Friday, October 8, 2010
Question Three
Americans thrive upon the media, and it is one of few cultures that is entirely wrapped up within the media that disseminates it. This may have implications as far as the global "worth" or respect of American culture. Do you feel that American culture is a respected or valuable one? Remember, this is not a question about patriotism, but rather a question of how you feel America, Americans, and American culture is perceived by other nations, citizens, and cultures. How does American culture fit into the spectrum of cultures across the globe?
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I myself am of many minds when I consider how others might view American culture and values. Sometimes, Americans seem to highlight the best parts of themselves, and other times, they seem to highlight the most questionable parts. The appeal of America as a "land of opportunity" and a "land of milk and honey" seems to have been permanently altered by our positions on immigration, globalization, and our push to annihilate communism and promote democracy, among others. And all of this is blasted across the universe by the media, which may or may not be representing Americans faithfully. It seems as though other cultures, nearly all of which are much older than ours, seem to regard us as younger. I wonder if we are respected globally as a culture that is not yet fully formed, which is why we young ones are pushing our boundaries in so many ways, or as a culture that refuses to be identified and thus requires a lack of earned respect...
ReplyDeleteI believe that Americans and American culture, in the eyes of others, is not what they expect it to be. Many people who do not live in America and experience our culture first hand may realize it is not what they thought it was. This may be because the media either glorifies it or puts our culture down. I agree with Jackie that our culture is not fully formed yet, but with so many new advances it is hard to say if it ever will be formed or it will be ever changing. People from other cultures only see ours in the media which makes you think what parts of it are they seeing. It may be our culture from ten years ago in a movie or our culture from this morning in the news.
ReplyDeleteSome nations have different views on America then others. For example, some countries that do not have all of the freedoms and opportunities that we are welcome to may be very envious of America and may dream of living here. These nations may also not have access to parts of the media that sometimes display our culture poorly. The nations that see these parts of the media can attain the idea that America is not all that it is cracked up to be. Some nations even think that we take what we have for granted and they believe that we do not deserve it. The media can give American culture a very bad reputation in some areas.
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age, everyone wants to be american, mainly because of our culture , the abundance of oppurtunities that we have, and the ability to speak our minds wothout getting in trouble.Our culture is constantly changing and that beautiful in the sense that change means growth and thats another reason why other nations look upon our nation with astonishment and glorification. Our culture is so rich and new that people from all over the world try to manipulate and create their version of our culture.For instance, rap is big in our culture, but now its also big in countries like china,russia,and it just goes to show that no matter what i think about our culture, it will still be a movement that other countries would love to be a part of.
ReplyDeleteI believe that American is perceive differently by different nations. I also believe that many individuals see America different depending on their cultural background, customs and believes. There are nations that believe that America is a country in which liberalism plays an important role for the lives of many Americans, and they see this as something wrong. The reason that many people believe that there is too much liberalism is because individuals in the American society have changed and introduce knew ideas of what the American culture should be. Unfortunately, the media is one of them, and people along with the media have introduce and created a certain living space in which culture have become so diverse.
ReplyDeleteIf you ask anyone outside of the United States where they would want to live outside of the country they were living in many of them would say the United States. Even though our economy is not doing very good many people would see that there are so many opportunites here. There are so many colleges and places to study that most everyone can find what they would want to do. If you gave a person who lived in a country that saw the United States as evil the chance to come to the United States I would think that it would be very hard for them to deny that chance. The media can make us look evil but many people outside of the United States will still see our country as a land of opportunity
ReplyDeleteOther countries may think of America as a great place for new opportunities. It is a "melting pot" of different cultures. Many people dream of coming to America for the chance of a better life. Some shows may not show Americans in a positive light but they don't reflect every American.
ReplyDeleteI agree with amanda.mccarthy that America "is a 'melting pot' of different cultures," but at the same time I feel that American culture is viewed as inferior by other countries. Many other cultures view Americans as dumb, yet there are also cultures that view Americans as smart. I really do not think there is any one opinion that can be formed about how American Culture is viewed by other cultures. I think that just like any other culture American culture has both positive and negative aspects to it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ashley that American culture, or any culture, has both positive and negative aspects. Depending on what the media portrays to other cultures is how other people will see ours. If someone from a different sees our culture in a negative aspect, they may think that all of it is negative and the same goes the positive aspects that our seen in the media.
