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TOPIC 69 - SOCIETY AND CULTURE. STEREOTYPES AND EMBLEMS. - Coggle Diagram
TOPIC 69 - SOCIETY AND CULTURE. STEREOTYPES AND EMBLEMS.
General consideration
Broad interpretations
related to society and culture - Focus on UK and USA due to their influence.
Rely on
clichés
that oversimplify the complexity.
Generalizations
(ENgland, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland // East and West Coast of the USA.
Focus on
Key Stereotypes
within British and American cultures:
Social institution, symbols, and daily lives
(ongoing changes).
Two perspectives:
UK
(4 countries) /
USA
(diverse ethnic and racial groups)
Who are the BRITISH?
The Scots
Highlands
: Isolated, Gaelic language, clan culture.
Lowlands
: Industrial cities, home to most Scots.
Stereotypes
:
Kilts & tartans
linked to clans. Seen as
hardworking & frugal,
but generalizations exist.
Many Scots migrated, pioneering in
America & Canada.
Scottish Nationalism
: since 1960s.
1997 referendum
led to a
Scottish Parliament
in Edinburgh. Push for full independence continues.
Unique
Scottish dialect & surnames.
Writers like
Robert Burns & Sir Walter Scott
shaped national identity.
The Welsh
Politically united with
England (1535)
but culturally distinct.
Welsh language
declining, promoted by
Welsh National Party.
Stereotyped as
musical & poetic
(National Eisteddfod).
Rugby
is a national passion.
North & Central Wales:
Agricultural.
South Wales:
Industrial (coal & steel).
Common surnames:
Jones, Williams,
often with "Ap" (son of).
Dylan Thomas
depicted Welsh identity in literature.
The English
Stereotypes as
reserved
,
unemotional
and
resistant to change.
Historically shaped by
Protestantism & immigration
(WWII refugees, colonial migrants).
Immigration
has led to
cultural enrichment
but also
racial tensions.
The Irish
Predominantly
Celtic
, preserving Gaelic & English.
Rich
literary heritage
(Swift, Joyce).
Often
misrepresented by stereotypes
, identity shaped by
history & resilience.
A brief note on History
UK covers
250,000 km²
with diverse cultures.
"British"
includes people from
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Misuse of
"England"/ "English"
to refer to the UK can be frustrating.
Celts
(from Continental Europe) settled
2,000 years ago.
Romans
invaded in
43 AD
, naming it
Britannia
.
5th Century:
Angles & Saxons (
Germany, Denmark, Netherlands) → "Angle-Land" (England).
9th-10th centuries
:
Vikings
(Denmark & Norway) invaded.
1066:
Norman Conquest
(from France) shaped language & society.
Invasions
pushed
Celts to Wales & Scotland;
remained in Ireland.
English people are mainly
Anglo-Saxon descendants.
Historical invasions explain the
distinct identities & traditions
in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Stereotypes and Emblems of the UK
The Pub
Social hub for
drinks, food, and gatherings.
Many are
historical coaching inns.
Licensing laws have
relaxed opening hours.
Tea at Five
Tea is a
national habit,
but not always at 5 PM.
So iconic that it
names the main meal
in some households.
The Church of England
King
is the head of the Church of England.
Other major denominations:
Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian.
Scotland’s Presbyterian Church
is separate from the Church of England.
Folk Music
Traditional
,
rural origins
, passed down orally.
Contrasts with
classical music (elite)
and
pop music (social circles).
The Union Jack
: National flag.
St. George
(England, red cross).
St. Andrew
( Scotland, white diagonal cross).
St. Patrick
(Ireland, Red diagonal cross).
The USA
Afro-Americans
Roots in
African tribes,
some identify with
Africa
, others as distinctly
American
.
Race relations
remain a challenge despite progress since the
Civil War.
Great
Migration
: Moved North (NY, Chicago, Detroit), forming
urban ghettos.
Social issues
: Higher
unemployment
,
crime
, and
drug use
in poorer communities.
Civil Rights Movement (1960s)
ended legal discrimination, but challenges persist.
Progress
: Increased
political power
(mayors in Atlanta, LA), more college representation.
Racial disparities
remain, seen in cases like
O.J. Simpson trial.
Native Americans
History of mistreatment:
Betrayal, violence, and near decimation by
Spaniards, British, and Americans.
Reservations
: Self-governed but often on p
oor, arid land,
unsuitable for farming.
Struggles
: High
unemployment
and
disconnection
from mainstream
society
.
Urban migration:
Some seek opportunities in
cities
, but challenges remain
Anglo-Saxon Americans
Found in various
social classes
:
Poor farmers & coal miners
(Appalachia).
Wealthy oil businessmen
(Texas).
Skilled professionals
(New England).
Represent about
45% of the population.
Descendants
of
original settlers
, widely spread across the USA.
Do
not identify as a **
distinct ethnic group.**
Stereotypes and Emblems of the USA
Stereotypes
Seen as
enthusiastic
,
sentimental
,
patriotic
, yet also
self-critical.
Hard-working, driven by the American Dream.
Passion for
grandeur
(e.g., skyscrapers, bridges).
Stereotype of
prioritizing money,
though generosity exists.
Less class-conscious, more race-conscious.
Emblems
Fourth of July:
Celebration of Independence.
New York City:
Symbol of
diversity
(e.g., Manhattan, Brooklyn).
Disney World:
Largest amusement resort, major tourist attraction.
The American Millionaire
: Embodies the
American Dream
.
The Melting Pot
European immigrants
formed
tight-knit neighborhoods
(e.g., Italians, Chinese, Germans, Irish).
Consensus that all Americans should
speak English
and adapt to society.
Germans
(excluding Anglo-Saxons) are the
largest ethnic group.
Chinatowns
are major cultural landmarks.
Debate on whether
customs & languages
should be preserved or fully assimilated.
USA is a
melting pot
where immigrants integrate but also retain
cultural heritage.
Despite
WWII mistreatment,
Japanese
Americans have rebuilt and gained respect.
MUSIC as a cultural influence on society
:
Medieval
ballads
spread news through music.
Modern media (radio, TV, concerts)
amplify music’s impact.
Popular Music
Jazz:
Originated from
African American slave songs,
evolved but retains roots (e.g.,
New Orleans
).
1980s-90s:
New Wave, Acid House, Heavy Metal.
Icons
: Michael Jackson, U2, Rolling Stones, Phil Collins.
1990s Britpop:
Oasis, Spice Girls reshaped culture.
1970s Punk:
The Sex Pistols
→ Anarchy, rebellion.
1960s-70s Trends:
Teddy Boys → I
mitated Elvis.
Mods
(The Who, Small Faces) → Smart dress, scooters, clashed with Rockers.
Hippies
→ Psychedelic music, peace, love, anti-materialism.
1950s Rock-n-Roll:
Elvis Presley
inspired youth culture & fashion.
The use of Songs in the Language Classroom
Engaging & motivating
for students.
Improve v
ocabulary, pronunciation, syntax.
Show
real-life language use.
Teachers should choose songs with
clear learning objectives.