Travels with Charley and the Core Features of Asher Lev's Hasidic World

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Midterm Essays
ATH 185 HA Spring 2023’
March 11, 2023
Midterm Essays – Travels with Charley
1 Based on this course, how would you explain the cultural concept and cultural diversity to a friend or relative? Support your discussion with examples.
The concept of culture is complex and multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of human life and behavior. In simple terms, culture refers to a particular group of people's shared beliefs, values, customs, traditions, and practices. These cultural elements are often passed down from generation to generation, shaping how people perceive and interact with the world around them. Cultural diversity, on the other hand, refers to multiple cultures within a society or geographic region. It recognizes and values the differences between these cultures and promotes respect, tolerance, and understanding.
For example, in the United States, there are various cultural groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. These groups have unique cultural practices, beliefs, and values that distinguish them. For instance, African American culture is known for its rich music, dance, and literary traditions, while Native American culture is characterized by its deep connection to nature and the environment. By acknowledging and celebrating these cultural differences, we can foster a more inclusive and accepting society that values diversity.
2 What did Steinbeck learn about US culture during “Travels with Charley: In Search of America”? Support your discussion with at least two appropriate examples from the book.
In "Travels with Charley: In Search of America," John Steinbeck sets out on a journey across the United States in a camper truck with his dog, Charley. Along the way, he encounters diverse people and experiences that shape his understanding of American culture. One thing Steinbeck learns about US culture during his travels is the importance of individualism and self-reliance. He observes that Americans strongly desire independence and often value personal freedom above all else. For example, when he visits a small town in Montana, he meets a man who has built his own house and lives off the land, embodying the American spirit of self-sufficiency.
Another aspect of American culture that Steinbeck discovers is the tension between tradition and progress. He observes that many Americans must be aware of traditional values and embrace new ideas and technologies. For example, he visits a small town in Maine where the locals are divided over constructing a new bridge. Some believe the bridge will bring economic benefits to the area, while others fear it will destroy the town's traditional way of life.
3 How did Steinbeck encounter “cultural diversity” during his travels? Again, support your discussion with at least three appropriate examples.
Steinbeck encountered diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States during his travels. For example, he visits the Cajun community in Louisiana, where he learns about their unique language, music, and food. He also spends time with migrant workers in California, witnessing firsthand their struggles and hardships. Another example is when he visits a Native American reservation in North Dakota, where he learns about their history and culture.
Steinbeck's encounters with cultural diversity also highlight the challenges and complexities of cultural exchange. He notes that cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts as people struggle to understand and relate to one another. For example, when he visits a predominantly black neighborhood in New Orleans, he feels out of place and uncomfortable, struggling to connect with the locals.
4 Identify two important things you learned about the United States during Steinbeck’s day.
One crucial thing that Steinbeck learned about the United States during his journey was the growing sense of individualism and self-interest that had taken hold in American society. He observed that Americans were increasingly becoming isolated from each other and less willing to work together for the common good. This observation is reflected in his encounters with the people he met on the road, who often seemed more concerned with their well-being than their communities or the country. For example, in Montana, Steinbeck observed that the people he met were deeply suspicious of the federal government and resistant to collective action to address common problems. This sense of individualism and self-reliance, a defining feature of American culture since its founding, took on a new urgency and intensity in the post-war era.
5 If you followed Steinbeck’s path, what similarities and changes would you expect to find 60-plus years later? Be specific.
If I follow Steinbeck's path today, I expect to find similarities and changes in the American landscape and culture. On the one hand, many of the places he visited and the people he met would likely be much the same as in the 1960s. Rural areas in the South and Midwest, for example, may still struggle with poverty and lack of economic opportunity, while urban areas like New York City and Chicago would still be cultural and economic activity centers. On the other hand, there would likely be many changes, particularly regarding the country's demographics. With the growth of immigration and the increasing population diversity, I would expect to encounter a more excellent range of cultures and traditions than Steinbeck did in his travels. Additionally, I expect to see more evidence of technological change and globalization, as these forces have transformed many aspects of American life in the decades since Steinbeck's journey. Overall, following Steinbeck's path would be a fascinating way to explore...