I was fascinated by this map of common languages spoken in the U.S. We really ARE a diverse country! And each language and person speaking it adds to the richness of our American culture.
Tag Archive for culture
Happy Lunar New Year!
Actually, here in the West, Chinese New Year began yesterday (today in Asia). Even so, a fresh, new year is always something to celebrate. This is the Year of the Pig, the last in line of the 12 zodiac animals.
You, like me, may not know a whole lot about this event. I found out a lot of interesting stuff at Year of the Pig. It tells, among other things, characteristics of people born under this sign and who they’re compatible (or incompatible) with. You may want to take a look. You don’t have to believe in it. But it does give a glimpse into a culture you may not be familiar with. And that’s always a good idea.
Following Our Kids’ Example
LOOK AT WHAT SHE’S WEARING! I’ve said this to myself often, impressed by colorful ethnic dress. But because I haven’t gone up to the person to compliment her, I’ve missed a chance to get to know someone new and probably learn something about a culture I’m not familiar with. Too often we miss such chances. People from ethnic backgrounds different from our own are all around us. We can grab the opportunity by sitting with them at church or asking to join their table at the Fellowship that follows. We can engage them in conversation at a party, during work breaks, before and after meetings. Where we are gathered gives us subjects to talk about (the meeting topic or a critique of what the boss said or a new place to shop in the area). Our kids have been doing this since 2002 nationally and locally at “Mix It Up at Lunch Day.” If we follow their lead we’ll enrich each other’s lives and build a stronger human community.
Culture and Contempt, Chavez Style
This Saturday is Caesar Chavez Day in California, Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, and Nebraska. It celebrates the legacy of an American farm-worker who led his fellow workers toward claiming their civil rights. Along with Dolores Huerta, he started the United Farm Workers. This day was established as one in which we focus on doing service for the community. In today’s Thursday Thought quote, he reminds us of an important fact that should be everyone’s mindset.
“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” — Cesar Chavez
Trader Joe’s, a Good Guy
I was delighted when I ran across this article online. It’s encouraging to learn of a corporation that feels a responsibility toward people who aren’t even their customers. And to learn that it’s actually their corporate policy. (Article copied from this site.
Trader Joe’s Donates 35,000 Pounds Of Food After Refrigerator Malfunction
January 7, 2018
Getty Images
A Trader Joe’s store in Kalamazoo, Michigan, donated 35,000 pounds of food to a local shelter after their refrigeration system went down Wednesday morning.
The grocery chain delivered the food to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission which says the donation is the largest donation they’ve ever seen.
Trader Joe’s store captain Daniel Sorscher says donating food to local shelters is the company’s policy.
“Everything that we deem is able to be consumed safely we donate to our neighbors and we’re really happy to participate in helping the community in that way,” Sorscher told FOX17 News.
“They just really exemplified a culture of generosity and we’re just so thankful for them,” said Greg Weaver, the Director of Food Service at Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.
Speak English, Darn It!
[The other day I was waiting for a table at my local cafe when I overheard two things: a couple speaking in a foreign language, and a trio of angry people, complaining about the couple’s audacity at not speaking English. That led me to write the following thoughts.]
* * * * *
My blood boils as I wait to be seated at a restaurant, two people near me talking in another language. They’re in America, so they should speak English!
But why? Do I think they’re talking about me? Or planning to rob the place? Do I really want (or need) to know what they’re saying? If they were speaking English, it would be rude of me to eavesdrop. I’m not bothered by people speaking in sign language or teens speaking their brand of “English” (although I could do without some of those words). I, like most people, pepper my everyday language with borrowings from Spanish, German, Yiddish, Italian. And I know that if I go to England, people there will complain that I don’t really speak English at all!
Next time, then, I resolve to turn boiling blood into thankfulness for living in a country made up of a rich tapestry of cultures, all of which add words to that ever-evolving banquet of language we call “English.”