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, there are both positive and negative aspects to the American culture. One of the most important positive aspects that American culture acquires, that not all cultures have, is freedom. Americans are able to voice their opinions and beliefs, when others in different countries are forced to keep silent and aren't even able to leave their homes unless they are covered from head to toe. The American culture is very diverse and unique from others. One of the negative aspects may be what the media/culture centers itself upon. The American culture is very caught up in glamour. Our news centers more on celebrities and the newests gossip, instead of on real problems in society that are occurring. Depending on what others are viewing of the American culture, their perception on our culture will differ if they are centering more on the postive or the negative aspects.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jillian. Other nations that do not have all the freedoms that we have can become angry with us or even jealous. In our country, unlike many others, we treat our people with respect and have a democratic government. We do not have to struggle under a dictator or strict laws. However, in countries that do not have a wide spread use of media, they will not know how good our country is, they only learn about it through the word of mouth. This can lead to bias and hate if what they are telling is true or false, for that matter.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sara in the sense that American media focuses too much on gossip and glamour. I believe that other countries that may be equal to America in industry and economy, believe that Americans are lazy and only care about the latest trends. Countries such as England or France, who are equal to America in terms of the economy, tend to think that because of all the fast food restaurants and percentage of obese people in the nation, that all Americans are stereotypically fat and lazy. However, I feel that certain third world nations, or countries in Eastern Europe may think of America as a land of hope for them. For these poverty stricken areas, people may see the freedom of America as job security, and think of the possible futures for their children. Ultimately, it depends on many factors as to what other nations think of America, but I believe it is generally based upon the economic region from where a person comes that determines how they feel towards other nations.
ReplyDeleteAmerican culture is viewed differently by different cultural, ethnic or racial groups around the world. To ask how American ideals, morals and relative "Westernisms" are viewed by communities around the globe is a very difficult question to answer. As an outsider, there is the notion that Americans as a whole are very powerful however incompetent or lazy its individuals are. As a whole, American culture is powerful and dominant in contrast with other cultures. However, many different views on whether that power is ethically, morally or necessarily right are available to any person who listens to an outsiders perspective. Does American culture fit into the spectrum of cultures in the world? Yes, but what culture doesn't? Is there a cultural majority that is negatively viewed by all outsiders? Does that mean that the culture does not fit into the spectrum?
ReplyDeleteAgain, a very hard question to answer.
I agree with the others that America is viewed differently by different nations and cultures. Our nation has a wide variety of cultures, which makes outsiders want to come to America. Americans are stereotyped and all put in to one group, when in fact, citizens have different beliefs and different cultures that can't be defined into just one group. I agree with Jackie that we are seen as a nation that is young, and maybe still developing. We accept people into our nation, and it is a foundation that people perceive as a safe, wealthy and positive country, that has job opportunities for many. As dmenendez said before, our country is a "land of opportunity."
ReplyDeleteAs many have said before me, I believe different countries look at America and Americans very differently. America is a land of many different cultures, and many different thinking minds. I think those who look at America as a “land of opportunity” will be envious of Americans and their lifestyles. However, there are some countries that will look at us and say that we’re fat arrogant slobs, as some Middle Eastern countries have done. However because we are accepting of many other cultures, and we are still perceived as a young, developing country, many people may say that we have a good foundation upon which to build. In the end, some may say that we will become a historical powerhouse as some may portray England to be.
ReplyDeleteRemember, the question does not necessarily require an answer. It, like life all around us, requires consideration.
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of you saying America is portrayed differently in the eyes of others who don't experience it first hand. We Americans have been living in this changing country since we have been born making us used to this kind of nature of living. As to others they may not necessarily agree with our lifestyle because theirs is so different from ours. The media, not always reflecting the right image of America, can give others the wrong idea. America can be so positive when it comes to accepting other cultures that sometimes it can throw others off also causing issues with us and our lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI believe if you take a step back and look at our culture from other people's eyes you may be suprised at how they precieve American culture. If you look at young teens from other parts of the world you may see that they want to be like American culture, because we have the latest television shows, music and fashion. They may feel as though our culture is interesting and they want to emerse themselves in it. Although if you look at older citizens from other nations they may be disgusted about American society, they may feel girls are viewed as sexual objects, and that our reality television shows are repulsive.
ReplyDeleteI think that many cultures either idolize America or look down upon America. All cultures have positives and negatives and American culture is no different. One who is from a different culture, of course, will look at their culture as "normal". But in reality, what is "normal"? I think it is all a matter of what you are brought up in and your family and society that shapes you. No culture is better than another, and no culture is more advanced than another. Maybe one is more technologically advanced, but it does not mean that the culture is better, or in any way more advanced in general.
