America.gov-Diversity: At Leisure

Times Square a Focus of New Year's Eve Festivities

Michael Jay Friedman — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:40:04 -0400

Millions of Americans associate New Year’s Eve with New York City’s Times Square. Every year, people crowd Times Square to watch the descent of a giant ball made of crystal and lights that sits atop a pole, while the crowd counts down the seconds and erupts into cheers of Happy New Year at midnight.

Americans Celebrate Christmas with Many Traditions

Michael Jay Friedman, Louise Fenner — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:57:09 -0400

Americans, like many of the world’s peoples, have developed their own Christmas traditions and observances, and these have changed greatly over time. Other holidays celebrated at roughly the same time of year — such as the African-American Kwanzaa and the Jewish Hanukkah —blend into a broader “holiday season.”

Thanksgiving Day a Time for Reflection, Gratitude, Sharing

Michael Jay Friedman, Louise Fenner — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:34:54 -0400

Thanksgiving Day in the United States, the fourth Thursday in November, is possibly the premier U.S. family celebration — typically celebrated at home and marked with a substantial feast. Many Americans also take time to prepare and serve meals to the needy at churches, soup kitchens and homeless shelters.

Veterans Day Honors Those Who Served in U.S. Military

Ralph Dannheisser — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:20:32 -0400

The November 11 holiday created to pay tribute to U.S. veterans of World War I was expanded into the annual Veterans Day, honoring all those who have served in the U.S. military. Recognition of those who fought in World War II and in Vietnam will be a major part of observances across the country.

U.S. Children, Adults Celebrate Halloween

Michael Jay Friedman — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:05:32 -0400

While not an official holiday, the traditional October 31 Halloween celebration is much beloved by children in the United States, for whom the day is a chance to don costumes and to collect candy and other treats from adults. Many adults also celebrate the occasion by attending costume parties.

Columbus Day Commemorates Explorer’s Arrival in New World

Suzanne Dawkins, Louise Fenner — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:36:04 -0400

Columbus Day, the annual U.S. commemoration of explorer Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World in 1492, is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Columbus Day is also a celebration of Italian and Italian-American cultural heritage, Columbus generally being considered a native of Genoa, Italy.

Paralympian Jeff Glasbrenner Is Optimistic About Future

Jamie M. Blanchard — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:56:35 -0400

Jeff Glasbrenner, a basketball player who lost part of a leg as a child due to a farming accident, talks about how the injury has brought him many opportunities he otherwise would not have encountered. Glasbrenner is competing at the 2008 Paralympics and at the 2008 Ironman World Triathlon Championship.

Paralympics Bring Opportunity for Champion Cycler

Paul Levitan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:57:39 -0400

Greta Neimanas was born without an arm below her elbow. That hasn’t prevented her from excelling in sports. Neimanas competed in the 2008 Paralympic Games in cycling and credits her success to hard work, not natural talent.

Mexican-American Olympic Wrestler Wins Gold

Paul Levitan — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:37:38 -0400

Mexican-American Henry Cejudo won Olympic gold in wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After overcoming a disadvantaged background, supported by his mother, he said winning the gold is “living the American dream.”

The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of National Parks

Charlene Porter — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:10:19 -0400

U.S. national parks are sacred places to many Americans, inspiring awe and wonder in visitors. At the same time, a conservation author explains, mountains, wilderness and forests belonging to all the American people also remind citizens of the struggle for independence and the quest for new horizons.

The Story of America Itself

Charlene Porter — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:09:51 -0400

One of the foremost documentary filmmakers in the United States is soon to release a 12-hour program on the National Park System. Ken Burns and his collaborator, Dayton Duncan, explain how a policy of land conservation demonstrates democracy in action and tells the stories of Americans themselves.

Unorthodox U.S. Museums Show Off America’s Lighter Side

Lauren Monsen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:49:41 -0400

The word “museum” usually conjures up visions of cultural treasures or fossils, but some museums in the United States are far more unconventional. America.gov offers a brief survey of some unusual museums that will amuse and surprise visitors who are willing to stray off the beaten path.

Bhutan, Others Come to Washington for Folklife Festival

MacKenzie Babb — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:25:55 -0400

Some boots are made for cowboys, others for astronauts to walk on the moon, and still others are a colorful part of traditional Bhutanese dress -- but this year they were also part of America's largest, annual cultural heritage celebration, the 42^nd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Is Working in the Hot Sun Your Idea of a Vacation? It Is for Many

Howard Cincotta — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:36:42 -0400

Volunteer vacations may involve only a small proportion of American vacationers, but the numbers are growing. These vacations include a wide range of community-service activities. Fourteen percent of U.S. travelers have taken a volunteer vacation, and 55 percent say they would like to in the future.

Road Trip USA: Discovering a Different America

Lauren Monsen — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:55:53 -0400

A road trip in the United States presents an opportunity to discover some of the country’s quirkiest local attractions and landmarks, including giant balls of twine, a house shaped like a shoe and car-themed sculptures. These oddities delight visitors and offer a glimpse of America’s lighter side.

U.S. Independence Day a Civic and Social Event

Michael Jay Friedman — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:02:16 -0400

The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4 with patriotic celebration and family events. In the words of Founding Father John Adams, the holiday would be “the great anniversary festival.” It is a major civic occasion, with roots deep in the Anglo-American tradition of political freedom.

Most-Visited U.S. Museums Are Family-Friendly Destinations

Yvette Ridenour — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:49:41 -0400

U.S. museums are increasingly popular destinations for vacationing families, because many of these facilities offer interactive exhibits that delight adults and children alike. From coast to coast, the most-visited museums in the United States explore the realms of dinosaurs, pirates, marine life, aviation and lots more.

