Avila_America+1

=//**This is where I began the year**// ... =

Avila_America1REFLECTION

"Freeing yourself was one thing: claiming ownership of that freed self was another." Quote from Toni Morrisons //Beloved// page 128

=...Being American means.... =

= ...being the  //**BEST, the STRONGEST **//, the most //POWERFUL// =

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Women workers, during WWII, became essential to the nations war efforts. As many of the men were recruited to the military, there were few men that were at home working in the factories. As a result, the women became a major part of the workforce. One the war had finished, the men who were away returned and replaced the females simply because of their gender. This frustrated many women who were suddenly unemployed, even though they had contributed and worked just as hard. A revolution by women would continue until there was change in U.S policy and law. The goal was for women workers to have the same, if almost equal rights as the men, and become important citizens to the American society.

...being American meant... .... **embracing CHANGE** ...



The image depicts pilgrims signing the Mayflower Compact just before the Mayflower anchored in Provincetown Harbor off Cape Cod. Both pilgrims and non-pilgrims pledged that they would unite into a "civil body politic." (otherwise known as a government.) The image depicts pilgrims signing the Mayflower Compact just before the Mayflower anchored in Provincetown Harbor off Cape Cod. Both pilgrims and non-pilgrims pledged that they would unite into a "civil body politic." (otherwise known as a government.)

...being American meant... ....a desire for **ADVENTURE** ...

This image is of people and their wagon trains on a trail heading West. Many Americans migrated during the early 1800's. Many of the families that migrated during this time period migrated from the East Coast where many families had began. Those who chose to explore West were usually looking for a new life. Many pictured the West as a fertile place where they could flourish and thrive with other families, eventually creating a society that would be in existance for a long period of time. However, the journey West was usually long and, those who chose to venture, would be faced with many challenged. Two of the biggest obsticles that the pilgrims faced were the natives who had originally lived there and the dry terrain. Those who were not strong enough would eventually die of old age, disease, lack of nutrition and other such health conditions. As they journeyed down unknown territory, Native Americans would attack the travelers, steal their food, travel equipment, tools, and animals. Many were left dead. Mothers and fathers would commonly lose their children while many children would become orphaned after having lost their parents. Families were dispaced and, the only possible way to survive would be by staying together as a community. Those who reached their actual goal, starting a community in the rich and fertile soil of the West, were luck to be alive. They would reach bare soil and would have to work hard to maintain a society. Thus, the Americans struggled to get our country on its feet.

...being American meant... ...being an **INDIVIDUAL** ...

 <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">In the mid-1800's, all northern states began supporting public education. When in highschool, the girls and boys were seperated and the attention was mostly focused on the male gender because they were viewed as superior.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">...being American meant... <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">....making the most of our <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 30px;">**OPPORTUNITIES** <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">...



<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The drive-in-theaters were extremely popular in the 40's and 50's. In the late 50's, 9 out of 10 families living in the suburbs owned a car. After WWII, families were able to relax and spend time with each other. Even though the international tention was still very much alive (in particular with the U.S relations to the Soviet Union), many people found drive-ins to be an enjoyment and pleasurable. The movie industry boomed during this time and had a great influence on the general public, even thought movies were commonly only shown in black and white rather than in color. What was also significant about the Drive-In was that families were able to show off their social status but driving around in vehicles that were new and fashionable. Thus, the auto industry was a huge success during this time. Eventually, almost every American family would own a car which would allow for communication and transportation to increase throughout the years. Durign these years, the Ameican people moved to a new mindset. During the war period, many people only tried to consume the bare minimum to help the troops that were overseas. Now, as the war was over and soldiers were returning back home, Americans were becoming more reliant on materials. =<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 1.4em;">//**Avila_America 2**// =