America: Anya Vaporciyan

Hi! My name is Anya Vaporciyan. I'm a freshman at the University of Michigan, but I'm from Houston, Texas (and I actually lived in Amsterdam for 3 years when I was younger). I am thinking of majoring in something in Math and Science, although I'm not completely sure. I like to hike and do outdoor activities. And of course, I love to watch Netflix and eat!

This is me at a crawfish boil: basically a huge outdoor party featuring these yummy guys (crawfish are shellfish, kind of like a small lobster, and a typical spicy Cajun food) 

This are my friends and I (3rd from right with the giraffe) at Homecoming, a school dance, with mums (a tradition item for this dance in the south) 

This is a coral snake (super poisonous) in my backyard by my pool because I live by a bayou (small, dirty river)

What are some traditional food festivals you have? Do you enjoy your type of food or food from other cultures (and what do you think about American food)?

Growing up as a young child in Holland, I did not see a problem with Zwarte Piet. He was just a helper to Sinterklaas, and I saw them as no different than elves (Santa's helpers). However, when I returned to America at the age of 8, I slowly realized just how racist this tradition really was. Painting your face black is one thing, but adding the full lips, hoop earrings, and afro hair takes it to another level. They are also portrayed as fun and goofy but also somewhat stupid. As a child, this is fun. But seen from a different perspective, this is incredibly demeaning and rude. African Americans should not be portrayed in this way. 

This article discusses the effects of Zwarte Piet and how some people are trying to change this tradition.