Scientology in America

I have decided to choose http://www.scientology.org/what-is-scientology.html which is the official website for Scientology. Although Scientology is heard of, it is a religious group that many people do not understand, or do not have much knowledge of. This religious group may be seen as small however it is growing, especially with public figures such as Tom Cruise being a part of this belief.

When you immediately enter the website and many other pages, a video is played at the top of the page, reinforcing what Scientology is and should be. The video shows us that Scientology is the 'study of knowledge' the video continues to say it is a 'new kind of religion, not just something you believe in.' This video can come across as very selfish and cocky however on the other hand, the way in which this video and the website defines Scientology represents American Identity in the sense that it is something new and different from anything else. It allows people, in a sense, have more depth in a religion allowing your own identity.

What really stood out to me was that Scientologists claim that they 'actively use the insights and knowledge that Scientology gives them to make a real, positive difference in the lives of others.' This again relates to American Identity in terms of faith as making yourself better and always improving not only your life but others around you is part of the American Identity, this sense that through this religion you can and will become whoever you want to be.

They alos have a section on 'how we help' this section again comes across as very selfish and almost as though they are the best religion. In one of the videos they state how people who were drug free or educated are a lot more efficient than those who do the opposite. Their is this sense here again of trying to create the perfect American Identity and trying to get as many people as possible to follow the same path.

Jewish Americans

http://www.iajf.org/about_iajf.php

This website is an organization for the Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF) which was set up and launched in 1980 due to the mass immigration of Jewish people in Los Angeles, California in 1979. There were also other organizations that were set up, but this was created and formed to defend and protect the interests and welfare of Jews not only in America but around the world as well. The organization created a magazine called Shofar Magazine in order to make communication with other people easier and more accessible as well as "providing information about the activities of this and other Jewish organizations within the community." The magazine was first published in 1982 where Homa Sarshar, a well known journalist in and out of Iran, took control of the creative direction and the editing.

The Shofar has had many editors and in 2007 it used a young graduate from the University of Northridge, California called Mojgan Moghadam-Rahbar who used his experience in print media as well as radio and television to "capture the interest of the younger Iranian-Americans by creating a well written, informative and entertaining English section to the publication." Furthermore, the Shofar is using younger and more energetic writers because they want to keep the "community informed and encouraging healthy and constructive communication within the Iranian-American Jewish society." This is because the Jewish community is increasing and more of the younger Iranian-American Jews are becoming more educated and established and so this magazine enables them to keep in contact with those that may not be as well as the older people in the community.

Therefore, the fact that this particular faith is using a magazine and there is also a calender on the website that shows everything important in Iranian Jewish life just shows how this community is growing and becoming increasingly important in the change of the identity of America. This religious faith can change the views and beliefs of America because as there is a rise in the volume of people living in America belonging to this particular faith, or even converted Jewish people then the predominate faith to which is the Christian faith then becomes smaller allowing for Jewish people to become part of the faith that can act as a factor for defining the United States of America. Furthermore, the Jewish faith has been in around since the time of B.C and in America it has been there as early as the 17th Century and so they have a long history for living there.

Mormon

http://mormon.org/

The first site image is a heavily religious one of Jesus Christ saving a blind man who is begging for help. There is a box that straight away grabs our attention;

What is the purpose of my life?

They offer to teach more about Jesus Christ, "our redeemer" who "made a way for us to be forgiven". If you click this link it takes you to a long page broken into sections, which seems like any Christian site. They talk about redemption and who and what Christ did for us. One thing I did notice was that all the photos were very multicultural - something they include on the first page too. Going back to the home page, in the slideshow after the picture of Jesus Christ it is full of profiles of Mormons - all of whom are of a different ethic.

The site has a page on "Values" which to me was very American; Freedom to Choose, Strengthening Families, Good Citizenship being just a few of these. These values are very strong in the American Identity. Americans pride themselves in their value and moral codes, and on being a Good Citizen.

I didn't see anything at first that showed the uniqueness of the Mormon religion. Under the section "Our Beliefs" there is however sections on Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. For those that don't know who Joseph Smith is or what the Book of Mormon is, they do try to offer an explanation and history. They also allow Mormons to answer "Who was Joseph Smith?". The website claims that "In response to a humble prayer, God called Joseph to re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ". Mormons only have a small section to explain the significance of Joseph Smith as they do not worship him (as such. Some claim they just "respect" their founder).

The most significant detail about the site is (as usual) the imagery. The imagery is a mix of old religious paintings with lots of different American Identities representing America and the Mormon community. This is significant because of the use of various American Identities. The media in America always portrays America as being far more equal and just than in reality it is, and the website goes along with this. They also heavily show their strong beliefs in values and Jesus Christ, which Americans also view as another important part of their Identity.

Sexual Identity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8zwM6oDM1Q

The video I have chosen is from The Ellen DeGeneres show in February 2012. In the clip I have chosen, Ellen is standing up to 'one million moms' (http://www.onemillionmoms.com/purpose.asp) and standing up to her haters.
Ellen says in the clip that she doesn't usually bother responding to her haters but this time she felt the need to. Ellen explains about her endorsement with JC Penny and how 'one million moms' responded. Ellen remains calm and confident whilst explaining the whole situation and even jokes about how she will now receive free t-shirts.
Even whilst reading out what 'One Million Moms' said about the endorsement she remains herself not letting the comments get to her but retaliating with her comedic element. She goes on to show the audience that 'One Million Moms' only have 20, 000 fans on their Facebook page.


