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Paul Sparks
- Online English Lesson Plans, Lesson Material and Ideas for "Culture of
English Speaking Countries Lessons" for Xiangtan Normal University...
WESTERN CULTURE AND SOCIETY: THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA (USA) -
American Social Problems
Racial Problems: Americans are a nation of
immigrants. Their ancestors are from many different parts of the world. Some
came in search of a better life, whilst others were sent to America as
slaves. Because there are so many different cultures and religions in
America the result is sometimes conflict. There have been many periods of
violence due to racial discrimination. The main violence is against the
black American population.
Although legal
segregation was ended in the 1960's there still exists a segregation in many
areas through choice, housing is especially segregated. Many black people
live in black only neighbourhoods, and do not mix with white Americans.
Black neighbourhoods are sometimes referred to as "Ghettos".
Poverty: America is generally known as a rich
country, however about 1 in every 10 Americans lives below the national
poverty line. This means that they live on incomes that the government
considers too low to buy food, clothes, shelter etc. Many different groups
of society live in poverty, sometimes young people, sometimes old people.
Poverty leads to crime such as stealing and also leads to the spread of
disease. the distribution of money in America is not equal - some people
have great wealth, whilst others struggle to live.
Crime: The main social problem in America is
Crime. Violent crime rises every year, with most people afraid to leave
their homes in the dark, especially in big cities. Many Americans own, and
carry, guns for their own protection (this is legal in America). The
majority of crime is by young men, with many more black men being arrested
than white.
Drugs: The problem of drug abuse grows every
year. There is a strong link between drugs and crime. Alcohol and drugs are
responsible for many deaths on American roads, with drivers who are drunk or
taking drugs. The drug problem began in the 1960's with "social
drugs", but more recently has grown into the use of strong drugs. The
strong drug users also spread disease through dirty needles, especially HIV
/ AIDS - a big problem in America. the drug problem costs the government a
lot of money - because of crime, court cases, hospital treatment etc.
President Bush Announces Drug Control Strategy:
An effective strategy to combat illegal drug use in the United States is a
top priority for the White House, says President Bush, because drugs
"constitute a huge challenge to the very health of our nation."
Bush, unveiling his
administration's national drug control strategy for 2002, spoke in
Washington on February 12th about the dangers of illicit drugs and the
urgent need to reduce demand for drugs within the United States while also
attacking the supply of drugs from source countries.
The goals of his new
drug control strategy are "to limit drug supply, to reduce demand and
to provide addicts with effective and compassionate drug treatment,"
Bush said. "These steps must be funded, which is why the budget I
submitted to Congress calls for $19 billion to fight drug use."
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