10.3 Acumen

the culture issue

n ti io ed Lite 1 l ia Hi sue c pe the - Is 3 s a of 11 3.1 l. 0 . o 1 V

Cover photo by Julie Xu: From top left to right: boats in Venice, Italy; pizzas in cafe in Rome, Italy; Elderly women in Florence, Italy ; children from a specialized school in China. From bottom left to right: Chinese building at Shanghai World Expo; Man playing an instrument in the East Caribbean; A merchant from Afghanistan; Indian acrobats performing a balancing act.

culture L E T T E R

F R O M

T H E

[noun]

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

E D I T O R

Dear readers, Being culturally aware is important not only in being a part of a school comprised of over 4,600 diverse students and faculty but also in being a part of this nation, a melting pot of various ethnicities. I personally enjoy embracing and learning about other people’s cultures as demonstrated by the pictures on the cover representing some of the places I’ve traveled to. In this issue, my co-editor Jason Klein and I have tried to cover

Purpose Acumen is an issue-based publication serving to supplement the HiLite. Acumen is distributed to the students, faculty and staff of Carmel High School. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily representative of those held by CHS, the Carmel Clay system faculty, staff or administration.

Contact information Mailing Address: 520 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 846-7721, Ext. 7143 Website: www.hilite.org E-mail: Staff members of the HiLite may be contacted via email by using their first initial and their last name appending @hilite.org.

For example, Julie Xu will receive mail sent to jxu@hilite.org.

Guest Column: Spanish teacher Kay Vazquez

E

“The beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place or time.”

very student who has taken Spanish with me knows that I want all of my students to study in another country. My point of view and the way I look at things were affected deeply by experiences I had while living abroad. As a person growing up on a farm in rural Indiana I never imagined that I would travel outside of my state much less actually live overseas for nine years.

I had a great life growing up. I did well in language at my high school. My college professor said to learn to be fluent you need to immerse yourself in the language and culture.

Surprisingly, my parents said yes to my studying abroad.

Before I knew it, I had spent my junior year at IU in Madrid, Spain. What a year! Instead of simply learning Spanish language and culture, I learned so much about myself and my country.

international aspects of culture ranging from a column about a teacher’s experiences in traveling to Spain to listing recipes from around the globe. On pages 6 and 7, Acumen also tries to include information about culture within our nation with a timeline detailing the evolution of American pop culture. Be sure to scan the QR code on the right to check out various cultural fashions worn by students. Enjoy!

Your Acumen Editor in Chief, Julie Xu

Staff Acumen Editor in Chief Acumen Associate Editor

Julie Xu Jason Klein

One side of his Front Cover Julie Xu family is from Reporters Natalia Chaudhry Belarus in Europe.

Graphic Reporters Nida Khan Maham Nadeem Laxmi Palde Every major holiday, her family lights the Grant Smith Yorzhait candles for the Stephanie Zhang remembrance of all her dead family members.

Photographers

In November, she celebrates Diwali,the Hindu festival of Lights, with her family.

Crystal Chen Elyse Goldberg Jason Klein Nivedha Meyyappan Karthik Thadasina

I had a fantastic experience in Spain. It wasn’t easy every day, but overall it was life-changing. I actually met my husband in Spain (he is American, not Spanish) and then, as a young couple with small children, we took jobs in Germany and ended up living there for eight years. There, I was part of the International School Community, which gave me more insight on cultures around the world. Our three children have all studied abroad as college students, and they will tell you that it has enriched their lives. So, for the Vazquez family, our way of thinking, our way of life, our culture, is a little different than that of most Americans because of our experiences.

New and different personal experiences shape our culture and the way we interact with the world. Yes, one can read about other parts of world, but there is no real connection unless it’s personal and you can relate to it somehow.

Many of the things I thought I knew about other cultures were not always correct.

And, the ideas that people had about Americans also shocked me at times. I wanted to set them straight on some things and then on others I realized they were right.

When we moved back to the States,

Graphic Artists Occasionally when he sees one of his parents, he places his parent’s hand on his forehead and bows as a part of Filipino blessing.

HiLite Editor in Chief

Claudia Huang

HiLite Managing Editors

Taylor Acton Eric He Hafsa Razi Andrew Wang

Principal Superintendent

ACUMEN

He receives a red envelope with lucky money every Chinese New Year from his parents.

