The Archery Fever in the U.S.

     Archery is popular today in the U.S. because of The Hunger Games.  Katniss, who is a main character in The Hunger Games, uses a bow and arrow in the games.  She has influenced the youth culture in the U.S. Katniss protected herself by using a bow and arrow.  She is a strong “female hero”.  In the U.S., many heroes are male, so she is very cool.  Therefore, many girls in the U.S. began to practice archery to pretend to be Katiss.  Who buys and teaches archery to girls in order for them to be Katniss?  It’s their fathers.  They want to be closer to their daughters, but they don’t want spend money for their daughter’s clothing or cosmetics, because it doesn’t help fathers and their daughters to have a good relationship.  Katniss is natural and wears simple clothes.  Indeed, archery is not so cheap.  Nevertheless, their fathers are willing to buy archery equipment so that they can get along with their daughter by practicing archery.  Also, the girls can practice archery not only with their father but also by themselves.  They can play archery whenever they want.  If one girl doesn’t like typical team sports very much, she might like archery because it’s easy to do and more independent.   For these reasons, archery is very popular among the girls in the U.S.

Reference

Italie, Leanne.  “‘Hunger Games’ fever makes archery cool for children”.

Satesman Journal.  4/22/12.

The Tour in North Carolina

     Did you see The Hunger Games?  Do you like it?  If your answer is yes, you must be interested in this tour.  The state Division of Tourism offers “a four day self-guided tour” for lovers of The Hunger Games.  The movie was shot in North Carolina.  You can experience “The Hunger Games” on this tour.  In the first day, you visit the Henry River Mill Village plus, where Katniss and Peeta hung out in Asheville.  In the second day, you go to DuPont State Recreational Forest, where the arena scenes were filmed.  In the third day, you take a trip from Shelby (District 12) to Charlotte (the Capitol).  In the final day, you explore the Capitol.  In addition, you stay on the hotel and eat special food for The Hunger Games.  The places where the movie was shot should be interesting for fans of The Hunger Games.  This tour must be fun.  If you want to know another tour, you can go website and check it out.

http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/articles/what-s-new-in-nc/1/the-hunger-games-4-day-itinerary

Opinion of The Hunger Games

     I was impressed with the film of The Hunger Games.  However, I guess the supervisor shouldn’t have omitted the story of some characters.   Firstly, the Avox.  You know about the era through her story.  She had her tongue cut out for punishment, because she committed a crime.  Panem is powerful enough to kill or do terrible things to people.  We live in civilized society.  We usually don’t think of the era of a long time ago.  We should know how cruel the government was in that era.  Secondly, Madge.  You know about the difference in social standing through her story.  She is a great friend of Katniss and gave a mockingjay pin for Katniss.  However, there is a significant difference between Madge and Katniss.   It’s in how much money they have.  Katniss is much poorer than Madge.  Katniss is more likely to be chosen for the tribute.  You know how effective rich and poor people are.  Consequently, if you want  to understand the story more, you should read the book and see the film again.



Reference
Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic Inc. 2008

Spring Break

     I did many things for spring break. I stayed in my friend’s room, went to Portland, held on an icecream party, took many pictures, spent time on my hobbies and so on.  What I was so excited for spring break is Volunteering.   I got involved in volunteering activity on March 27^th.  I helped serving foods to homeless people.  I didn’t know what I should do, because my English is poor and I was so nervous.  However, all the people around me were so kind.  I felt good and enjoyed my job.  Suddenly, one woman talked to me.  She spoke English fast, so I didn’t understand.  When I asked her again, she spoke slowly.  It’s easy to understand.  She told me many things.  When I said I practice English, she advised me. It’s Just keep practicing.  I thought I was in good environment and learned English until then.  However, I’m with Japanese friends and talk with them in Japanese most of time.  It isn’t a good environment.   I have to make efforts for myself.  I have to try speaking English.  I realized an important thing.  I want to say thanks to her.  She also taught me Spanish.  I think learning language is interesting and fun.  If I don’t know English at all, I couldn’t talk with her.  I was so glad to meet her.  I could practice English during this activity, too.  I had precious experience through the volunteering. 

spring break podcast

The Pow Wow

     I went to the Pow Wow and had a wonderful time there.  I’d like to tell you about my experience at the Pow wow.  I’ll talk about what I saw, smelled, heard, and felt.

     First, I saw many people.  There were more than one hundred people in gym.  Some of them were wearing ethnic costumes.  It was so gorgeous and colorful that I wanted to put on such a nice costume.  They were also dancing to music.  I’ve never watched real ethnic dance until today.  They seemed to enjoy the festival and it made me feel good. 

     Second, I smelled something unusual when I entered the hall.  I smelled it for the first time.  That smell was good for me.  I felt like touching Native American culture with the smell.  In addition, I smelled something cooking.  I wanted to eat meal of this culture, but I didn’t eat anything there because I had lunch before going to the event.  However, that good smell made me feel happy.
     Third, I heard good music. Although I could hear the sound of drum, I also heard people singing.  It sounded like Indian music.  The people who play the drum looked powerful, because they beat the drum strongly.  The sounds were too big to talk with people.  I heard one more sound.  It was everyone laughing.  Everybody in the gym looked happy and I was also happy.

Finally, I thought about culture.  I knew the difference between Native American culture and Japanese culture.  Both of cultures respect their own traditions and history.  In the Native American culture, people are more likely to express a love for their country.  On the other hand, I think we should care about Japanese culture more.  I was impressed with unusual experience of the Pow Wow. 

In conclusion, I enjoyed ethnic dance and music today.  I should learn about my own culture more. In order to more fully understand the differences and similarities I see in other cultures.