Ellen DeGeneres doesn't come across a maybe what a stereotypical homosexual is assumed to come across as. I also think that the fact that Ellen is probably one of the most influential lesbians in America and with such a popular TV show, shows us that she is accepted into society, no matter what certain groups may say. I think the fact that people like Ellen and Perez Hilton are so popular and well known all over the world gives a positive outlook that maybe things will change eventually and how much society has changed so far.
Overall Ellen represents a positive image of 'gay and lesbian' society and at the end of the clip states what she stands for, which is exactly the same as any other person in America or the rest of the world. What I do wonder though, is why is it that people with such a high status in America are so popular with millions of people behind them, has nothing changed quicker in Society?

America Got Gay Agenda!

I found this video very interesting (and not because of the strange interviewer!), because it related with an article we read last week about Gay Agenda at the moment, and how there wasn't one. The author of the article also stated he had no intention to get married though, where as those interviewed in the video hint they would like too, or at least feel they should have that equality.

There was also only one person who looked embarrassed when asked whether they are were gay or not, but everyone else looked unfazed at the question. Comparing this to how society would have acted years ago at the question, it shows that the majority of people are now aware of and accepting of gay America (at least in New York).

The video showed their identity as equal until the law was brought up, and they mentioned they hoped for marriage rights and equality, and it reminded me how unequal America still is. I felt a little sad when the blonde man said he already was married, and showed the ring on his right hand! While America has come along way, there is still more to do!

Perez Hilton on gay marriage and miss California.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT3OhrYObsc

I chose this video for a few reasons. Firstly it's not stereotipically in your face 'gay' (bright colours, over the top dramatic faces and speeches, over the top clothing etc.) secondly Perez Hilton is predominatly one of America's and possibly the worlds most recognised gay famous person, and as he is a jounalist(blogger) he is aware of many situations surrounding the world, which allows him to express his opinion proffessionally. This means that he will obviously have a postive emotion towards gay marriage and as he was at the ceremony of Miss America, and even asked her the question on being gay, his view towards her as well will be very strong.

The video starts with a question being asked about Miss California, where he adds emphasises saying that 'I think Miss California HAS to loose her crown.' He backs this up by saying she has broken the rules of the padgent and her contract, this makes him seem aware and knowledgable about this issue, so we are more likely to side with him and his views.

This video also shows his power and gay power, he says that in the last 4 weeks the polls have shown that more and more people are now in favour of gay marriage. This could be due to the 'fashion' and trends people follow, but due to Miss Californias ignorance, people may dislike her views and her general self and want to rebel and go against her ( possibly just to cause controvisy.)
He goes on to say that Maine has now legalised gay marriage, New hampshire are deciding what choice they want to make that week and California will also be providing their desicision to the state. This means that gay identity isnt always seen as we negative anymore, but rather considering previous years where people would never tell anyone about their 'status' are now allowed to show the world who they are and love with gay marriage.

In the interview they talk of him blogging where he has over 10 million followers, this also tells us people arent as prejudice anymore and welcome new ideas by supporting peoples individuality.

There are many other videos surrounding Miss California and other celebrities that are for gay marriage, but due to Perez Hilton's major influence and popularity with people, shows that people are acceptance of the idea of being gay and their identity is recognised with new laws such as legal marriage.

End of Don't Ask Don't Tell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZPLXj860lE&feature=related

This video clip was produced 20 September 2011 and it demonstrates how the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy is coming to an end, however it would also appear that the clip is almost making a mockery about gays and lesbians in the United States. This YouTube video also looks as if though they are laughing about the situation because it uses Jimmy Kimmel Live to show a another clip that has been created to show the armed force are accepting of gays, lesbians and bisexuals. Furthermore, before they show the clip they make jokes about how its going to be awkward to shower together and how the ban was waiting for the glee premier, which uses many gay and lesbian characters.

This could also be a mockery of sexual orientation and identity because it says the Marines have made a specific training video for how they are welcoming of different people. The so called training video also says how one of the recruits are from Texas, and the man in charge says "never Texas, only thing that'll come out of Texas is Queer, so you must be Queer" and then by the end of the clip the corporal says we accept any sexual orientation and he makes the recruit kiss him on the cheek to which he says "did you like that, so did I" so he says he is gay as well but its almost as if he is laughing whilst doing it. Therefore, when it comes to the identity of gays and lesbians America and the armed forces are trying to show they are accepting of this even though they are laughing about it at the same time which would suggest otherwise. There are also various links to other clips that show how some soldiers are not satisfied because it goes against their religion, but then there are clips that show how sport stars have come out and people are fine with it.

Therefore, when it comes to the identity of gays and lesbians in America as well as other sexual preferences I think it is more accepting to the idea and so more people are feeling as if they can 'come out the closet' and be proud about it but I also think there are many people that find it uncomfortable and will never be accepting. So I think it is hard to identify gay and lesbians in the contemporary USA because there are people that are still trying to come round to the idea as well as people that will always hate it and so it is still very difficult for many people to truly express who they are.