No, I agree. However, because American football is quite niche over here, it would fit as a learning experience...kuja.girl wrote:And... OMG American football... not all of us are crazy about it (just like how not all Europeans and South Americans are crazy about futball ), so I have mixed feelings about it being taught as part of American culture. It is important for some Americans but not all and besides, there's so much other cool stuff they could learn!
An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
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smoni
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
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RMDC
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
A quick note on New York - as carand88 demonstrated in her post, New York a grand state which happens to have an obnoxious city dingle-bobbing off the end. We generally separate it into four distinct regions: western New York (the areas she was describing), the Capital District (running from about Lake George on the north end to roughly Poughkeepsie on the southern end, though that lower line moves depending on who you ask), the Adirondacks (the northernmost, mountainous area), and Downstate. There is a war between Upstaters and Downstaters. Upstate needs downstate money to operate, and downstate needs power, water, and food from upstate. It's very feudal.
As for me, I can talk about...
Mississippi: land of waist-deep mud and misogyny. Like other states with a largely rural population, the roughest stereotypes are largely inaccurate - most people have cell phones and know how to spell their own names. However, there are a few truly backwoods areas (especially in the river delta region) where endemic racism and poverty have created pockets of population without running water or electricity. Poverty, especially fueled by racism and sexism, is the single largest problem in the state, contributing to health issues (Mississippi is first in obesity in the US) and generally making everyone pretty damn miserable. Wealth disparity is enormous. Mississippi has always been one of the poorest states, but in the '80s and '90s Columbus, MS was famous for being the US city with the highest per-capita population of millionaires.
Northern Mississippi is mostly mixed deciduous and pine forest with the gentlest of hills; as you move south, you cross great stretches of purely pine - nothing else will grow in the soil there, which is almost 100% red clay. Finally, the nubby southern tail of the state is home to the Gulf Coast region. The coast is really a region unto itself, crossing state borders from New Orleans to just below the panhandle of Florida (the western coast of Florida and the coast region west of NOLA have their own cultures). If you've ever seen Forrest Gump, the portion of the movie dealing with the Bubba-Gump shrimping endeavor is a fairly accurate portrayal. On a personal note regarding the coast region, the only time where I have ever witnessed a lynching in effigy - a life-sized rag doll swinging from a noose as a yard decoration, jarringly juxtaposed with one of those plywood cutouts painted like a gardening woman seen from behind, bending over and showing her slip - was in Gulfport, MS, on a back street about a block off of one of the most popular beaches on the coast.
Mississippi is famous for being the most hardassed conservative state in America. It is the angry, searing buckle of the Bible Belt, currently warring with itself as it transitions from traditional Southern Baptist (and more reserved Methodist) rule to modern, New South charismatic traditions. This is the state where, upon meeting someone for the first time, it is proper to ask the person's name, where she is from, and what church she attends (and not necessarily in that order). Mississippi was the third state to ban same-sex marriage by constitutional amendment.
Public schooling is poorly supported at best, and Mississippi falls at the bottom of the nation's school rankings every year. The sole exception is the University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss", so named because that is what enslaved people working in the big house were expected to call the slaver's wife, and one early alumnus wrote in a letter to the school that it was only proper that students there show the same respect to their alma mater), which consistently wins #1 in the rankings of top party schools in the US. There was a minor riot in 2007 when Princeton stole the crown.
Some people think that Mississippi only ratified the 13th amendment to our constitution (the one abolishing slavery) in 2013. Not true! No, Mississippi is much more progressive. They ratified it in 1995, only 130 years after the amendment passed. It was a simple filing error which kept the ratification off the books for those long 18 years.
Actually... maybe I'm not the best person to ask with regards to Mississippi.
As for me, I can talk about...
