NationStates Jolt Archive

When I've had dissagreements with americans ive tried to explain my stand but they dont understand it, so I was wondering if u guys did.
I dont like the way in which the American culture tends to try and dominate the culture in other countries as I believe that all countries should stay true to their heiritage.
But I have just as much respect for americans as I do for people in any other country as it isnt their fault that being one of the super powers, thier culture has been spread around the world.

But after saying that, im always met with, "anti-americanism = anti-americans, which means that u hate all americans"
sometimes i feel it wud b less painful to :headbang:

When I've had dissagreements with americans ive tried to explain my stand but they dont understand it, so I was wondering if u guys did.
I dont like the way in which the American culture tends to try and dominate the culture in other countries as I believe that all countries should stay true to their heiritage.
But I have just as much respect for americans as I do for people in any other country as it isnt their fault that being one of the super powers, thier culture has been spread around the world.

But after saying that, im always met with, "anti-americanism = anti-americans, which means that u hate all americans"
sometimes i feel it wud b less painful to :headbang:
Cultures have a way of mixing and spreading all on thier own without peole try. But if you want to see a culture that has dominated lokk no further that Blighty! Where do you think American culture stems from? And Australian etc. And look at countries like India where the British culture has changed for ever the native cultures.

Cultures have a way of mixing and spreading all on thier own without peole try. But if you want to see a culture that has dominated lokk no further that Blighty! Where do you think American culture stems from? And Australian etc. And look at countries like India where the British culture has changed for ever the native cultures.

And if britian was still doing that i wouldnt'nt like britishism (dont know if thats a word), but the british empire has but a fragment of the influence on the world that it used to have. America is the current world dominator, hence my current disagreement with americanism, It applies to any country thats dominates others, and american culture is more prevelent in todays world that any other

Everyone thinks that their country is the best... if not, they would move. We Americans, try to be tolerant of other cultures (as a nation) but when that Nation seems to make Killing foreigners a part of their culture, then something needs to be done, don't you think so?

When I've had dissagreements with americans ive tried to explain my stand but they dont understand it, so I was wondering if u guys did.
I dont like the way in which the American culture tends to try and dominate the culture in other countries as I believe that all countries should stay true to their heiritage.
But I have just as much respect for americans as I do for people in any other country as it isnt their fault that being one of the super powers, thier culture has been spread around the world.

But after saying that, im always met with, "anti-americanism = anti-americans, which means that u hate all americans"
sometimes i feel it wud b less painful to :headbang:

Due to the world media. Americans feel a little sensitive right now.

Everyone thinks that their country is the best... if not, they would move. We Americans, try to be tolerant of other cultures (as a nation) but when that Nation seems to make Killing foreigners a part of their culture, then something needs to be done, don't you think so?

This is unrelated to anything happening in iraq, its about the global movement in a lot of countries to copy and do what america does, instead of following the principals and customs of their country

And if britian was still doing that i wouldnt'nt like britishism (dont know if thats a word), but the british empire has but a fragment of the influence on the world that it used to have. America is the current world dominator, hence my current disagreement with americanism, It applies to any country thats dominates others, and american culture is more prevelent in todays world that any otherIt only seems prevealant... the reason is American Culture is made up of British Culture, Spanish Culture, Mexican Culture, Hawaiian, American Indian, Hindu, Muslim, African... Every new citizen brings a piece of their culture and it's blended and absorbed into what you call American Culture. The reason why it's looks prevailent it more because there is a piece of other cultures in American Culture.

This is unrelated to anything happening in iraq, its about the global movement in a lot of countries to copy and do what america does, instead of following the principals and customs of their countrySorry, I Miss-understood the tone. :p
Please see my above post then.

Sorry, I Miss understood the tone. :p

sweet as, its understandable to react if it looks like someone is attacking your culture, but what im trying to say is that americanism has its place, and thats in america, same with any other culture, russianism should be in russia, and i would be against it if other countries tried to emulate them or anyone else

JunII wrote;

Everyone thinks that their country is the best... if not, they would move. We Americans, try to be tolerant of other cultures (as a nation) but when that Nation seems to make Killing foreigners a part of their culture, then something needs to be done, don't you think so?

