Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pangaea]

One of my classes is studying a unit on the American west. In this unit they are learning about jobs in the west, like mining and farming, and industries like oil drilling. They have also studied ranching and learned about cowboys. One thing I thought was strange is that the book specifically states that there are 15 states in the American west - and that Alaska and Hawaii are 2 of them. Therefore, the book mentions fishing (in Alaska) as an industry in the American West. I'm from the US and I would never consider Alaska and Hawaii to be part of the west. No offense to beautiful Alaska and Hawaii, but they aren't even part of the mainland. Is this a fact of geography that I have overlooked? Is this considered correct and taught in schools and I have just forgotten about it? I checked the publication info and the book was published in the US, but it also states that it is not to be used or distributed in the United States or its territories. It's specifically a book for ESL learners.

[balzor]

[oskinny1]

Alaska is also the eastern most state. So tell them oil drilling is an eastern American thing as well.

[Leslie Cheswyck]

Wyatt Earp spent some time in Alaska.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyatt_Earp#Life_after_Tombstone

[waynehead]

I agree with you OP. Though Alaska may have some cultural connections to the American West, Hawaii certainly doesn't, and I wouldn't really consider either of them as part of the West. They're definitely "other."