Mississippi: land of waist-deep mud and misogyny. Like other states with a largely rural population, the roughest stereotypes are largely inaccurate - most people have cell phones and know how to spell their own names. However, there are a few truly backwoods areas (especially in the river delta region) where endemic racism and poverty have created pockets of population without running water or electricity. Poverty, especially fueled by racism and sexism, is the single largest problem in the state, contributing to health issues (Mississippi is first in obesity in the US) and generally making everyone pretty damn miserable. Wealth disparity is enormous. Mississippi has always been one of the poorest states, but in the '80s and '90s Columbus, MS was famous for being the US city with the highest per-capita population of millionaires.
Northern Mississippi is mostly mixed deciduous and pine forest with the gentlest of hills; as you move south, you cross great stretches of purely pine - nothing else will grow in the soil there, which is almost 100% red clay. Finally, the nubby southern tail of the state is home to the Gulf Coast region. The coast is really a region unto itself, crossing state borders from New Orleans to just below the panhandle of Florida (the western coast of Florida and the coast region west of NOLA have their own cultures). If you've ever seen Forrest Gump, the portion of the movie dealing with the Bubba-Gump shrimping endeavor is a fairly accurate portrayal. On a personal note regarding the coast region, the only time where I have ever witnessed a lynching in effigy - a life-sized rag doll swinging from a noose as a yard decoration, jarringly juxtaposed with one of those plywood cutouts painted like a gardening woman seen from behind, bending over and showing her slip - was in Gulfport, MS, on a back street about a block off of one of the most popular beaches on the coast.
Mississippi is famous for being the most hardassed conservative state in America. It is the angry, searing buckle of the Bible Belt, currently warring with itself as it transitions from traditional Southern Baptist (and more reserved Methodist) rule to modern, New South charismatic traditions. This is the state where, upon meeting someone for the first time, it is proper to ask the person's name, where she is from, and what church she attends (and not necessarily in that order). Mississippi was the third state to ban same-sex marriage by constitutional amendment.
Public schooling is poorly supported at best, and Mississippi falls at the bottom of the nation's school rankings every year. The sole exception is the University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss", so named because that is what enslaved people working in the big house were expected to call the slaver's wife, and one early alumnus wrote in a letter to the school that it was only proper that students there show the same respect to their alma mater), which consistently wins #1 in the rankings of top party schools in the US. There was a minor riot in 2007 when Princeton stole the crown.
Some people think that Mississippi only ratified the 13th amendment to our constitution (the one abolishing slavery) in 2013. Not true! No, Mississippi is much more progressive. They ratified it in 1995, only 130 years after the amendment passed. It was a simple filing error which kept the ratification off the books for those long 18 years.
Actually... maybe I'm not the best person to ask with regards to Mississippi.
Mostly hibernating here. Find me on Twitter @rmdcade.
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MeiTow
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
It may not be something that all Americans know about or love but I'd argue it is a part of our culture. It is something unique to the U.S. plus the NFL is trying very hard to get it to catch on in Europe so it may be something somewhat relevant to them since they can catch games on t.v. and such.kuja.girl wrote:
And... OMG American football... not all of us are crazy about it (just like how not all Europeans and South Americans are crazy about futball ), so I have mixed feelings about it being taught as part of American culture. It is important for some Americans but not all and besides, there's so much other cool stuff they could learn!
Although if you are going to talk sports basketball and baseball should definitely be mentioned. Basketball, especially for Indiana. LOL!
Other Factsy things about Indiana:
The capital is Indianapolis.
The state bird is the cardinal (gorgeous little bird that sticks around all winter. Such a mood lifter to see a flash of red in the dreary, snowy months).
The Indianapolis 500 is definitely a huge part of this state. The first "Indy" car race was run here back in 1911. We just celebrated 100 years of Indy car racing a couple of years ago. I always know it's May because I'm close enough to the track to be woken up every day by the cars practicing their laps. http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/
Basketball is Indiana's sport
Our children's Museum is pretty awesome both in design and exhibits. http://www.childrensmuseum.org/
One of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, lived part of his life here.
And, silly enough, we have GenCon...one of the biggest gaming conventions in the country.
And did noone mention Broadway when talking about New York?
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Eliste
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
New Mexico:
For a very often forgotten state, it has literally changed the world.