I think the problem lies with others [nations outside the US] wondering who made the USA the policemen of the world?
It's not that anyone has a gripe with the ordinary American, just their governments need to interfere in others and force their foreign policy on others.
Yes Saddam needed taken out, he was a bad man to say the least, but a war was over the top, too many innocent Iraq's have perished and far too many US troops and British troops have also lost their lives.
The war in Iraq was wrong from the start and all the west-hating zealots and suicide bombers have even more reasons to hate the west now, instead of making the world a safer place, Bush and Blair, in particular, have made it even more dangerous!

It's not that anyone has a gripe with the ordinary American, just their governments need to interfere in others and force their foreign policy on others.
I for one has a gripe with the american citizens since they re-elected Bush.
But you're right that the Americans can sometimes be blinded by patriotism and take criticism on their government a little too personnaly.

sweet as, its understandable to react if it looks like someone is attacking your culture, but what im trying to say is that americanism has its place, and thats in america, same with any other culture, russianism should be in russia, and i would be against it if other countries tried to emulate them or anyone elseBut if their culture doesn't work? Japan was a Financial Powerhouse... until their Financial Bubble burst... Now, their financial culture is more like US. Russia was America's equal, until they were forced to fractue into the United soviet states. I think it's not so much that America is forcing the change (except for rare instances) but that other nations look around and try to see if what works for one nation might work for another. Mexico (i think it was) had a habit of going on Siestas, where work would stop for a couple of hours. The Government realizes that the break in the business day was actually hurting the country so they stopped it. To continue to carry out actions that are not working or actually hurting is rather stupid. even if those actions are 'Traditional' or cultural.

Other cultures that complain about other cultures intruding on them aren't expressing what's really bothering them. The problem is really that they feel threatened because a stronger more dominant culture is replacing their weaker one.

i.e. For Americanism to surplant Frenchism in France the French must allow (even if subconsciously) it to happen.

:gundge:

sweet as, its understandable to react if it looks like someone is attacking your culture, but what im trying to say is that americanism has its place, and thats in america, same with any other culture, russianism should be in russia, and i would be against it if other countries tried to emulate them or anyone else

I understand your point. The perception just now seems to be that America has dictated itself as the moral guardian of the world, which (from an outsiders point of view) is almost as funny as it is hypocritical. However, this is starting to spread to other nations now as well. I am Scottish and live in Holland and recently the religious outpouring for/against muslims and moroccans is growing, which recently led to a very horrific killing very close to where I live. Now, Holland (when I moved here) was a very multicultural and tolerant society, but the overspill of the fear-provoking 'war on terror' and the Bush propoganda, I feel, is causing this unrest. For the first time, it seems like we are almost de-evolving from the 'melting pot' back to the 'salad bowl'... :eek: :eek: :eek:

I for one has a gripe with the american citizens since they re-elected Bush.
But you're right that the Americans can sometimes be blinded by patriotism and take criticism on their government a little too personnaly.

it was only 51% of americans that voted for bush though, and as such a great %age of them have never been out of their country they cant be beaten up too much for not understanding the implications of their foreign policy

I for one has a gripe with the american citizens since they re-elected Bush.
But you're right that the Americans can sometimes be blinded by patriotism and take criticism on their government a little too personnaly.Not just our country... it happens everywhere with other countries as well. It's just that America is the most visible country out there. If America stubs it's toe, it make big news that overshadows other events like another country's first election, to pull an example outta my... er... head. And the Threads during and after the election is an example of other people trying to force their culture on America. Everyone takes Criticisms about their country a little to personally.

But if their culture doesn't work? Japan was a Financial Powerhouse... until their Financial Bubble burst... Now, their financial culture is more like US. Russia was America's equal, until they were forced to fractue into the United soviet states. I think it's not so much that America is forcing the change (except for rare instances) but that other nations look around and try to see if what works for one nation might work for another. Mexico (i think it was) had a habit of going on Siestas, where work would stop for a couple of hours. The Government realizes that the break in the business day was actually hurting the country so they stopped it. To continue to carry out actions that are not working or actually hurting is rather stupid. even if those actions are 'Traditional' or cultural.

