Almost everybody who was old enough at the time remembers where they were and what they were doing on September 11th. For me personally, one of the most vivid memories of that day (outside of the images of the actual attacks being carried out and fulfilled) was the immediate televised reaction of some Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Upon hearing of the attacks, these people were shown cheering in the streets and burning American flags. While I do not believe that many of these people were actually anti-Americans (rather, they were more likely just being forced to do so or ignorant of what they were actually doing) there was certainly a very blatant hostile sentiment present in that scene. Somehow, my attention was drawn to a few little children. These kids were no older than 6 or 7, and likely had absolutely no idea what was going on or why they were screaming at the tops of their lungs. Interestingly, one kid was wearing a Spiderman t-shirt and the girl had a Christina Aguileira shirt on. I found it more than a bit ironic that, as these people for one reason or another were celebrating the U.S. being attacked, they were wearing shirts that represented some of the more prevalent instances of American culture worldwide.
This points to a greater trend; the same things can be seen worldwide. I recently watched a PBS documentary about humanitarian groups working in the Darfur region of Sudan. One of their main jobs was distributing clothing to war-ravaged refugees who otherwise had none. Interestingly enough, the shirts were all championship T-shirts from American professional sports teams (i.e, the Yankees 2003 ALCS championship or the Patriots 2004 Super Bowl championship) Upon seeing the Yankees logo, the younger men immediately recognized what they were seeing, and began saying "America! America!" over and over. These people probably had no idea what baseball actually was, but they could certainly recognize the Yankees logo, which has become one of the most famous American sports logos of all time. While America's political ideologies may conflict with other nations or factions, its cultural ones have certainly made their mark.
-Dylan Parker
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These are very good examples of U.S. cultural export. It is really strange and contradicting to see people bashing America, yet in the same sense endorsing it. I think it is important for Americans and non-Americans alike to understand the dicotomy between Americans and American culture and American politics. Granted, many non-Americans are sickened by the perceived wealth and lavish life-styles in the U.S., but we need to convey that not all Americans live like this perception. At the same time, Americans need to understand that not all Afghanis, Iraqis, Russians, etc. hate America and Americans. In most cases, the thing that foreigners hate the most about America are its policies, especially foreign policy as a hegemon. However, I thought it was funny when people found out I was American, while studying in Prague, the first thing they said was, "Yeah, Obama!"
ReplyDeleteI feel that particularly the aspects of our culture that are adopted, not only say something about others, but about ourselves. The portrayal of our culture in other places is both pathetic and encouraging. For instance, I am disheartened when I see McDonald's right next to a beautiful outdoor Italian cafe in the Pantheon Plaza. I am ashamed that we have created such a monopoly that this modernization ruins the ancient historic value. Media wise it is sad that the celebrities that represent the U.S. were Paris Hilton or Brittney Spears. I feel like seeing the representations of U.S. culture abroad, really makes you think about changing it and looking into more sound cultural aspects, like literature, art, etc. Also, it is true that other countries just eat it up and will accept any American clothing style or reference, when not politicized. And with this there is some encouraging factors. If we tried to change the way the U.S. was depicted I think it would be fairly easy to do so through popular culture. The fact of the matter is just changing it here first and then broadcasting it abroad. For instance, if we marketed our performers in a wholesome way like they are trying with the Korean wave, we might be portrayed in a better light.
ReplyDeleteIs being portrayed in a better light really what the US should strive for? Perhaps first we should actually be 'a better light' and our portrayal will follow after...
ReplyDelete@Sam
ReplyDeleteWhen given limited means and two ends, which course of action do you choose. If the US has two options, the massive, costly(social and monetary), social-engineering it takes to be a "better light" or simply portraying itself in a better light compared to the present, which is better. Yes, we can try and be better, that's good. No, given the options, it's probably better to play the relativist and make ourselves be portrayed in a more realistic light compared to the negative bias that exists. There's an oportunity cost to everything, and this is it.
Comment by Tallia Deljou:
ReplyDeleteDylan,
I love this post! You bring up such a significant point in saying that even though the political ideologies of the United States may conflict with those of other nations, its cultural ones have undoubtedly left their mark and made an impact. This shows the importance of the fine line that exists between political diplomacy and cultural diplomacy. It is important to realize that each one needs a different approach, and each serves its own purpose as well.
This one again all relates to how although international countries “don’t like US policies they sure like their media”. Like you said they might not really understand that Yankees is a baseball team but they recognize the label as “American” which is the same with certain songs, movies, etc.
ReplyDeleteTo respond to Sam’s comment, I think it works both ways. In order for the US to “be a better light” it needs to work on its portrayal. One has to remember most foreigners still see the US to be the greatest nation of the world. My great grandmother always tells me how she wished when she was younger she could visit this great nation. So, in that retrospect the US is still seen in a better light but that is because it is portrayal is a “land full of opportunities”. All in all, one can not separate one’s nation portrayal and as Sam calls it “be a better light”. Nick is right, “it's probably better to play the relativist and make ourselves be portrayed in a more realistic light compared to the negative bias that exists”.
Sam, while I certainly agree that we should really strive to be a "better light", in this particular instance perception is reality. Young children living half a globe away likely have absolutely no idea what U.S. life truly entails, but they assuredly have their own speculations and theories based on their exposure to cultural or political instances broadcast on an international level. For this reason, I think perception is where we start and the reality can follow.
ReplyDelete-Dylan Parker
I completely agree with your idea that American culturehas become the most well known part of the United States, while foreign policy or American government seems completely irrelevant to people living so far away.
ReplyDeleteI think that this demonstrates how useful cultural diplomacy can be. While many people living in developing countries aren't aware of how the US is acting in a political sense around the world, the US could most effectively boost how it is seen worldwide by promoting its culture.
If people can recognize the Yankees logo, if it is possible for that aspect of the US to spread so far, then isn't it possible for the US to spread the actual game of baseball worldwide? I think that if the world had some light to view us in, other than our politics, it would give us far more soft power worldwide. This would certainly help us to advance our interests.
I agree with Kit-our cultural images have such a strong influence in the world, however our foreign policy and politics are losing respect in other countries. If we can gain that respect back through cultural diplomacy, and we are viewed in a better light worldwide, it will be much easier for other governments to take us seriously again.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if America will continue to have the ability to communicate through culture that we used to have due to our current economic decline. With our worldwide prestige having reached low levels and economic recovery is still questionable. America does not have as much economic influence and so that gives us less of an ability to transmit our culture.
ReplyDelete