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Chapter 1
1 Americans have developed great systems (McDonald’s), made life less physically demanding (McDonald’s) and arguably more efficient (McDonald’s); we have also implemented plans poorly, causing harm to others and the Earth (McDonald’s). 2 I understand the world as an American, through the lens of America. 3 I recognize the pros and cons of my Americanness, but I choose not to get bogged down in the politicization of my reality. 4 I understand that while we as a country have done great things, we have continuously wronged many people in an effort to support others. 5 American culture frames ideas as opposing polarities: someone is left or right, happy or sad, something is humorous or it isn’t. 6 Such polarized views have helped to define major struggles in our history: slavery, suffrage, civil rights and environmentalism. 7 I cannot proclaim this to be the best way to see the world, but as an American I have difficulty viewing it any other way. |