Mr. John Williams Dr. Nicholas Wahl

we left behind the ways of the culture I didn’t like, and we kept the ways we did like. I was more critical of things I didn’t like about the United States but very appreciative of the fact that I am an American with many freedoms. I was not keenly aware of this until I was an expatriate. I really had no idea how influential our country is in this world.

So, now I’m here in Carmel, IN (which even has a culture of its own). I share my little life stories to which teenagers hopefully can relate. I believe they remember them because they are personal. Yes, most of the time we are studying grammar and learning how to speak Spanish. I pick up on something that we are studying from our textbook in the culture section, then I attach one of my personal stories to it. That is when they listen. The students who have had an abroad experience or are first generation Americans nod their heads and understand.

For the rest who haven’t had those experiences yet, I hope my personal stories are enough to get them excited about traveling, or studying abroad, or at least aware that when living and working in this global world, cultural awareness is extremely important.

NIVEDHA MEYYAPPAN / PHOTO

02

Jiva Capulong Connie Chu Anthony Ko Lauren Lu Dennis Yang

Culture in THE U.S. and around the world Top 10 most diverse cities in the U.S. (in no particular order)

How to be hello-lingual German

1

20.2%

3

17.5%

25.7%

27%

19.7%

2 54

26.6%

1 Suisun, California

30.2% 12.6%

30.2% 20.8%

3 Florin, California

26.3%

French

9

15.2%

24.5% 23.7%

4 San Leandro, California

27.8%

37.4% 20.8%

21% 24.1%

24.8%

9 Atlantic City, New Jersey

5 Vallejo, California

6

8

7

22.9%

12.7% 22.9%

32.8%

6 Lincolnia, Virginia

28.6%

19.2% 19.5% 21.4%

33.3%

7 New York, New York

Korean

An nyoung Tagalog

Italian

23.8% 21.6%

10 Jersey City, New Jersey 28%

Bonjour

Kumusta 23.8% 27.8%

14.2%

Hallo

10

2 Oakland, California

28.9% 29.9% 12.5%

24.9%

35.8%

8 Germantown, Maryland

Asian / Pacific Islander Hispanic Black White

Ciao Chinese

Ni hao Portuguese

Olá

Unusual holidays traditions from around the world Russian

AUSTRALIA

GUATEMALA

According to folklore, jolly Saint Nicholas makes the rounds with a sidekick in tow — the devilish Krampus. The hairy creature visits Austrian children annually, but Krampus puts bad children into a sack and carts him away, presumably for a midnight snack!

Around Dec. 7, Guatemalans sweep their homes, collect trash from around their property and create a massive heap of refuse in the street. As a final touch, the pile is crowned with an effigy of the devil and set ablaze. And the Christmas celebrations can begin! This symbolic cleansing ritual is said to expunge evil spirits and negative energy from the upcoming festivities.

Privet JAPAN

Spanish While Christmas is not really celebrated in Japan, a Dec. 25 tradition centers on KFC. It is so popular in Japan that KFC suggests that customers place their holiday order two months in advance. The chicken craze Vietnam began in 1974 when KFC unveiled their first Christmas meal for visiting foreigners who wanted something that resembled a traditional holiday dinner. Locals embraced the Christmas dinner, and a unique tradition involving KFC continues in Japan to this day.

STEPHANIE ZHANG, LAXMI PALDE, JIVA CAPULONG / GRAPHIC

Hola

Chào

Oct. 3, 2013

03

evolution of

america

FASHION

Takng a look at cultural evolution through movies, fashion, music and sports from 1900 to 2000.

CONNIE CHU, DENNIS YANG /GRAPHIC LONESTAR COLLEGE /SOURCE

SPORTS

MUSIC

Movies Fashion Music Sports 1900s

04

MOVIES

The Cultural

ACUMEN

1910 to 1920 Men typically wore a morning coat and a starched white shirt with a top hat.

For women's clothes, fabrics became lighter and the colors became brighter.

1910s

“The Wizard of Oz” Released in: 1939 Worldwide Gross: $20 Placed in AFI’s “100 Years . . . 100 Songs” (Over the Rainbow)

1920 to 1930 Flapper fashion was prevalent in the 20's and popularized drop waists and short skirts.

1920s

“Gone With the Wind” Released in: 1939 Produced by: MGM Worldwide Gross: $400 million

1940 to 1950 Women wore dresses with long, full skirts, and tight waists.

1930 to 1940 Men's pants were wide and high waisted, and hats became mandatory.

