American Literature

Full Name
- United States of America
Older Name
- Turtle Island
Area
- 42.55 million km² (16,428,000 sq mi)

Population
- 331.9 million (2021)
Location
- North America
Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Language
- American English, sometimes called United States English or U.S. English, is the set of
varieties of the English language native to the United States. English is the most widely spoken
language in the United States and in most circumstances is the de facto common language
used in government, education and commerce.
- Before English, people in the Americas spoke Spanish and various Native American
languages. The Native American tribes throughout America each had their own, unique
language. The first European language spoked in America was Spanish, which the Spanish
conquistadors brought with them.

FOODS
- Apple Pie
- Cheese Burger
- Pizza
- Nashville Hot Chicken
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Corn Bread
- Jambalaya
- Country Fried Steak
- Meatloaf
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Peanut Butter and Jelly
- Chicken and Waffles
- Buffalo Wings
- Grilled Cheese
 - Philly cheesestick
ATTIRE
- The most common American traditional clothes are ponchos, huipils, western wear, flannel
shirts, and quadrille dresses. The major benefit of wearing flannel shirts in America is that one
can roll up the sleeves and secure them with buttons.

- Apart from professional business attire, American fashion is eclectic and predominantly
informal. While Americans' diverse cultural roots are reflected in their clothing, particularly
those of recent immigrants, cowboy hats, boots, jeans, and leather motorcycle jackets are
emblematic of specifically American styles.

FESTIVALS/HOLIDAYS

The United States, like other nations, sets aside a number of days each year to commemorate
events, people or public occasions. These holidays typically are marked by a general
suspension of work and business activity, and by public and/or religious ceremonies.

Technically, the United States does not celebrate national holidays, but Congress has
designated 10 “legal public holidays,” during which most federal institutions are closed and
most federal employees are excused from work. Although the individual states and private
businesses are not required to observe these, in practice all states, and nearly all employers,
observe the majority of them.

Since 1971, a number of these have been fixed on Mondays rather than on a particular
calendar date so as to afford workers a long holiday weekend.

 Christmas Day
 Columbus Day
 Labor Day
 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
 Memorial Day
 Thanksgiving Day
 World AIDS Day
 Veterans Day
 Hispanic Heritage Month
 Human Rights Day
 National African American History Month
 National Native American Heritage Month
 National Women’s History Month

Desiderata: Original Text

This is the original text from the book where Desiderata was first
published.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace
there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on
good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the
dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If
you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for
always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in
your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of
trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons
strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about
love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial
as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the
things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do
not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of
fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a
child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a
right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding
as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive
Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy
confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery
and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be
happy.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927