Religion in New Orleans

Religion in New Orleans

New Orleans is famous for its music,
cuisine, festivals, celebrations and 
history. The city of jazz is a very 
fascinating city which has in my point 
of view a special magic. I've been really impressed with the variety of cultures and ethnic groups which you can find in New Orleans. 
The originally and most widely followed religion in 
New Orleans was Catholic. The influence of Catholicism is reflected in many of the city's French and Spanish cultural traditions, including its schools, street names, architecture, and festivals. The Saint Louis Catholic
Cathedral (picture) is one of the symbols of the city.





Aside from Christian religions a few Negroes followed the religion of Voodoo. Voodoo came to New Orleans directly from Africa. The main belief was that possession of spirits is possible.



Today, the voodoo is a major tourist attraction in New Orleans. You can find in the French Quarter a lot of voodoo shops selling voodoo dolls, gris-gris, potion oils, candles, and a lot of other things. 











If you are interested in knowing more about voodoo,  you can visit the New Orleans Historic Museum which houses numerous artifacts and provides spiritual services like marriage ceremonies or consultations.

I find it kind of funny to find a radio station with the name " Voodoo Good Life". I think it shows the importance of Voodoo in New Orleans. It is a part of the history of this city. 

American values : education

One of the values, expressed in a ostentatious way, which characterizes the United States, is the education. Here, people show very clearly and proudly their passion and membership (as a student, as a student's parent or relative) to their schools, high schools, colleges.

 

In fact, as for sport's teams, one may see logos and mascots of all these different schools exposed everywhere : bomber stickers, flags, t-shirts, caps, pens and note books, etc. People are honored to be a part of the community they chose and belong to, and pay every year, several thousands of dollars to enter the most prestigious schools and universities of the country, when they can afford them. 

 

Indeed, because a year in college cost in general between 5,000 (the less expensive are the state universities) and 30,000 dollars, most of the families/students make bank loans to finance their education, sometimes encouraged by scholarships. To be in debt very early in their life, is the everyday life of the majority of Americans.  

 

As far as I am concerned, I don't approve this system that consists to pay the access to a good education, or at least, an education. More than my habits or my culture, my principles and values don't fit with this system, and I can't support nor agree with it. For me, education and health are two important values that should be priorities, and be affordable for everyone, in a reasonable way, and financed in a common effort government/state/people, according to their means.  

 

For example in France, the country I come from and studied, public schools and universities are really good for most of them, and accept everybody. To enroll in college (medicine, communication, art, etc) costs about 300/500 euros per year (385/650 dollars). 

 

I learned few weeks ago that the governor of Louisiana stopped to financially help UNO, a state university, because he prefers support the private education. What a shame and an injustice for all these people of Louisiana that face that terrible reality.

 

 

American Values

I have lived with American family and been in the States for almost 3 years, in my perspective I see that most American value consumerism and obesity. These two categories are very obvious. Like the first day of elective class as everyone could recognized the characteristic of American.

Consumerism

            People are never satisfied what they already had. Honestly saying that I see almost most of Americans are in this category. Everyone consume for a better job, a better object than others. And they keep buying it and never know the limit. If a person is not consumed then he is a homeless.

            For this picture I took at The Market in Dana Center, people are buying chips and spree supplies that they might already had. But they still want to buy more. It seems like they want to spend more money. The demand is always high. They ignore the old and want better, more expensive objects.

Obesity

            Except for vegetarian or some elders are good at eating habit; growing up kids and teenagers are the best example for obesity. Without education and self-control, it is hard to keep track on shape and health. Teenagers like to eat fast food because of its convenience and cheap without thinking its side effect. Beside that, sweet food is also their top choice.

            This is the Bo-boys store in Dana Center called Flambuex. Almost every night I see students rather here for late snack or studying with a Bo-boys sandwich. 

New Orleans & its music __ Hebe Gurdian

No other American city values music the way New Orleans does. Music is not something that is tangible or measurable, but it is one of the things that people value in this city. New Orleans is especially known for its association with jazz music, it’s even considered to be the birthplace of this genre.

Two examples to represent this are, first, that New Orlean’s airport is named after the legendary musician Louis Armstrong; and second, that after Hurricane Katrina, music helped many evacuees to rebuild their lives with a strong hope in the future and a deep connection with the place they love. Lots of songs about the tragedy of Katrina were composed after the hurricane to motivate people.

The importance of music in New Orleans can be represented through the variety of music concerts that have place in this city.  Not only in places designed for that function, but in the streets at the french quarter. 

United States Armed Forces - A true representation of nationalism

(http://www.defense.gov/home/photoessays/2005-01/p20050120a04.html)

When we think abou values in the United States, nationalism is always the first that comes in mind. But nationalism can be many things, from having a flag in your yard to die for your country. That is why I think the United States Armed Forces are a true representation of nationalism. The militars love their country, but above all, they are ready to die for their country. 

The United States Armed Forces consist the Army, Navi, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. The military age goes from 17 to 62 years old and the United States Armed Forces have 1,456,862 active personnel, according to Wikpedia. This number is only beaten by China, that has more than 2 million millitars in action. These numbers are really huge if you compare, for example, to Brazil, that has only 327,710 active personnel. Another interesting number is that the Armed Forces have USD 594.4 billion of annual budget, while Brazil has USD 28.07 billion per year.

(http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/armed-forces-day)

However, it is not the numbers that shows us how the Armed Forces represent a true nationalism. For instance, this apsect can also be easily noticed if you look at the amount of war movies that are produced in the United States. 

In conclusion, it is clear that to serve in the Millitary is actually an honor to most of the people, not only the millitars themselves, but their friends and relatives as well. Therefore, I believe that the United States Millitary is a portrait of the North American nationalism.

Veterans Boulevard street sign. American Nationalism?

Veterans Boulevard street sign


I found yesterday on my way back home this street sign. It shows the Veterans Boulevard street sign with the American flag. My first thought was: "Really? Is this another way to show the American nationalism?" While in here the usual way to show their nationalism by hanging an American flag on
their house, in Germany the people shows their nationalism for example during the Fifa World Cup, but not everyday.

I think a lot of people associate "nationalism" with Americans. They are proud of being part of this huge country and of their county's history.


At home I did a research and found out that the street signs of the Veterans Boulevard were placed with the American flag to honor veterans killed in action.

Rule of Behavior in America

1. In American family have their own rules at dinner table, but mostly have the same rule which they cannot put thier albow on the table while eating. It consider rude.
 I have experienced Northern American family. They are more stricky about this. While eating, you cannot put the other hand that not using on the table at all, you have to put under the table, on your lap or anywhere you want to except on the table.

This is one of my friend, she ate without put her elbow on the table

2. South American seem more polite and talk formal than the rest of the country. When ever they talk with other people, in YEs or NO questions, they always answer with "Sir" or "Mam" after.
It demonstrate how polite and respect others in Southern America

This is a converstion between a chaplain and Loyola student.