America.gov-Diversity: At Leisure

No Joke! Stand-up Comedians Battle Intolerance

Ralph Dannheisser — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:58:16 GMT

The comedy show "Make Chai, Not War" fights stereotypes and promotes diversity by “pushing people a little bit out of their comfort zones,” says one of its performers, Indian-American Rajiv Satyal. Satyal, a Hindu, and comedians of four other religions show it is OK to laugh at myths and misperceptions about each other.

Kite-Flying Contest Part of U.S.-China Friendship Series

Ralph Dannheisser — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:36:46 GMT

The Smithsonian Institution’s 42nd annual kite festival on the National Mall in Washington features the art and history of Chinese kites. The festival is tied to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, where athletes from some 200 nations are expected to compete.

Iranian Americans Observe Persian New Year Traditions

Ralph Dannheisser — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:23:04 GMT

Some 2 million Iranian Americans -- and other immigrants from neighboring countries that were once part of the Persian Empire -- celebrate Nowrouz, the Persian New Year, starting March 20 with rituals that go back thousands of years.

America Goes Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Ralph Dannheisser — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:20:11 GMT

St. Patrick's Day might be one of the world’s most celebrated holidays, with city-sponsored festivities held in Japan, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Great Britain and the United States, as well as the saint’s beloved Ireland. That geography reflects the broad dispersion of Irish, through choice or necessity, during a 300-year migration.

Washington's Birthday Holiday Honors First President

Ralph Dannheisser — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:39:35 GMT

The Washington’s Birthday holiday in the United States honors George Washington, commander of the United States armies in the War of Independence, first president of the United States, and "first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Humor Helps Break Stereotypes About Muslims

Ralph Dannheisser — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:11:31 GMT

There is not anything funny about Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and reflection, or about the threat of violent al-Qaida terrorists around the world, but that does not mean the average person cannot appreciate a good Muslim joke. Sometimes the best way to deal with a sensitive subject is to make fun of it, says Muslim comedian Azhar Usman.

Groups Work for Social Inclusion of Intellectually Disabled Kids

Ralph Dannheisser — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:10:34 GMT

For young people who are intellectually disabled, it can be a lonely world. They have few opportunities to play sports, participate in social activities and make friends. Allison Coles directs the Virginia chapter of Best Buddies, a U.S. nonprofit group that fosters friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities.

U.S. Politics, Literature, Sports Show Cultural Influence of Hispanics

Ralph Dannheisser — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:43:23 GMT

The influence of Latinos, especially as the U.S. population grows, is felt in every aspect of society, but especially in baseball, politics and literature, says Pilar O’Leary of the Smithsonian Institution. This influence has contributed substantially to the country’s rich cultural diversity, she says in a USINFO Webchat.

Spanglish Offers Stepping-Stone to English, Professor Says

Ralph Dannheisser — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:42:38 GMT

Spanglish, a hybrid form of English and Spanish especially popular among young people, is one of the most striking ways two of the world’s most widely used languages are evolving in response to immigration and globalization. Spanglish is “a very creative, jazzy way of being Latino in the U.S. today,” says Ilan Stavans, a professor of Latin American and Latino culture at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, who has studied and defended this hybrid language. In an interview with USINFO, Stavans discusses Spanglish and its use by a wide array of people.

Parade Brings Persian New Year Celebration to New York

Ralph Dannheisser — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:12:35 GMT

A spirited crowd celebrated Nowrouz, the Persian New Year, at the fourth annual Persian Parade in New York City as men and women in colorful clothing danced to traditional music and promenaded down Madison Avenue.

Volunteerism Is Integral Part of U.S. Culture

Ralph Dannheisser — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:28:49 GMT

Volunteering is “built into the fabric of who we are,” says Desiree Sayle, director of the USA Freedom Corps, a White House initiative to expand community service throughout America. More than 61 million Americans volunteered for charitable organizations in 2006.

U.S. Playground Designed for Disabled Kids Offers Access to All

Ralph Dannheisser — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:44:34 GMT

A playground in the Washington suburb of McLean, Virginia, has become such a popular attraction that nearby parking lots cannot accommodate the playground’s overflow crowds. The facility designed to meet the needs of children who have a wide spectrum of disabilities.