Microtheme 2

Microtheme 2

Compare point by point or block

Discuss how both pieces depict American culture through their characterization.

1. “Love in LA”
   1. Jake
      1. Associates with freedom
         1. Obsessed with his personal freedom
      2. Carefree

• Desires to be a consumer, always wanting more or what is better

1. Materialism
2. Scraping by with minimal effort
3. Individualism

• Self-centered
• Lacks insight

1. Lazy and not interested in America’s opportunities[unique_solution]

1. Mariana
   1. American work ethic
   2. Responsible

• Taking advantage of the opportunities that America offers in terms of getting a job, seems to be moving upward
  1. Parents who are not from America

2. “America”
   1. Both characters are unwilling to give up their comfort
   2. Struggle to be free
   3. Student
      1. Taking advantage of freedom to express himself
      2. Has certain freedoms but questions them

• Skepticism about America or “doctoring” for a better grade

1. Consumer-based society
   1. Availability of products – going to the mall, RadioShacks
2. Speaker
   1. Voices concerns about America as a capitalist society
   2. Aware of his role “I am asleep in America too”

• Concerned with people who do not have financial freedom

1. Voices skepticism about student’s declamation of American values

3. Beliefs and Values in Texts
   1. Freedom and mobility
   2. Ungratefulness
      1. Jake wanting a car upgrade
   3. Always wanting more
   4. Denial of opportunity, potential, and freedom
      1. Jake taking freedom for granted
   5. Deception/Deceit
      1. Jake charming Mariana
      2. Student “doctoring for a better grade”
         1. Deceiving teacher

• Idea of material good making people happier

1. Not satisfied with what they have
2. Producers vs consumers of products