March 2023

GRAPEVINE

Politics in America – Michael Henderson

Issue No. 12

Wedding Traditions – Katelyn Sondereker

One big thing I’ve noticed that is different between

Have you ever been to an American wedding? IJapan and America is politics. Mainly, the difference

usually go to a lot of weddings every year for myin attitude people have towards politics andfriends and family. But I think weddings in Japan andpoliticians in general. In America, almost everyone isAmerica are very different, so let’s talk about them!

political (政治に関心を持つ), and they are not afraid

There are a lot of traditions (伝統) for American

to say their point of view. People often make theirweddings. One is that the bride (花嫁) almost always

political views ( 政 見 ) an important part of theirwears a white dress with a veil (ベール). Usually, she

personality, which is why Americans are so passionate

spends a lot of time searching for the perfect dress

about current issues (現状の課題). But first, let’s talkwith her friends and family. There is even a very

about the background of American politics!

dramatic ( ド ラ マ チ ッ ク な ) American TV show

In America, there are two main political parties(政党). Democrats, who have liberal (リベラル) views,

where people look for their perfect wedding dress
called, Say Yes to the Dress!

and Republicans, who have conservative (コンサバ)

Another tradition comes from an old English rhyme

views. These two parties hold almost every political(韻文): something old, something new, something

position in America, and both parties constantly fightborrowed, something blue. The bride is supposed tofor power. Even if people’s political views are a little

have one old thing, one new thing, one borrowed

different from these two parties, people often have nothing, and one blue thing on her wedding day. For

choice but to vote for these parties (その二つの政党

example, the bride could wear earrings from herのどちらかに投票するしかない). This is because themother (something borrowed) and blue shoes

political system in America makes it difficult for other(something blue). If she has all four things, it will

political parties to gain power. So, we often choosebring good luck and happiness to the new couple (夫one of the two main parties that is closest to our views.

婦).

As for American citizens, we usually become

In most weddings, the bride and groom (新郎) havepolitical starting from high school age. Often students

friends and family that they want to participate in thewill talk about political issues with their friends in

wedding ceremony. Also, the bride has one person

person or online, and often social studies classes will

who she chooses to be the maid of honor, and thehave debates where students can discuss theirgroom has one person who he chooses to be the best

opinions (意見を交わす). This helps students andman. These are usually the people that the bride andpeople realize the problems in their society that theygroom are the closest (最も親しい人) to, so they help

can help fix.

support them and plan the wedding.

However, this also has a negative side. It’s quite

Even though there are lots of common traditions,common (よくある) to choose friends that have theAmerican weddings are usually unique to the people

same political views as you, as people will often stopthat are getting married. Of course, weddings havetalking to friends or even family members if theirchanged over time; in America, because people havepolitical views are too different. Because people havefought for marriage equality (同性婚) men can marrystrong political identities, debates on politics can turnmen and women can marry women, so anyone can getvery nasty very quickly. However, overall, Americansmarried. This is a freedom (自由) that people do notbelieve that talking about issues is the only way to be

have yet in Japan, but it is one that will hopefully

able to solve them. Do you think so too?

continue to be protected (保護される) in America.

American Students Protesting
When high school students in America protest (抗議する) something, they will often do a “walk-out”. Thismeans students will walk out of the school during classes and stand outside with signs while protesting. In thisrecent example, students are protesting against their state (州) passing an education bill (教育に関する議案を採択すること)Students in Little
Rock, Arkansas
protesting against aneducation bill on
March 3rd, 2023

Below are wedding pictures from when Kate’s parents got married! Whatyear do you think they got married? Take a guess! ______________