The high-waisted, simple print dress replaced flapper fashion of the 1920’s.

1 S p W w w

1930s

1940s

Jazz legend Duke Ellington epitomized the style heard during this decade.

This decade is referred to as the "ballroom decade" for its focus on ballroom dances such as the fox trot and the tango.

The 1920's remains famous for its dance marathons and dance crazes, which featured the Charleston and the shimmy.

In 1900, a section for women was added to the Olympics.

In the 1940's, radio became the lifeline for Americans providing news, entertainment and music, similar to what television does for families today.

In 1946, Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking baseball’s color barrier.

In 1924, the Winter Olympics was created. It included nine games.

When menti genre is Roc Roll b teena out of

“The Godfather” Released in: 1972 Oscars won: Three Worldwide Gross: $245 million

1950 to 1960 Saddle shoes became popular for men.

Women wore dresses with pinched in waists as well as poodle skirts.

1950s

n the 1950's are ioned, the first music e that comes to mind ck ‘n' Roll. Rock ’n' became popular with agers trying to break f the mainstream.

“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” Released in: 1982 Oscars won: Four Worldwide Gross: $792 million Ranks: first in movie of the year

1960 to 1970 Men's casual shirts were often plaid and buttoned down the front.

Women wore knee-length dresses but by mid-decade most women wore miniskirts and go-go boots.

1960s

Elvis Presley returned to the music scene from the U.S. Army and joined other white male vocalists at the top of the charts.

1972 - The NFL’s Miami Dolphins had a perfect season, going 14-0 and capturing the Super Bowl. This is the only time in NFL history that such a feat has been accomplished.

1980 to 1990 Sneakers were popular during this time, and Madonna became a huge fashion influence, inspiring tank tops, torn jeans and leg warmers.

1970 to 1980 Men sported non-traditional clothing while women featured colorful patches and clogs.

1970s

In 1950, the NBA was established.

In the 1950’s, professional football surpassed college football in popularity thanks to the NFL’s influence.

“Schindler’s List” Released in: 1993 Oscars won: Seven Worldwide Gross: $321 million

“Titanic” Released in: 1997 Oscars won: 11 Worldwide Gross: $2.18 billion Ranks: first in disaster and romance drama

1980s

Despite being only 12 years old, Michael Jackson saw his career as a soloist skyrocket during this decade.

Michael Jordan’s best season statistically was in the 1988-1989 campaign, during which he averaged 32.5 points per game, 8.0 rebounds per game and 8.0 assists per game.

1990 to 2000 Hip-hop style was popular for men, with jeans becoming bigger than ever, worn low on the hips. Casual friday became commonplace, evolving into a more casual work dress code.

1990s

Cable was born and MTV became an enormous influence on music and young people. People learned dance from MTV, including slam dancing, lambadav and breakdancing.

Music had stemmed into more genres available than ever, with Latin music becoming more popular and country becoming more mainstream.

In 1990, Pete Sampras won his first tennis Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.

He would go on to win 13 more in his career.

Oct. 3, 2013

05

CRYSTAL CHEN / PHOTO

Culture Clash

By Natalia Chaudhry Every year for Thanksgiving, senior Jessica Lecher experiences a fusion of her two cultural backgrounds as she enjoys both turkey and the traditional Chinese food that her grandmother makes. With a father of European descent and a Chinese mother, Lecher is just one of a few students with a culturally split background.

While many individuals associate their identity with their cultural backgrounds, this can prove to be a problem for students who cannot specifically connect to one culture. According to a study released by the Pew Research Center last year, the U.S. rate of interracial marriages hit a record high in 2012. It also stated that 8.4 percent of all marriages, in comparison to 3.2 percent in 1980, are between spouses of different races.

In marriages such as these, different cultures can sometimes be brought together.

Through the study of their own backgrounds, these diverse students are able to learn more about not just their own families, but can learn more about themselves as well. By recognizing and embracing the fact that they are unique, these students can gain

06

ACUMEN

How do CHS students who have multiple backgrounds see life differently than their peers?

distinct perspectives.

“I think it allows me to have a broader understanding of different cultures. I even lived in China for a few years, so that let me understand my culture more,” Lecher said.

“I can fit in with a bunch of diverse groups of people because of my mixed ethnicity.”

Lecher’s family brings the two different aspects of her identity together to create hybrid holidays.