Summer Books: What Americans Read for Fun

Phillip Kurata — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:31:50 -0400

As Americans begin their annual vacation season, a memoir by a famous journalist is among the bestselling books of the summer. Fueled in part by the sales of summer “beach books,” the publishing industry is expected to grow by 3 percent to 4 percent through 2011.

Americans in Search of Summer Theater Needn’t Travel Far

Ralph Dannheisser — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:09:51 -0400

Summer theater festivals abound across the United States, and their varied offerings reveal a cultural landscape as diverse as the nation’s geography. Almost anywhere, vacationers can attend plays or musicals by established playwrights or see stagings of new works by emerging artists.

An “Ultimate” Adventure in Outdoor Recreation

Elizabeth Kelleher — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:03:36 -0400

Throwing a Frisbee might be considered a leisure activity to most people, but for Ultimate Frisbee players, it’s a fiercely competitive sport. Combining elements of basketball, soccer and American football, the game now attracts 25,000 amateur athletes throughout the United States.

Summer Music Festivals Dot Landscape Across America

Ralph Dannheisser — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:54:32 -0400

Summer music festivals can be found all across the United States, with different venues attracting fans of classical, opera, jazz, blues, country, bluegrass or rock music. Some events offer a wide range of fare to accommodate the tastes of a diverse group of patrons.

Beachgoers’ Portable Movies May Distract Them from the Waves

Andrzej Zwaniecki — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:10:36 -0400

Movie-watching is moving out multiplexes and onto the Internet. What’s next? According to experts, Americans will make their own straight-to-the-Web movies, and online entertainment aggregators will provide customized entertainment feeds based on viewers’ individual preferences.

U.S. Amusement Parks: An Industry That Entertains Millions

Laura Potter — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:56:48 -0400

Amusement parks were introduced in the United States in the late 1800s, and today they draw as many as 335 million visitors a year. Offering wild rides and larger-than-life attractions, U.S. amusement parks provide a welcome escape for vacationers who want to leave the real world behind.

Some American History Lovers Live It on the Weekends

Jane Morse — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:47:06 -0400

Some people love to experience history firsthand -- dressing and living (at least on the weekends) the way people did hundreds of years ago. Most do it strictly for fun, but many historical reenactors also become quite knowledgeable about the customs of the era they re-create.

Memorial Day Holiday Honors American War Dead

Michael Jay Friedman — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:35:28 -0400

The Memorial Day holiday celebrated by Americans on the last Monday of May represents for many the unofficial beginning of summer. But most will pause at some point to recall the holiday’s true purpose: honoring those who died defending their nation.

No Joke! Stand-up Comedians Battle Intolerance

Ralph Dannheisser — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:58:16 -0400

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

Eric Green — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:36:46 -0400

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

Afzal Khan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:23:04 -0400

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

Bridget Hunter — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:20:11 -0400

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

Michael J. Friedman — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:39:35 -0400

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."

Half of American Leisure Time Is Spent Watching Television

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:36:22 -0400

Humor Helps Break Stereotypes About Muslims

Carolee Walker — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:11:31 -0400

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

Louise Fenner — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:10:34 -0400

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.

America’s Extensive Islamic Heritage Detailed in Exhibitions

Jeffrey Thomas — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:41:17 -0400

When Amir Muhammad began researching his family’s roots he did not realize it might lead him to America’s little-known Islamic heritage. He assumed that most American Muslims arrived in the 20th century, and he was unaware of any Islamic connection in his family prior to his personal acceptance of Islam 35 years ago. But Muhammad discovered he does have Muslim ancestors, as do many African Americans and Native Americans, and that the story of Islam in America reaches back much further than most people imagine. In 1996, he established the nonprofit organization to uncover and preserve America’s Islamic heritage and to create a greater awareness of the Islamic experience in America.

Museum Showcases the Blending of Islamic and Western Cultures

Judy Aita — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:40:11 -0400

A new exhibition that examines the blending of Western and Islamic cultures through the art of Venice is drawing large crowds to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Venice and the Islamic World, 828-1797, explores the exchange of ideas and art objects between the great Italian maritime city and her Islamic neighbors. The exhibition "is an important step ... because Venice is a Western city that had a fruitful and open and positive relationship with the Islamic world for so many, many centuries. It is important we try to convey this message … and educate the American public," Stefano Carboni, administrator of the museum's Department of Islamic Art and the exhibition's curator, tells USINFO.

American Indians See Opportunity in Jamestown Anniversary

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 04 May 2007 10:39:46 -0400

In light of their later treatment by European settlers, modern-day American Indians in Virginia might be expected to resent the activities surrounding the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown. But many in the native community are embracing the opportunity to direct popular attention to a more realistic understanding of the complex society the first English colonists encountered, and explain how the American Indian tribes have managed, despite extreme hardship, to maintain their identities.

Parade Brings Persian New Year Celebration to New York

Carrie Loewenthal — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:12:35 -0400

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

Louise Fenner — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 11:19:41 -0400

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.

Muslim Rappers Use ”Voice of Youth” To Promote Tolerance

Carolee Walker — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:36:37 -0400

Super Bowl Breaks Ground with First Black Coaches

Eric Green — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 10:36:18 -0400

While the winner of Super Bowl 41 will not be decided until February 4 in Miami, one result is already in: the victorious head coach of American professional football’s championship game will be African American, as both teams are coached by African Americans. Cyrus Mehri, a Washington lawyer who helped bring about diversity in professional football hiring practices, believes the significance of black head coaches in the Super Bowl transcends sports. “There’s no question that having Super Bowl teams with black head coaches for the first time will have a huge impact” on all of American society, Mehri tells USINFO.

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

Lauren Monsen — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 16:44:34 -0400

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.