was downloaded by 100000764757725 from CourseHero.com on 10-18-2021 11:26:30 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ Th is stu dy re so ur ce w as sh ar ed v ia C ou rs eH er o. co m https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ 1950’S AMERICA 3 Signature Assignment: 1950’s America American culture was quite different in the 1950’s compared to how it is now. The 1950’s showed many of America’s greatest achievements, some of which include a strong military and a booming economy. Although this era came with many successes, it was also a time of conflict for our great nation such as the Civil Rights Movement which marked a major endeavor against racism and discrimination in the everyday American Life. The 1950’s in the United States of America was a major point of wealth in many aspects of culture. The post-war society led to many “booms” such as the “baby boom.” The baby boom in the United States was an “increase in the birth rate between 1946 and 1964,” (Britannica, 2009). One of the main reasons to this sudden increase in birth rate was the end of World War II. The war prevented many couples from having children and the end of the war allowed people the opportunity to have the children they wanted before the war and so the majority of couples took advantage of this which led to the “baby boom.” The population of the “baby boomer” generation reached to over 75 million which allowed them to have a huge impact on the nation’s culture. As states before this era was a time of prosperity for the citizens of the United States. It was somewhat of an epitome of the American Dream. People enjoyed a booming economy which led to the increase in housing, education, and consumerism. In regards to whether or not the culture of this time was more so individualistic or collectivistic, many people would argue either way. In a sense it was both individualistic and collectivistic. The society of the 1950’s was individualistic in the sense that, “the key to success and happiness lies in assuming self control, establishing goals for the self, and striving to become a socially cooperative and ‘mature’ individual, (Thomson, 1992). With that being said, individuality was a prime factor in the 1950’s This study source was downloaded by 100000764757725 from CourseHero.com on 10-18-2021 11:26:30 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ Th is stu dy re so ur ce w as sh ar ed v ia C ou rs eH er o. co m https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ 1950’S AMERICA 4 because after the war, many people decided to act on the many freedoms in which America has established for its people since the dawn of this country. The factor of collectivism comes into play in the sense that American people as a whole came together and embraced their patriotism. This sense of pride also came from the results of the war. Many things were changing in the 1950’s in America, especially with the new generation of baby boomers and their parents becoming more of a part of society after World War II. One of these things would be the rise of Rock ‘n Roll. Many American citizens gravitated towards this genre which helped build a connection between the whites and the blacks which had many racial tensions during that time. Some artists that became prominent of that time were Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Pop music as well was very prominent in this era. Some successful artists that could be named would be Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. Another genre of music that saw an increase in interest was country music. Some artist names in which many American people enjoyed during the fifties was Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Gene Autry. The last genre that will be mentioned is Rhythm and Blues, also known as R&B. This genre of music stemmed from the popularity of jazz music from the 1940’s. Some notable artists of Rhythm and Blues music would be Ray Charles, Lloyd Price, and The Drifters. Music has always influenced society and vice versa, which is why the music of this time was especially important and symbolic of how 1950’s culture was. The values of this time era were quite different due to the rise of Rock and Roll and the fruits of the post war booms. Due to the financial boom, many American citizens had an increase in income allowing them to enjoy more materialistic luxuries. A lot of this allowed the popular culture to influence the majority of Americans alongside with the invention of television. With this in mind, the media was able to reach the average American citizen through the comfort of This study source was downloaded by 100000764757725 from CourseHero.com on 10-18-2021 11:26:30 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ Th is stu dy re so ur ce w as sh ar ed v ia C ou rs eH er o. co m https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ 1950’S AMERICA 5 their home without much effort on either part. The influence of music, specifically Rock and Roll stemmed from the music genre of Rhythm and Blues. Themes of this music were very popular among the younger community. Some of these themes emphasized young love but more importantly the rebellion against those with higher power. This goes hand in hand with the Civil Right’s Movement which challenged those in authority in order to have equal rights for all citizens of America. Religion in the United States during the 1950’s thrived due to many reasons. The post war booms also included an expanding variety of religions in which, “would appeal to different kinds of people. Before the war, organized religion was much more restricted,” (Tucker, 1997). In the 1950’s “church membership grew at a faster rate than the population, from 57 percent of the U.S. population in 1950 to 63.3 percent in 1960” (Tucker, 1997). But with growth, comes conflict. Such conflicts would consist of: “Catholic vs. Protestant, ‘high’ vs. ‘low’ culture, mainstream vs. underground, liberal vs. evangelical” (Tucker, 1997). Towards the end of the decade, the noise and growth of religion died down as the generation of baby boomers were on the rise and had their minds elsewhere. Post-war gender roles in the 1950’s were the basic nuclear family expectations. Women who were once put to work while men were off battling in the war, either voluntarily gave up their careers to keep up the household or they were fired in order to make room in the workforce for the men returning from war. The percentage of women enrolled into college also declined: “In 1920 47 percent of college students were women; by 1958 that figure stood at 38 percent despite the availability of more federal aid to pay for university education” (History, Art & Archives, 2007). Men on the other hand had the same expectations as before. They were expected to be the breadwinner for their families in order to provide food, shelter, etc. This study source was downloaded by 100000764757725 from CourseHero.com on 10-18-2021 11:26:30 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ Th is stu dy re so ur ce w as sh ar ed v ia C ou rs eH er o. co m https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ 1950’S AMERICA 6 Comparing this to today’s standards, many things have shifted to a more equalized dynamic between men and women. In order for one to assimilate and acculturate into this culture of 1950’s America, one would have to do a few things. Women were expected to stay at home and care for their children and the household, while men were expected to make some sort of income in order to provide for his family. Popular culture also was hugely influential during this time, so one would have to become well versed in the trends going on during this time period which includes staying up to date with the media via television, political movements, music, etc. But most of all, a huge sense of patriotism was necessary especially after World War II showcasing the United States of America’s great military power. All in all, the United States in the 1950’s was very much a different time than the United States that we live in now. Men and women have different expectations and are held to different and more equal standards now, and conformity is not a main priority. Although patriotism is still a key factor to American citizens, the majority of the population now have a more individualistic mindset. Throughout all of these changes to the U.S. society and culture, it has only made this country greater and will continue to culturally develop as time passes. This study source was downloaded by 100000764757725 from CourseHero.com on 10-18-2021 11:26:30 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ Th is stu dy re so ur ce w as sh ar ed v ia C ou rs eH er o. co m https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ 1950’S AMERICA 7 References Britannica, T. E. (2019, May 08). Baby boom. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/baby-boom Editors, H. (2010, June 17). The 1950s. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/cold- war/1950s Pearson, S. (n.d.). Music Played in the 1950s Popular Music From the 50s. Retrieved from http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/50smusic.html Popular culture and mass media in the 1950s. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/postwarera/1950s-america/a/popular- culture-and-mass-media-cnx Postwar Gender Roles and Women in American Politics. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Essays/Changing- Guard/Identity/ The 1950s – Powerful Years for Religion. (2012, April 04). Retrieved from https://news.usc.edu/25835/The-1950s-Powerful-Years-for-Religion/ Thomson, I. T. (1992, September). Individualism and Conformity in the 1950s vs. the 1980s. In Sociological Forum (Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 497-516). Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers. This study source was downloaded by 100000764757725 from CourseHero.com on 10-18-2021 11:26:30 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ Th is stu dy re so ur ce w as sh ar ed v ia C ou rs eH er o. co m Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) https://www.coursehero.com/file/55624429/HUM370-Signature-Assignment-1950s-Americadocx/ http://www.tcpdf.org