China was once the greatest nation, Egypt was once ... etc, its now americas turn, but as in the past the cycle will drop and americas turn at the top is limited, and another will soon take its place

With more and more large corporations relocating work to developing nations, like India and China (for cheap labour) its only natural that these countries will very soon catch up.

China was once the greatest nation, Egypt was once ... etc, its now americas turn, but as in the past the cycle will drop and americas turn at the top is limited, and another will soon take its place

I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. :sniper:

China was once the greatest nation, Egypt was once ... etc, its now americas turn, but as in the past the cycle will drop and americas turn at the top is limited, and another will soon take its placeThat's right. but what caused the other nations to fail... China was Xenophobic (and still are to a degree), Egypt, Rome, Greek,and Britian all over extended themselves (IMHO) and Britian realized this, and they willingly shrank their Empire to a more manageable size (again IMHO). Russia tried to micromanage their people and that caused it to fragment. Today however, should America to fall, it will need another nation with America's global... presence to be there to take America's place immediatly. for the vacume that America would leave would be Globally catastrophic.

Okay, if you're talking about "American Culture" as a wave of MTV, Disney, McDonalds, Starbucks, Britney Spears and Baywatch... then I have to say, quite frankly that those are business franchises and products, NOT culture of any kind, and that the world has had the dubious taste to buy in.

If you're speaking about the rise in English-speaking people in the rest of the world, and the spread of "western" business and causal attire... THAT isn't American, it's British and its been going on since before the industrial revolution happened.

I'm not at all sensitive about the world media's view of my country or the people who live in it, because frankly, I feel the world in general doesn't know much, if anything about Americans short of what our unimaginative, lowbrow and utterly unintelligent television shows portray...and of course, the horrible public example set by our poor excuse for a president, George W. Bush (whom I often refer to with much rancour as George the Second).

The reality is that "American Culture" isn't far off from modern European culture. Only we spend more time obsessing about work and possession. And to be honest, WE aren't spreading it. The nations that adopt it are doing so on their own, taking it on along with the money, technology and business it is attatched to to compete with "the First World" nations. Americans aren't forcing THAT down anyone's unwilling throats. Even if our government IS shoving "democracy and freedom" down the throats of some nations in order to "protect our interests". You should NEVER make the mistake of confusing Americans as people with the American Government and American Media.

I dont like the way in which the American culture tends to try and dominate the culture in other countries as I believe that all countries should stay true to their heiritage.
You are obviously in league with the terrorists. If you oppose the "cultural" world dominance of the US.

give the world 50 years and China, Russia, or even india, with they way their economies are growing might have the ability to fill the role of global dominator, hell, if the EU gets its act sorted it might be able to contribute.
no country in this world is indespensable (spelling was shocking)

Okay, if you're talking about "American Culture" as a wave of MTV, Disney, McDonalds, Starbucks, Britney Spears and Baywatch... then I have to say, quite frankly that those are business franchises and products, NOT culture of any kind, and that the world has had the dubious taste to buy in.

But surely dosn't the culture that a company grows in effect the way in which they do things? i.e. a company that develops in France, will carry many French ideas and influences even when it opens a chain in another country

it was only 51% of americans that voted for bush though, and as such a great %age of them have never been out of their country they cant be beaten up too much for not understanding the implications of their foreign policy

You can even say that about 26% of americans voted for him if you consider the participation %. However, my gripe is not that they don't understand the implication of their foreign policy, it's that they voted out of fear and with their bible for the guy they know has lied to them and has slashed their insurance, social security, employment, and so on...

Not just our country... it happens everywhere with other countries as well. It's just that America is the most visible country out there. If America stubs it's toe, it make big news that overshadows other events like another country's first election, to pull an example outta my... er... head. And the Threads during and after the election is an example of other people trying to force their culture on America. Everyone takes Criticisms about their country a little to personally.

