American identity vs. Egypt

A Baptist church is depicted above. Christianity is the major religion in the United States. About 65% of Americans identify as Christian. Since my grandfather is a preacher at a baptist church, Christianity has played a major role in both my family and I’s life. I was practically raised in the church. Therefore Christianity has a great influence on my religious identity.

 

The American civil war is depicted above. It occurred from 1861-185. This war was fought over the enslavement of  African American people. The civil war plays an important role in my identity as an African American because it led to the freedom of my people.
The picture above depicts me performing the Waltz of the Flowers in The Nutcracker. Ballet didn’t come to the United States until the 19th century. I’ve been learning the art of ballet for about 10 years. It allows for a creative outlet. The discipline, beauty, and poise I have gained from this training has influenced the way in which I view the world. I view it from the perspective of an artist.
A blue jay is depicted above. They are most often spotted in the city I live in, Baltimore. I have an appreciation for nature because I am constantly around it. I live in. a woodsy area in which I often see deer, bunnies, foxes, birds, etc. This has influenced my choice in my major, environmental studies.
A plate of typical southern food is depicted above. Southern food plays a large part in my identity of being an African American. Like many black families, the majority of my family is from the south specifically North Carolina. This is mainly due to the popularity and concentration of slavery in the south. This is the food I grew up on and am most familiar with.
My intermediate household is depicted above. The support and unconditional love my family provides really has shaped me into the person I am today. They provide a support system that has developed my personal identity.
The Chesapeake bay is depicted above. The bay plays an influential role in the diet of Marylanders. In the past, it was important for trade and transportation. We depend on this body of water for seafood. Crabs among other seafood are the staple of my state.
The 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, is depicted above. He was the first black president of America in 2008. To see someone like me in a position of great power has definitely made me feel proud to be black and influenced my interpretation of what it means to be black in America.
The declaration of independence is depicted above. The declaration of independence was created in 1776. This symbolizes when America truly became free from its British oppressors and makes me proud to be an American. In addition, it represents the main values Americans are meant to uphold.
The Civil Rights movement is depicted above. The civil rights movent lasted from 1954 to 1968. This movement ultimately leads to African Americans getting their rights and without this, I would not have the same rights as white Americans. The horrors my people had to endure in addition to the lack of rights makes me proud to be African American.
American football is depicted above. Football was created in 1869. It is one of the more popular sports in America. Games are played once a week and there are several pre-rituals that Americans participate in. Football also happens to be a major sport in my family and we watch it every Sunday.

Egypt

The Nile river is depicted above. It is the main water source that gives life to crops and animals. Egypt relies on this for water, travel, trade, etc. Life is centered around the Nile and Egyptian religion once incorporated it because they realized the importance it had to everyday life.
The Egyptian national park, Wadi el Gemal, is depicted above. Since the beginning of Egyptian history, nature has played a role in pre-historic religion. Egyptians built their religion based on the behavior of the sun, water, and seasons. The national park above is a vast park with wildlife, birds, and coral. The picture depicts how beautiful Egypt is. It also symbolizes the importance of wildlife in Egypt considering that this land has been conserved.
Egyptian food is depicted above. A typical Egyptian diet consists of legumes, vegetables, and fruit. Diet plays a major role in Egyptian culture. It shares many similarities with the Mediterranean diet. Vegetables are especially emphasized because the Nile provided and still provides a plethora of vegetables. Religion, location, and resources all influence this diet. 
The Suez canal is depicted above. The construction of the Suez Canal began in 1859 and was finished in 1869. completely altered trade and transportation as a whole. It is the shortest route between Europe and the surrounding areas of India and the western Pacific oceans. It serves as a testament to the splendor and advancement of Egypt.
The Egyptian flag is depicted above. This flag was adopted in 1984. The three equal red, white and black stripes derived from the Egyptian revolution in 1952. The red stripe symbolizes the Egyptian blood spilled in the war against colonization. The white stripe symbolizes the purity of the Egyptian’s heart. The black band stripe symbolizes that darkness is overcome. The golden eagle represents the Egyptian eagle of Saladin.
A page from the Book of the Dead is depicted above. The book of the dead played a major societal and religious role in ancient Egypt. The afterlife was of major importance to Egyptians so they would buy their own personal book of the dead that had spells that could guide a person’s soul to the afterlife.
Hieroglyphs are depicted above. Hieroglyphs were used as the official writing system of ancient Egypt. It was crucial for written communication. There are about 1,000 symbols and it stopped being used in AD 400. The decipherment of hieroglyphics wasn’t possible until around 1820 with the help of the Rosetta Stone. Without Hieroglyphs, the majority of ancient Egyptian culture would be lost because we would not be able to understand it.
Embalming tools are depicted above. These tools represent the care and consideration ancient Egyptians put into caring for the dead. Preparing a body for the afterlife was quite an important ritual in ancient Egyptian religion. Each part of the process has a specific reason behind it i.e removal of organs and persevering the body as a whole. The body needed to be cared for properly to enter the afterlife.
A depiction of Cleopatra is above. Cleopatra is the main staple of ancient Egypt. Due to the glorification of her that comes around the 1950s, many associate her with Egypt immediately. She is known for coming to power and luxury through the marriages of powerful men. Her intelligence is often downplayed. She is often depicted as a beautiful femme fatale regaurdless of the lack of historical accuracy.
A map that depicts Sunni distribution in the Middle East is depicted above. The majority of the population in Egypt are Sunni Muslims. The main disagreement between Sunni and Shia Muslims stems from the argument of who should’ve become the successor of Muhammed. Many conflicts have taken place due to this disagreement. Shia Muslims have historically been oppressed because their population is smaller than their counterparts. Many acts of ethnic cleansing of Shias have taken place. Marrying a person who is on the opposing side of the argument is frowned upon. 
Hatshepsut’s Temple is depicted above. Hatshepsut was one of the first female pharaohs. The large beautiful structure symbolizes the magnificence of ancient Egypt and the dynasties that once ruled. It is a testament to the advancement of religion, technology, and influence.
The god Atum is depicted above. Ancient Egypt’s religion was essentially built around Atum. He is viewed as the god who created everything. He created himself from nothing. He is the reason things happen to exist and therefore was one of the most important deities. Many trinkets, statues, buildings, and hieroglyphs can be found depicting Atum.