Post by Admin Sora on Dec 4, 2017 19:16:35 GMT -7
MAGICAL AMERICAN CULTURE
Due to years of separation, the magical community in the United states is a culture unto itself, vastly different from their European roots. This has, of course, caused friction when Wizards from other countries visit the country and when American wizards travel around the world. So, here are some of the key cultural differences that we know of to help us understand our new American friends.
- The United States magical community is run by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), and run by an elected President, much like the US Government.
- The current President of MACUSA is Vincent K. Roush.
- From the 1700's to 1956 Rappaport's Law was in existence. This law created a huge divide in the Magical and No-Maj communities, intentionally separating them to the absolute limit. This law not only made it illegal to marry, but even be-friend a no-Maj. Your interactions were expected to be only those necessary to perform daily tasks. Any involvement with a No-Maj would be met with severe punishments and no No-Maj was permitted to know about the existence of the magical community. No-Maj borns faced more persecution than their muggleborn counterparts in Europe during these years. Their parents did know about magic during their children's schooling years but upon their graduation all memories of magic were erased from the parents minds and the magical children were put under an unbreakable vow to never tell their parents.
- Due to hundreds of years of separation the Magical and No-Maj communities still remain quite separate to this day, with very few marrying outside the magical community, and many of the older generation still holding fast to the belief of limiting interactions with No-Majs.
- The most common form of discrimination in America is (to no surprise) towards No-Maj's and No-maj born children. This isn't a form of blood purity though, it is due to years of separation that has made the community intolerant to those who try to live in both worlds. Half blood children with a No-Maj parent can equally face persecution.
- Blood purity is far less complicated and elaborate then the lines in Europe. Magical records were not kept before the formation of MACUSA, and even then they were irregularly maintained (as is common in newly forming governments, especially ones being flooded with immigrants daily.). As such, American Purebloods are often referred to as 'New World Purebloods', which is to say they can only prove their status of all magical ancestors as far back as the creation of MACUSA. Blood purity extremists in Europe will often not accept this 'New World Pureblood' status as being Pureblood at all.
- Blood purity is even harder to prove among the Native American people as many did not keep records of any kind, though it is known that they did exist before European Wizards set foot on the continent. Due to cultural differences though blood status has never played any role for Native American Wizards. Unless they are distinctly No-Maj born all Native American wizards are considered half bloods.
- The magical community in the United States is quite diverse, but also united. They not only tolerate but accept the magical arts of each other's home countries. This is particularly prevalent in Louisiana (African Voodoo) influence, the countries native residences(the Native Americans), and New York's China Town. In all, The United States has become a Magically diverse place. This also applies to magical beings as well. Goblins, house elves, etc, have broken out of the European mold and fill a vast amount of jobs in the magical world. Part magical beings are more common in America than Europe (especially part Goblins.)
- While being a magically diverse and accepting place it should be known that one should use caution when among Native American Wizards when it comes to transfiguration of any kind. Animagi (Or Skinwalkers) are taboo in their culture, to the point where one could be completely disowned by not only their family but also their entire tribe if they became an Animagi. Metamorphmagi have also been met with extreme prejudice as well. In past centuries they were killed at birth, so the magical gene has been almost completely eradicated in the Native American community and one hasn't been born in over fifty years.
- On the other hand, Animal Affinities are unusually high among the Native American people.
- Werewolves and Vampires have never been treated as second hand citizens in the United States, though their movement and abilities were tightly controlled during the hundreds of years the Magical community was segregated from the No-Maj. Now a days they are still rather tightly controlled, and it is MACUSA law that werewolves take the Wolfsbane potion every full moon.
- MACUSA is far more strict when it comes to Animagi then the UK, specifically because of their history of avoiding No-Maj detection. One must pass a rigorous series of tests by MACUSA before beginning the journey of becoming an Animagi. Your entire progress is heavily monitored as well, and once completed you are required to finish the registration process and come in for yearly evaluations. Due to how difficult it is to become an Animagi in the United States it is impossible for students to become one. Unregistered Animagi are severely punished and imprisoned.
- Wands are also monitored by MACUSA. Before you graduate from school your wand is actually left at Ilvermorny each summer, and never brought home. Upon graduation (or replacing a broken/malfunctioning wand) the wand must be registered with MACUSA. You will also be issued a wand permit, that is required to carry a wand on a daily basis. Wizards traveling to America from other countries are required to mail in their wand information before their trip and a permit will be sent back, allowing them the right to carry their wand in the country. Anyone caught carrying a wand without a permit will be punished.
- Unlike their cousins in the UK, American wizards do not address each other by their surnames. Most Americans will refer to those older then them or those in a professional setting as Mr/Ms/Mrs, and those their own age or younger then them by their first name.
- American wizards are extremely discrete when traveling. If one is unable to Apparate the primary mode of transport (especially students) is portkey. All students traveling to school use MACUSA set up port keys to avoid accidental no-maj detection.