True.
But you should know that the US government makes financial pressures on other countries to export their culture. That's where the resentment comes from.

(Edit: And by culture, I mean movies, books, music. )

You can even say that about 26% of americans voted for him if you consider the participation %. However, my gripe is not that they don't understand the implication of their foreign policy, it's that they voted out of fear and with their bible for the guy they know has lied to them and has slashed their insurance, social security, employment, and so on...

Then that you blame the terrorists... not the US, nor it's citizens.

True.
But you should know that the US government makes financial pressures on other countries to export their culture. That's where the resentment comes from. (Edit: And by culture, I mean movies, books, music. )And the US also gets financial pressure as well.

The problem you've described as Americanism isn't exactly as easy to accurately label as it seems. It's not that spreading American ideals is bad, what's bad is the Vices that are inherent/symbiotic to the good.
The 'Land of teh Free' is a place where success of the past have been misinterpreted ad twisted to emulate utterly wrong values. All that America stood for - Freedom, liberty, Justice are now strongly influenced, if not controlled, by the all powerful dollar and the avarice that accompanies it.
No longer does 'what's good for the people, what's ULTIMATELY good for peace, and what's good for the planet' dictate how we conduct our business, our social behaviors, and our relations with the world. Arrogance has morphed a good-intentioned, ambitious, young nation into a bratty, self-absorbed, self-serving, greedy teenager - disresepecting age as we go.

The US spreading liberty ofr liberty's sake isn't a bad thing - it's when it's for anything else that it is.

Then that you blame the terrorists... not the US, nor it's citizens.

It's not the terrorist that made adds saying that Kerry will lead to another terroristt attack, I'm sorry to say that the GOP did a swell job of propagating fear by itself. And fear of terrorism is no excuse for the other points where Bush fucked up.

I'd like to point out, before we go any further, that I don't hate the American citizen and don't want to become an america-basher. I do feel a little anger right now but that's mainly because of recent events.

And the US also gets financial pressure as well.

Let's not kid ourselves here. Which country can put more financial pressure than the US? Besides, I'm trying to explain that the US administration actively export it's culture and there's a legitimacy in the implication that Americanism is threathening other cultures. I'm not saying the US shouldn't do it, just that there's a real threat to other cultures that the others countries need to adress.

give the world 50 years and China, Russia, or even india, with they way their economies are growing might have the ability to fill the role of global dominator, hell, if the EU gets its act sorted it might be able to contribute.
no country in this world is indespensable (spelling was shocking)

Well, with the growth that China has seen recently, I dont think it'll take half that long. And the EU will never get its s**t together enough to become a dominant power. The stigma of 100's of years of war as well as the arrogance that each country in the EU has will prevent that.

I think it IS a 2-way thing. What was 'the American dream' is now globalised, or is rapidly becoming a globalised concept. And yes, it is because America actively spreads this through the perception of its culture (MTV, Starbucks and whatever the other choices were). But then its being eagerly grabbed at by everywhere else in the 'western' world (soon to include the middle east).

Okay, if you're talking about "American Culture" as a wave of MTV, Disney, McDonalds, Starbucks, Britney Spears and Baywatch... then I have to say, quite frankly that those are business franchises and products, NOT culture of any kind, and that the world has had the dubious taste to buy in.

If you're speaking about the rise in English-speaking people in the rest of the world, and the spread of "western" business and causal attire... THAT isn't American, it's British and its been going on since before the industrial revolution happened.

I'm not at all sensitive about the world media's view of my country or the people who live in it, because frankly, I feel the world in general doesn't know much, if anything about Americans short of what our unimaginative, lowbrow and utterly unintelligent television shows portray...and of course, the horrible public example set by our poor excuse for a president, George W. Bush (whom I often refer to with much rancour as George the Second).

The reality is that "American Culture" isn't far off from modern European culture. Only we spend more time obsessing about work and possession. And to be honest, WE aren't spreading it. The nations that adopt it are doing so on their own, taking it on along with the money, technology and business it is attatched to to compete with "the First World" nations. Americans aren't forcing THAT down anyone's unwilling throats. Even if our government IS shoving "democracy and freedom" down the throats of some nations in order to "protect our interests". You should NEVER make the mistake of confusing Americans as people with the American Government and American Media.

