Dominance of American culture

Worldwide spread and dominance of American culture is seen as one of the most controversial aspects of globalization. How do you approach the fears - especially on the part of the countries such as China, France and the wider Middle East - that global culture may become too Americanized, destroying other cultural, economic and religious traditions? Do you agree with Iriye's interpretation of the state of affairs from 1913 to 1945 which he sees as mainly based on the actions of the US as a major actor affecting the outside world? What kind of challenges (in cultural terms), if any, US had to face since its globalizing role in the aftermath of WWI? Do you think that those challenges have shaped the US as well or the so-called "globalizing" of America has remained to be a "unidirectional" process?



I absolute concur with Iriye that Americanization (spread of American principles, values and way of life) is an unquestionable phenomenon which is predisposed to increase as the world becomes more and more connected (globalization). Recent world uprisings and revolutions are evidences that American principles of freedom, democracy and human rights are being aspired throughout the world, especially after the media revolution and the increase of the use of the internet and the social media.
The American culture is also transmitted to the world through mass media communications including movies, tv channels and music dictating a model of life to be followed, influencing the way people dress, eat, think, buy, listen. Anyone who is fortunate enough to have travel around the world can notice that McDonalds, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Coca Cola and many other American multinationals are spread through countries and doing very well financially. An example is fast food restaurants which usually offer inexpensive unhealthy highly processed foods and are considered to have negative influence in countries with cultures that historically have consumed healthy foods, causing increase of obesity and cardiovascular diseases or destroying local restaurants that cannot compete with prices.
In my opinion, whether the influence come from US or any other power that might emerge in the world arena, governments should accept that the world is connected (globalization is here to stay) and that it is only in educating its people that they will be able to evaluate foreign influences and make healthy choices for their lives and for future generations. China, France and others should encourage their population to ask questions like, is eating fast food really the best option for my children? Up to what point will these influences damage my national identity? Suppressing foreign influences through censorship is in my view wrong and a failed approach since it will only make people more curious.
I do agree with Iriye that state affairs from 1913 to 1945 were based on the actions of the US as a major actor that affected the outside world. And thus, globalization is a two-way phenomenon, also affecting the US. With the spread of Americanization, people will feel compelled to migrate to the US in search for the American Dream. Thus, US is a country that was made from immigrants by default. However, as we witness all the debate behind immigration issues (regardless of which side you agree) it is notable that the majority of immigrants and minorities are marginalized and isolated causing social problems (as poverty).
Other aspect that present challenge is the corporate capitalism (we call it in Brazil, the American wild capitalism) which will glorify profits over all costs (over environmental preservation, labor laws, etc). This translates in the idea that as long as money is coming in happiness will follow. Thus, the US assume a image of double standards since it fights for human rights but close their eyes to factories overseas that manufacture their inventions at a cheap cost because they abuse employees and degrade the environment. This only increase anti-American sentiments abroad.
Another challenge is terrorism and extremists groups that use Americanization as threat of destroying people’s culture and especially religion. An example is Al Qaida agenda of implying that the West (mainly the US) is anti-Islam. This week hearings on radicalization of the Muslim community promoted by Rep. King is precisely what extremists groups would use as propaganda against Americans. They will use the media reports about the hearings to prove that the US is after their religion and demand reactionary attacks against us (via videos or the internet). That in return will cause that US step up in security measurements in other to prevent attacks provoking limitation of our privacy rights.