Common Knowledge What you need to know about the new Multi-Racial Awareness Club at CHS Who: Co-presidents Jessica Lecher and Emi Tomozawa What: Promotes multi-cultural friendships. Students discuss how being culturally diverse affects them.

Where: Room B216 When: Every second Tuesday of each month Why: The co-presidents are multiracial and want to promote cultural awareness and interracial friendship.

COMPILED BY JULIE XU, JAYMEE STOUT/GRAPHIC

However, at times, her family focuses on more than just one culture.

“Every year for Chinese (New Year), we traditionally get money in red envelopes from our grandparents and we hang Chinese banners around our house and all these traditions that go with Chinese New Year,” Lecher said.

During her fourth grade year, Lecher resided in China, which allowed her to gain a better understanding of not only her own background, but also of many different cultures, as she attended a school that featured ethnicities ranging from French to Japanese to German.

Senior Emi Tomozawa, who has a Japanese father and a German mother, said she agreed with Lecher. She said that her diverse background has altered her view of the people around her.

“I think it’s made me a more of an accepting person,” Tomozawa said. “Like, accepting of other people’s cultures and traditions.”

Many professionals agree with this perspective. With various books, courses and studies dedicated to the importance of cultural awareness, the term describes the idea of being open to altering one’s own cultural attitude

in order to understand behaviors, values, histories and ideals of other cultures.

JoAnn Miller, a professor of sociology at Purdue, recognizes that children in families with varied backgrounds obtain appreciation for other cultures throughout their lives. According to Miller, these children are, therefore, more culturally aware.

“Children in families with differences experience more appreciation for different cultures,” Miller said. “They gain an understanding of how important differences are and yet how similar people are.”

Andrea Yocum, French teacher and French Club sponsor at CHS, said she agrees with this notion.

Yocum lived in Senegal from 2005 to 2006 and has also been able to work with students involved in the IU Honors program.

“I think that when students learn about other cultures, it teaches them tolerance and understanding for new people and to respect the traditions and religions, food and customs of others,” Yocum said. “It gives students a wider perspective on life, a better ability to solve problems and the ability to communicate with many other people, not just people of their same ethnic or cultural background.”

Sophomore Anna Kozak, who has a mother of Spanish descent and a Slovakian father, admits that she was not always comfortable with her own background.

“When I was little, I’m not going to lie, I didn’t like being a part of two different cultures because I thought people were going to look and see me differently since I was different, but now that I’m older and more mature I think it’s really cool because not everyone can say what I can say and I like it,” Kozak said.

Regardless of how they have come to terms with their backgrounds, students said they do not find it easy to completely combine their mothers’ and fathers’ cultures.

According to Tomozawa, the concept of identifying oneself culturally can be a struggle at times.

“On the SATs they always say, ‘check one race,’” she said.

“What do (you) check if you’re white and Asian?”

CRYSTAL CHEN / PHOTO

Lecher (left), paints her mother’s fingernails. Although she is the product of a cultural split, Lecher has embraced the diversity, fusing it with her everyday life and creating a combination that makes her unique.

Regarding her own plans for the future in terms of how her culture plays a role in her life, Tomozawa hopes to mix her two backgrounds together. Many other multicultural students try to do the same on a daily basis.

Kozak describes her house as a combination of her two identities; it features Mexican blankets near German paintings. Lecher and Tomozawa are also starting a Cultural Awareness Club so that they can connect with other individuals like them.

“We wanted to start it so we could gather a network of mixed-race kids and connect,” Lecher said.

America the melting pot 15%

The makeup of the United States’ multiracial population is split into a variety of combinations, with none taking up more than a quarter of the total.

White and Black: 20.4%

10% Marriages

Lecher’s idea mimics the real world with its mix of different ethnicities, races and cultures.

“We live in a global society,” Miller said. “Those who are culturally aware can better participate in the global society.”

While at times these students’ cultural backgrounds may seem to clash, they also serve to provide opportunities of singularity and diversity.

“I’m always really proud of the fact that I’m half Asian and people are always really curious about my ethnicity,” Lecher said. “It’s something that’s unique to me.”

White and Other: 19.3% 8.4% 6.8%

5%

White and Native: 15.9% Black and Other: 3.5%

4.5%

Black and Native: 3%

3.2% 0% 1980

White and Asian: 18%

Asian and Other: 2.6% 1990

2000

2010

Over the past three decades, the percentage of all marriages that are interracial in the United States has risen steadily.

Blackand Asian: 2.1% Different Combinations: 15.2% 2010 U.S. CENSUS, PEW RESEARCH CENTER / SOURCE JASON KLEIN / GRAPHIC

Oct. 3, 2013

07

Recipes from around the globe

According to a cultural food study conducted in the United States by Wellness Proposals, today’s younger consumers are more attracted to spicy food than old European cuisines, contributing to the increased popularity of various ethnic dishes.

Indian Chicken Curry photo and recipe by Karthik Thadasina Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken 1 large onion 1 small bunch of fenugreek leaves

3 or 4 pieces cloves 2 or 3 small pieces of cinnamon bark ¼ cup of corn oil ½ tsp. turmeric powder

Steps: 1. Cut chicken into medium size pieces and wash thoroughly.

2. Cut onions and blend into a paste.

3. Cut fenugreek leaves, wash and set aside.

4. Take a non-stick pan, put on stove at medium heat and pour the oil. Once the oil is heated, add cloves and cinnamon.

5. Once cloves and cinnamon splutter in oil, add the blended onion paste and fry until golden-brown.

6. Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Add fenugreek leaves and fry for 5 minutes.

½ cup water 3 tsp. red chili powder 1 tsp. salt 1½ tsp. coriander powder ½ tsp. garam masala powder ½ tsp. black pepper powder 1½ tsp. ginger garlic paste 8. Add the chicken pieces and fry until all ingredients are mixed and then place lid on pan for 5 to 10 minutes.

9. After this time, take off the lid and add the turmeric, red chili, coriander, garam masala and black pepper powders. Mix well and fry for 1 to 2 minutes.

10. Add water, mix well and close the lid for 5 to 10 more minutes.

11. Take lid off, turn stove down to low medium and fry until all water has evaporated. Add salt as you want.

12. Serve with hot rice or on warm naan bread.

Jewish Brisket photo and recipe by Elyse Goldberg Ingredients: One 4 lb. brisket 6 garlic cloves, crushed Salt and pepper Paprika 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 2 large onions, chopped 6 carrots, chopped

4 to 5 stalks celery with leaves, chopped 1 cup of water 1 cup of tomato juice or tomato sauce 1 envelope dried onion soup mix

Steps: 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Rinse the meat with water. Pat it dry. Rub the meat on all sides with crushed garlic and then sprinkle with salt,

pepper and paprika.

3. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed casserole and brown the meat on all sides.

4. Add the onions, carrots and celery. Cover with water, tomato juice, or tomato sauce and sprinkle with the dried onion soup.

5. Cover and bake in the oven for 3 hours. Before serving, remove cover and brown 30 minutes more. *This dish is best prepared a day in advance so the fat can be easily skimmed off before the brisket is reheated.

Too lazy to cook? Try these local restaurants for a cultural experience.

Petite Chou Santorini Greek Kitchen Sansui Description: Santorini Greek

Description: Sansui is a

Description: Petite Chou offers French-inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its menu features specialties including bistro-style rotisserie chicken, fresh fish and pommes frites prepared in duck fat. The restaurant also serves specialty salads and crepes.

Phone Number: (317)-917-1117

Japanese restaurant that serves both traditional Japanese cuisine and a wide range of sushi. Many of its entrees include shrimp, beef or chicken dressed in a Japanese vinegar sauce or sweet sesame sauce. Sansui also has a sushi bar and table service for lunch and dinner and serves appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages.

Location: 1417 E. Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN

Phone Number: (317)-848-9050

Location: 4390 Clay Terrance Blvd., Carmel, IN

Recommended Dish: Gyro, a traditional lamb and beef

Location: 1329 S. Range Line Rd., Carmel, IN

Recommended Dish: Crêpe au Fromage, a traditional

Kitchen is a lunch and dinner restaurant that serves Greek food, including authentic Greek salads, kabobs and several vegetablebased dips. All meals are served with Greek salad, Mediterranean green beans, rice pilaf and Greek potatoes.

combination slowly roasted for peak flavor, served with sliced tomatoes, onions and a dollop of tzatziki (yogurt dip) served on a warm pita.

08 ACUMEN

Recommended Dish: Tempura Udon, flour noodles in hot soy broth with deep-fried vegetables and seafood.

Phone Number: (317)-566-0765

cheese crepe filled with either Swiss or goat cheese with creamy bechamel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.

SREYA VEMURI / GRAPHICS PETITE CHOU, SANSUI, SANTORINI GREEK CAFE / SOURCES