Just to highlight also, is Britney Spears not a person? I have to say that viewing a person as a business franchise or a product is a little...odd.

Just to highlight also, is Britney Spears not a person? I have to say that viewing a person as a business franchise or a product is a little...odd.
True but look at Jennifer Lopez: music, movies, perfume, clothes, etc.
Then look at Martha Stewart. One person can become a business franchise and a variety of products.

Just to highlight also, is Britney Spears not a person? I have to say that viewing a person as a business franchise or a product is a little...odd.
She was a person until she sold herself to the big companies who care more about image than talent.

Then she became a business franchise. They essentially own her.

This is unrelated to anything happening in iraq, its about the global movement in a lot of countries to copy and do what america does, instead of following the principals and customs of their country

How, then, is America responsible for that?

I'm serious here -- I know there are a lot of people who dislike American brands being advertised in their streets. "We don't want your fast food," et cetera. "We don't want your movies." "We don't want your music."

However, if the populace of other countries stopped buying McDonald's food, McDonald's would leave, simple as that. Ditto films. Ditto music. Pass up the next Britney Spears album -- if it's unprofitable, it will disappear.

Besides, we like everything here. Lexus, Toyota, Mitsubishi, BMV, Virgin Superstores... we don't say "keep your goods and culture to yourself".

I suggest that it is the folks in your own nation who need a good talking to about the spread of American culture -- but then, that sounds like Nationalism, which appears to be a dirty word these days....

I for one has a gripe with the american citizens since they re-elected Bush.

Not all of us did....

How, then, is America responsible for that?

I'm serious here -- I know there are a lot of people who dislike American brands being advertised in their streets. "We don't want your fast food," et cetera. "We don't want your movies." "We don't want your music."

However, if the populace of other countries stopped buying McDonald's food, McDonald's would leave, simple as that. Ditto films. Ditto music. Pass up the next Britney Spears album -- if it's unprofitable, it will disappear.

Besides, we like everything here. Lexus, Toyota, Mitsubishi, BMV, Virgin Superstores... we don't say "keep your goods and culture to yourself".

I suggest that it is the folks in your own nation who need a good talking to about the spread of American culture -- but then, that sounds like Nationalism, which appears to be a dirty word these days....

Katganistan, I think the McDonald's bit doesn't really hold water - in most cases, foreign McDonald's franchises aren't really there to serve the locals - they're there to provide American tourists with an alternative to local fare. If they can hook the locals, I'm sure they're happy about it, but that's not their prime objective.

Because American 'culture' is intrinsically linked to American consumerism, it makes sense that people in other countries are left feeling defensive of their own cultures, particularly if their cultures aren't tied into their consumer base. How can the Kalevala possibly hope to compete with the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated?

Let's not kid ourselves here. Which country can put more financial pressure than the US?

Just out of curiousity. Have you seen America's National Debt numbers? The National Debt is the amount of money America owes other nations. If even a fraction of those other countries called in there loans, America would be in serious financial problems.

Just out of curiousity. Have you seen America's National Debt numbers? The National Debt is the amount of money America owes other nations. If even a fraction of those other countries called in there loans, America would be in serious financial problems.
For your information, the National Debt is the amount of money America owes. It includes sich things as savings bonds, bank loan and other assorted things. At least 50% of the debt is purely internal.

A better gauge would be the trade deficit or importation/exportations ratios. I say that only China can make such a big pressure that it threathens America's way of life.

You also have to look at US loans to other foreign countries. If, say, the UK calls his debt due, the US can calls UK's debt due too and call other debt from countries than owe money to both countries.

hmm...
i suppose the US is a big place, so there are all sorts of views.

what see more and more is the 'shock jock' an moral majority view being accepted
or at least going unchallenged.
before, any questioning of this sort of thing would get you called anti-semetic
now,
questioning anything will get you labelled as being 'with the terrorists'

land of the free , eh? ;)

You are obviously in league with the terrorists. If you oppose the "cultural" world dominance of the US.