Things to know about us:
Our state capital is Santa Fe, which is most definitely not the largest city in the state. That title is held by Albuquerque of Bugs Bunny and Breaking Bad fame.
Our state bird is the roadrunner, and you can probably find someone who will tell you that jackalopes are real.
We are the home of Billy the Kid and Ben Hur (who share a connection- the author of Ben Hur was governor who reneged on a clemency deal with Billy the Kid).
We have mountains and deserts and the Rio Grande. Sadly, our forests have been hit badly by some major forest fires that are affecting all of the SW US.
We have oodles of Native American reservations peppered all over the state. This is actually reasonably defining as reservations are not officially "US soil" which means we have casinos and highways that aren't regulated by the US government all over the place.
Our state is practically bi-lingual as we have so many spanish speakers there and almost everything is named in spanish names. Its not an official language though. We celebrate Cinco de Mayo at least as big, sometimes moreso, than July 4th (by which time its usually drought and fireworks are banned due to fire danger).
We are home to White Sands, the home of the first atomic explosion and its beauty is something not to be underestimated. For the destruction that was wrought, it is something truly enchanting to behold.
And speaking of such, we are also where Los Alamos resides, the place that built that bomb. Its also the city that is in Judy Blume's incredibly wonderful book Tiger Eyes.
We are starting to be a "destination" to film in so you can see NM in tons of films like Cowboys & Aliens and The Missing.
Most importantly, NM natives have an all consuming addition with green chile which every good NM child is reared on so that the burning green stuff courses through our bloodstream and we require a constant supply even to those who leave.
Also, we are constantly forgotten as a state even by our own countrymen. When the last Olympics were in the US (Salt Lake? Atlanta? can't remember which) and tickets were only on sale for US citizens, NM residents were told they couldn't purchase tickets as it was only open to US residents. I really wish I was joking.
For a very often forgotten state, it has literally changed the world.
Things to know about us:
Our state capital is Santa Fe, which is most definitely not the largest city in the state. That title is held by Albuquerque of Bugs Bunny and Breaking Bad fame.
Our state bird is the roadrunner, and you can probably find someone who will tell you that jackalopes are real.
We are the home of Billy the Kid and Ben Hur (who share a connection- the author of Ben Hur was governor who reneged on a clemency deal with Billy the Kid).
We have mountains and deserts and the Rio Grande. Sadly, our forests have been hit badly by some major forest fires that are affecting all of the SW US.
We have oodles of Native American reservations peppered all over the state. This is actually reasonably defining as reservations are not officially "US soil" which means we have casinos and highways that aren't regulated by the US government all over the place.
Our state is practically bi-lingual as we have so many spanish speakers there and almost everything is named in spanish names. Its not an official language though. We celebrate Cinco de Mayo at least as big, sometimes moreso, than July 4th (by which time its usually drought and fireworks are banned due to fire danger).
We are home to White Sands, the home of the first atomic explosion and its beauty is something not to be underestimated. For the destruction that was wrought, it is something truly enchanting to behold.
And speaking of such, we are also where Los Alamos resides, the place that built that bomb. Its also the city that is in Judy Blume's incredibly wonderful book Tiger Eyes.
We are starting to be a "destination" to film in so you can see NM in tons of films like Cowboys & Aliens and The Missing.
Most importantly, NM natives have an all consuming addition with green chile which every good NM child is reared on so that the burning green stuff courses through our bloodstream and we require a constant supply even to those who leave.
Also, we are constantly forgotten as a state even by our own countrymen. When the last Olympics were in the US (Salt Lake? Atlanta? can't remember which) and tickets were only on sale for US citizens, NM residents were told they couldn't purchase tickets as it was only open to US residents. I really wish I was joking.
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smoni
- Rank 4 - Raccoon Mario
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
I got the USA as my country! 
Now to start the planning... Still very much interested in anyone else who may have anything to input (be it about a state already mentioned, or a new one!)
Thanks!
Now to start the planning... Still very much interested in anyone else who may have anything to input (be it about a state already mentioned, or a new one!)
Thanks!