ReplyDeleteAmerica is perceived by other countries in so many different ways. Some are jealous of the freedoms and ways of living that we pride ourselves in as Americans. Others hate that about us and believe that we look at ourselves as better than everyone else and that we have a sense of entitlement. There is no such thing really as American culture, American culture is almost every culture world wide put into one pot and expressed in so many ways. America was founded by europeans so its their cultures plus all the cultures of those who come to America in the pursuit of the American dream and a standard of living far beyond most other countries. Many people hate us because they have a lack of knowledge or just anger that they do not have what we have and cant achieve it.
ReplyDeleteAmerican media is not looked upon on a certain way. Some people hate america some people love american culture this will vary.
ReplyDeleteMichael Matzen
I feel that the United States is a place where everyone wants to live someday. No matter how bad our nation is portrayed in the media, everyone still wants to come here because of the opportunities the United States has to offer. We have many jobs opportunities and we also have good colleges that offer a great education. Even though the media may talk bad about the United States, it is just a stereotype, and i'm sure many people see that.
ReplyDeleteI believe that many other cultures view America differently today then they may have back in the times of WW I or II. Back then we were viewed as a powerful force to be reckoned with and were considered a respectable force. Fast forward to today and many nations view us as arrogant and lazy, wrapped up in trying to solve others problems without worrying about our own.
ReplyDeleteI think that in the eyes of other countries they perceive America, Americans, and American culture as spoiled, greedy, and as a bully. The people of other nations are also envious of America because they do not have the rights, freedoms, and opporunities that all Americans have.
ReplyDeleteAlthough America is one of the youngest countries in the world, America seems to be the "land of opportunity" and freedom. American culture offers so much in such a young country. I agree with Lucky at the fact that many people want to be Americans today. People such as immigrants travel to America and want to become Americans to live the American culture because America offers many opportunities and privileges. There are more freedoms in America than other countries in the world. For example, Americans are able to speak what's on their mind and not get punished for it. The media has expanded on the freedom of speech, especially on television shows. The media has enhanced the fact that America offers opportunity and freedom. I agree with Cassie the media can also put down American culture, having countries such as Britain and France sterotypically look down upon American culture.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zach in saying that America used to be one of the most respected countries and most desired places to be. Now however due to all the changes in technology and being able to have things handed to us in a second, America is viewed by other countries as a lazy arrogant power hungry country and often people do not like Americans.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that the way women are depicting themselves in the media is giving American culture a bad name. Women in the media are being degraded by men as well as other women. The media, especially the music industry, has reduced to nothing more than a contest of which female artist or background dancer in a music video can wear the least amount of clothing and dance the most provocatively. The worst part of all of this is that women are not standing up and fighting against there negative portrayal in the media, they are either just sitting back and watching or they are acting that way themselves. Many other countries either have more modest views or view sexuality as personal and not something to be plastered all over the media. The way American media is predominately sexually based is definitely hurting the way we are viewed by other countries.
ReplyDeleteI believe that all around the world that America is viewed in a variety of ways. Some see us as the "land of opportunity" and some hate are way of life and think we are a greedy and arrogant nation. A lot of times where you are born is going to determine what you think is best because you are brought up in that culture and that is what you think is best. I think America is both respected and valued but also hated around the world.
ReplyDeleteI feel that America focuses to much of its attention on the media. I bet the average american knows a lot more about the american media compared to american politics. For example, the average american, in my opinion, would know more about celebrities in Hollywood than the politicians making decisions that will effect our lives. I believe that the world would agree with me about this topic.
ReplyDeleteI believe that America is the land of opportunities and is welcoming to everyone. So why do other countries always bash it? I know this for a fact because I have family in another country and they always question what our government is doing and why we still live here. My parents came to America over 30 years ago, and have stayed since then. What does that say about the country? Clearly, they found what they were looking for here even if it was a struggle to reach this point. I always hear my grandmother saying how crazy our government is for being in a war when we should be in a time of peace and says how America loves to pick fights. I do believe that America's media influecnes other countries thoughts about America and its citizens negatively which is why they have bad perceptions of us and think that the US is still in its "teenage years of rebellion"
ReplyDeleteAmerican Culture sure is an interesting one. We have already discussed how Americans perceive their own culture: arrogant, competitive, and a bit selfish. If we think this about ourselves, I can hardly imagine what Europe and other nations see America as. To the best of my knowledge, I believe that other countries view America as greedy and conceited. I have a hard time believing that American Culture is a respected one. Every culture across the globe is different from one another, but that is what makes the earth so interesting. America fits into the spectrum of cultures, but it takes on the role of the conceited country. This, in large part, is due to the fact that the media portrays Americans in that way.
ReplyDeleteI think that a lot of people in other countries want to live in America. Non-Americans always wanted to move to America to live the "American Dream". Also, America has the most freedom and our media is a lot better than other countries. I feel that a lot of people want to be Americans but also a lot of people hate America. People from other countries probably think that Americans are spoiled, especially when they view our types of media. There are a lot of poor people in America, but people in other countries only see the "good" life of Americans. When they see our magazines or movies they only see people who are rich and have nice things. They never see people who are poor and that is why they think Americans are spoiled people. I think that a lot of people in other countries have mixed views about Americans and American life.
ReplyDeleteThe media has a huge impact on society as a whole. It tells society what is "in" and "cool" The media influences people to dress a certain way, wear their hair a certain way, and even how to act. The media glamorizes certain liefestyles such as the thug culture. They portray thug culture in a certain light so society is hypnotized by the money, the cars, and the girls. They focus in on the glamour rather then the violence, the gangs, and the drug use, which is a main and dangerous aspect of thug culture. The media is able to put its own spin on anything in order to make it appealing to the audience. The media has a strong hold on society and how they live their lives. People always think about what the media is telling them is "in" and "cool" before they get dressed and get ready to go out.
ReplyDeleteMany people who live in struggling societies look to move to America to start a new life to better themselves. They feel as if America is a place to start over and become something. However, some cultures do not view American culture as a good thing. I think that people living in societies that they are comfortable with will look to America and not want to become us. This is because of the influence with the media and people would not want to deal with that in their everyday lives.
ReplyDeleteI would think that other cultures across the globe would believe that we pay way too much attension to the media, when we should be paying more attension to topics such as the war and politics. These are the topics that affect every single one of us everyday. It really does not concern us about every move that celebrities make in their lives.
ReplyDeleteIn my eyes, other countries view our culture are one that is very unappreciative of what we have. When other countries view America, they see people who don't value life and who only value being as rich and famous as possible. Our media is portraying that we idolize celebrities way too much. You go around ask people questions on the street about our economy or politics and they won't have a clue what you are talking about. Then if you ask them about a famous celebrity, they will know everything about them. Other countries look at america and laugh, because instead of worrying about world problems and helping others, our american culture thanks to the media has made americans into non-caring, selfish people. That is why other countries look down upon american society.
ReplyDeletei believe that the American culture is looked differently upon throughout other countries. For Americans, our own culture is about individuality, success, and nationalism. From the other countries point of views it might seem like the media impacts our culture. According to others, what is portrayed throughout the media is what Americans mimic.
ReplyDeleteI believe that American culture is too concerned with the matters of the media. At every grocery store or convenience store an individual can pick up a magazine or paper and read about the most up dated gossip about a celebrity while the important issues that concern the country are thrown to the bottom of this pile of literature. With this mindset, I believe that other nations would perceive the United States with less respect. The news around the country would be how a celebrity was just involved in an elaborate cheating scandal yet the main stream news regarding important information about the nation is pushed to the back and not the prime concern.
ReplyDeleteAmerica is looked at differently by other nations. Many people view America as the land of opportunities. This where you can find the "American Dream," to succeed through hard work, and that all people have the potential to live happy, successful lives.
ReplyDeleteI believe that other countries, especially those in third world countries envision America as a place for all people to make something of themselves through hard work. They are also aware that the American media is a strong force in our culture. America is a nation with endless opportunities, and lots of technology, which accounts for its having the largest and most influential media in he world.
ReplyDeleteI believe that many different cultures don't take the American culture as serious. Due to the media and how different cultures portray Americans to be seen as lazy and at the same time they can be envied. In my opinion, when you go out of the states to another country, people in foreign lands respect you for being American. The reason they respect you is because America is told to be the land of the great and freedom. They respect where you are from but due to the media, foreigners don't really respect YOU as a person meaning, they find an American to be lazy and dumb like they are shown on the media. The media sends a negative image of Americans in my opinion.
ReplyDelete