Well, there's a non sequitur if I ever saw one.

Besides, we like everything here. Lexus, Toyota, Mitsubishi, BMV, Virgin Superstores... we don't say "keep your goods and culture to yourself".

I suggest that it is the folks in your own nation who need a good talking to about the spread of American culture -- but then, that sounds like Nationalism, which appears to be a dirty word these days....
How do you explain such campaings as "Buy Vermont first", California's recent policies about movie shot outside the US or the recent ban a certain french movie criticising Bush and his administration.

The US does the same kind of cultural protectionism, it's just not as visible.

Katganistan, I think the McDonald's bit doesn't really hold water - in most cases, foreign McDonald's franchises aren't really there to serve the locals - they're there to provide American tourists with an alternative to local fare. If they can hook the locals, I'm sure they're happy about it, but that's not their prime objective.

Because American 'culture' is intrinsically linked to American consumerism, it makes sense that people in other countries are left feeling defensive of their own cultures, particularly if their cultures aren't tied into their consumer base. How can the Kalevala possibly hope to compete with the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated?

Then what do you suggest is the answer? If, as you suggest, the only reason these franchises are there are to appeal to Americans, then the way to get rid of them is to discourage American tourism. That must furthermore mean American tourism is huge, if the sole reason these places stay open in other countries is to cater to them... so if their ways are so disliked, it should be simple enough to keep them at home.

I'm not saying I don't understand what you're getting at, but the fact is that the franchises are owned privately -- so it is nationals of the country "being Americanized" that choose to provide the product, and in the SI illustration, people within the country who choose to buy the product as well.

The only way to compete would be, of course, to convince people their country's own products are better... as I said, no one is saying, "You must buy SI!"

(BTW, my parents make two trips to Europe every year -- and trust me, the last place they want to eat is Mickey D's -- they would much rather (and do) escape their tours and eat in local places. The whole reason they go is to explore new cultures and get away from the familiar.)

Seriously its not like America goes over to your country and forces McDonalds down your throat or makes you listen to our music..

How do you explain such campaings as "Buy Vermont first", California's recent policies about movie shot outside the US or the recent ban a certain french movie criticising Bush and his administration.

The US does the same kind of cultural protectionism, it's just not as visible.


Despite these attempts, however, the majority of the culture overlooks these attempts at propaganda and does what it pleases.

Lucasfilm filmed at Elstree studios. Lots of movies film in Toronto. And there are Jaguars, BMVs, Volvos, Toyotas, Lexuses, et al all over the place. ;) Heck, lots of our actors are originally Canadian or from elsewhere in the world like the UK, Spain, Austria.... ;)

Does that sound like cultural protectionism is working?

Despite these attempts, however, the majority of the culture overlooks these attempts at propaganda and does what it pleases.

Lucasfilm filmed at Elstree studios. Lots of movies film in Toronto. And there are Jaguars, BMVs, Volvos, Toyotas, Lexuses, et al all over the place. ;) Heck, lots of our actors are originally Canadian or from elsewhere in the world like the UK, Spain, Austria.... ;)

Does that sound like cultural protectionism is working?
No it's not working. That is why other countries complain too: it's not working.
It doesn't mean it's not tried though...

Well, there's a non sequitur if I ever saw one.
A what now?

Just to highlight also, is Britney Spears not a person? I have to say that viewing a person as a business franchise or a product is a little...odd.

LOL! Yes, Britney Spears is both a person AND a product. The person is a rude, tired, self-absorbed twit without the grace to say "Sorry, excuse me" when she accidentally smacks an airplane passenger in the noggin on her way to New Orleans for some big MTV deal. The product is the pseudo-sleazy pop monstrosity being sold to millions worldwide.

And again, I reaffirm that if no one was silly enough to buy, then there would be no spread of the conflict of terms known as "pop culture" coming from America to wherever it has spread. No one is holding a gun to a Chinese teenager's head and saying "Buy this or you die". Last time I checked, Europeans still had the freedom to purchase as they chose, each according to his or her own whim. And correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't even people in the Middle East at liberty to refuse to buy American pop garbage?