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DuckyBelkins
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
Helloooooooooo Wyoming, Montana hereFirestarterr wrote:I am from Wyoming
We are called the Equality State, but everyone from here calls it the cowboy state.
We were the first state to let women vote (but we only did it to become a state and afterwards, we tried to take it away and the government said no)
Wyoming is second least densely populated of the 50 United States
We have the first national park (Yellowstone), the first national monument (Devil's Tower) and Esther Hobart Morris who was the first female judge in United States in 1870
University of Wyoming is the only public University
Wyoming also produces 40 percent of all coal mined (This has dropped since the natural gas boom over in North Dakota though)
Our state sport is rodeo, our state mammal is a bison and our state dinosaur is a triceratops
Our logo is a bucking bronc, the bronc is a famous bucking horse named Steamboat
You can find more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming
I can send you postcards if you would like, I can even get the educational ones
My boyfriend grew up in Osage and Gillette. My favorite part of Montana history has to be the vigilantes during the gold rush but if you google "Leonardo the Mummified Dinosaur" that is waaaaaay more fun to tell people about. Leo was found near my home town 
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rosey175
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
Missouri fluff! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri
The capital is Jefferson City, MO but the largest city in the state is Kansas City, MO.
It's the only state where locals pronounce it differently (Missour-ree vs Missour-rah).
It's a political bellwether state (means it can be used for predictions for the whole country) but this is in flux with recent elections.
It's typically called the "Show-Me State" and it's usually joked that this means one has to show a Missourian how to do things 'cause we're dumb (any true Missourian could tell you it really means one's actions have to back up one's words; basically "prove it" :b).
It's also called the "Gateway to the West" because it's where many expeditions and settlers departed from in the 19th century (large rivers converge in Missouri -- Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri) -- Lewis and Clark Expedition started in St. Charles, MO which is just west of St. Louis.
St. Louis, MO has the Gateway Arch, currently the world's tallest arch. You can ride a little car up to the top and see a nice view of the Mississippi river and STL. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_Arch)
The population center of the USA is in Missouri (geographic center is in Kansas (w/o Alaska and Hawaii) and South Dakota (with Alaska and Hawaii) -- where is the UKs?
There are more farms in Missouri than any other state except Texas (beef and pigs and soybeans and corn and cotton and wine and and and...)!
Google Fiber launched in Kansas City, MO spreading jealousy, sadness and hope around the country.
The little notch at the bottom of the state is called the bootheel because it looks like ... a boot heel. :b
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her Little House books in Mansfield, MO -- they are very suited for 10 year olds interested in the pioneer life of the USA.
Missourians seem to be very very devoted to the St. Louis Cardinals (baseball). From birth. I don't even follow sports and I will still feel disappointment that you're not a Cardinals fan.
Hawaii fluff! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii
There are 8 main islands (Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui and Hawaiʻi (the Big Island)). Apostrophes (called 'okina) may be removed haha.
The capital, Honolulu, is on O'ahu.
People do not live in grass huts without electricity. Honolulu has some of the worst traffic in the USA but the bus system is phenomenal.
Beaches! Waterfalls! Perfect weather! Save Hawaii for the gloomiest day ever!
Food. While I lived there, I secretly though that everyone's life revolved around food. Good food. Lots of it. If you're ambitious, a luau would be awesome for 10 year olds. Kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, ahi poke, poi (okay I don't like this -- it's purple mud -- but my husband loves it and always comes back with a bag or three for the freezer), coconuts, pineapples... some of those might be hard to find...........
Hula! Check out the Merrie Monarch festival (youtube has several chants/songs).
Popular Asian tourist destination. Many shops in Honolulu are bilingual -- English and Japanese.
Volcanoes! Make your own in class with the standard vinegar and baking soda explosion!
If you've watched Lilo and Stitch, they sorta stress the importance of 'ohana (family). It really is a big deal there. Maybe because another person means more opportunities for parties and food (I kid, I kid).
Okay, Hawaii has all the cool things. :I The cost of living is nuts though. I usually explain it to fellow Americans by the cost of a gallon of milk -- $8-9 dollars vs the local rate of $4-5.
The capital is Jefferson City, MO but the largest city in the state is Kansas City, MO.
It's the only state where locals pronounce it differently (Missour-ree vs Missour-rah).
It's a political bellwether state (means it can be used for predictions for the whole country) but this is in flux with recent elections.
It's typically called the "Show-Me State" and it's usually joked that this means one has to show a Missourian how to do things 'cause we're dumb (any true Missourian could tell you it really means one's actions have to back up one's words; basically "prove it" :b).
It's also called the "Gateway to the West" because it's where many expeditions and settlers departed from in the 19th century (large rivers converge in Missouri -- Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri) -- Lewis and Clark Expedition started in St. Charles, MO which is just west of St. Louis.
St. Louis, MO has the Gateway Arch, currently the world's tallest arch. You can ride a little car up to the top and see a nice view of the Mississippi river and STL. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_Arch)
The population center of the USA is in Missouri (geographic center is in Kansas (w/o Alaska and Hawaii) and South Dakota (with Alaska and Hawaii) -- where is the UKs?
There are more farms in Missouri than any other state except Texas (beef and pigs and soybeans and corn and cotton and wine and and and...)!
Google Fiber launched in Kansas City, MO spreading jealousy, sadness and hope around the country.
The little notch at the bottom of the state is called the bootheel because it looks like ... a boot heel. :b
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her Little House books in Mansfield, MO -- they are very suited for 10 year olds interested in the pioneer life of the USA.
Missourians seem to be very very devoted to the St. Louis Cardinals (baseball). From birth. I don't even follow sports and I will still feel disappointment that you're not a Cardinals fan.
Hawaii fluff! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii
There are 8 main islands (Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui and Hawaiʻi (the Big Island)). Apostrophes (called 'okina) may be removed haha.
The capital, Honolulu, is on O'ahu.
People do not live in grass huts without electricity. Honolulu has some of the worst traffic in the USA but the bus system is phenomenal.
Beaches! Waterfalls! Perfect weather! Save Hawaii for the gloomiest day ever!
Food. While I lived there, I secretly though that everyone's life revolved around food. Good food. Lots of it. If you're ambitious, a luau would be awesome for 10 year olds. Kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, ahi poke, poi (okay I don't like this -- it's purple mud -- but my husband loves it and always comes back with a bag or three for the freezer), coconuts, pineapples... some of those might be hard to find...........
Hula! Check out the Merrie Monarch festival (youtube has several chants/songs).
Popular Asian tourist destination. Many shops in Honolulu are bilingual -- English and Japanese.
Volcanoes! Make your own in class with the standard vinegar and baking soda explosion!
If you've watched Lilo and Stitch, they sorta stress the importance of 'ohana (family). It really is a big deal there. Maybe because another person means more opportunities for parties and food (I kid, I kid).
Okay, Hawaii has all the cool things. :I The cost of living is nuts though. I usually explain it to fellow Americans by the cost of a gallon of milk -- $8-9 dollars vs the local rate of $4-5.
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Firehawke
- Rank 12 - Yoshi Mario
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- Joined: Sat Jan 04, 2014 12:26 pm
Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
Are you still interested in postcards, and if so, when do you need them by???smoni wrote:I got the USA as my country!
Now to start the planning... Still very much interested in anyone else who may have anything to input (be it about a state already mentioned, or a new one!)
Thanks!
"May we maintain the courage to defy the consensus. May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong." - President Thomas S. Monson
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smoni
- Rank 4 - Raccoon Mario
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- Joined: Thu Aug 16, 2012 6:18 am
Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
Most definitely, yes please! And before May please
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Firehawke
- Rank 12 - Yoshi Mario
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Re: An appeal to American Sprite Stitchers
Great!!!
I don't have any yet, but hope to pick some up soon. When I've got them, I'll PM you for your address!
I don't have any yet, but hope to pick some up soon. When I've got them, I'll PM you for your address!
"May we maintain the courage to defy the consensus. May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong." - President Thomas S. Monson