The point I'm making is this: You can set up shop anywhere you like, but if people aren't buying, there's no way to force the issue. That's just how free enterprise works. If you don't like a product, don't buy it and STFU.

As for the whole American side of things... I live in an area where I regularly see women in both middle eastern and traditional Korean and Vietnamese outfits, where more people speak Spanish than English and where I can enjoy a nice bowl of pho every weekend... and I am only 20 minutes outside of Washington DC. The point of THAT info-nugget is that America is still a gathering of other countries's cultures and not the homogenized steriotype that most of you seem to wish to buy into.

It's so very easy for those of you who have never spent any real time in any of our population centers off the tourist track to point your fingers and hold the big, young nation solely responsible for the spread of homogenous westernization when our businesses and media are only partially responsible, in partnership with your own, for the spread of this lack of culture that should be more appropriately labeled as plain old capitolism. However I can only laugh bitterly in your general direction when so many of you who seek to be our detractors have repeatedly, and in a few cases, blatantly demonstrated on these boards your stunning lack of reading comprehension skills and ability to reason logically. I will not make the same mistake and blame your countries, cultures or institutions of higher learning. I will quite gleefully place the weight of your own ignorance on your own individual laps, where it quite rightfully belongs.

The truth is, no one nation or culture has a monopoly on stupidity, lack of class or lack of cultural goodness. We all have our losers, and we all have our shining paragons. So can your smacktalk until you actually have something amusing, witty or even vaguely factual to say.

kthxdienoob

It's not the terrorist that made adds saying that Kerry will lead to another terroristt attack, I'm sorry to say that the GOP did a swell job of propagating fear by itself. And fear of terrorism is no excuse for the other points where Bush fucked up.

I'd like to point out, before we go any further, that I don't hate the American citizen and don't want to become an america-basher. I do feel a little anger right now but that's mainly because of recent events.

Never said you hated Americans, sorry if I somehow conveyed that. and no you don't carry yourself like some others. I meant blame the terrorists for casting that fear that overshadowed the economy and unemployment and other areas where you see that Bush 'fucked up.'


Let's not kid ourselves here. Which country can put more financial pressure than the US? Besides, I'm trying to explain that the US administration actively export it's culture and there's a legitimacy in the implication that Americanism is threathening other cultures. I'm not saying the US shouldn't do it, just that there's a real threat to other cultures that the others countries need to adress. Japan, for one... Germany is another, then theres France, China, and several others who ship alot of goods to America. American Consumerism has made buying imported goods more popular than buying domestic ones. Granted the "financial Pressure" isn't the same style that US tends to put out, but it's still financial pressure... I don't know if you hear/saw the slew of "Buy American" slogans to get people to buy more domestic products.

DEATH TO ANTi-AMERICA!!!??? :confused:

Katganistan, I think the McDonald's bit doesn't really hold water - in most cases, foreign McDonald's franchises aren't really there to serve the locals - they're there to provide American tourists with an alternative to local fare. If they can hook the locals, I'm sure they're happy about it, but that's not their prime objective.

Because American 'culture' is intrinsically linked to American consumerism, it makes sense that people in other countries are left feeling defensive of their own cultures, particularly if their cultures aren't tied into their consumer base. How can the Kalevala possibly hope to compete with the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated?Wrong. McDonalds serves the locals first. that is why their menues are different depending on where you go. I hear they serve German foods in Germany, Japanese Dishes in Japan, etc. Sure tourists go there for the familiarity but if they piss off the locals, they wouldn't be there.

Wrong. McDonalds serves the locals first. that is why their menues are different depending on where you go. I hear they serve German foods in Germany, Japanese Dishes in Japan, etc. Sure tourists go there for the familiarity but if they piss off the locals, they wouldn't be there.
Yep big back lash against them in the UK, sales slumps etc, they are now having to turn to saladfs and 'healthy' options to try and win the punters back.

DEATH TO ANTi-AMERICA!!!??? :confused:If America and Anti-America touch... how big will the explosion be? :confused: