Paper 5

American Universalism
Globalization and American Universalism are two different subjects. American Universalism is most common and it is the U.S. influencing other countries around the world. In fact, American Universalism has led countries to become more like us and adopt our ways of life. We are dispersing our technology and beliefs on other countries frequently. Koreans celebrating Christmas would be a good example of our American culture spreading around the world. The United States influences many other countries politically, culturally, and economically.
Countries around the world require that their children learn English in grade school. Citizens of Korea, Mexico, and Russia embark on English lessons in elementary school. The American language is becoming the common language throughout the world. Most countries are beginning to realize that it is necessary to speak English when it comes to business. “Each year more of the world’s people learn English, consume American popular culture products, and more of its nations adopt democratic Institutions” (121), Salins, the author of Assimilation, American Style stated.
The technology in The United States is crucial for the rest of the world to function properly. A great deal of the world’s most essential items were first invented in America, and later extended to different countries. Airplanes were created right here in America by the Wright Brothers in 1903. Planes are extremely important in the world’s daily routine. Vehicles are also a huge invention that is utilized around the world. Our very own Ford first established widespread car usage in America. From then on, cars expanded and are now a vital item that cannot be replaced. Most countries have grown accustomed to using cars every day. Telephones could also be included in our list of contributions to the rest of the world. These American items are just as common in foreign countries as they are here at home.
American Culture is also a huge area that influences people around the world. Our English
movies are played in countries that speak different languages. In America, we rarely have movies where the script is in another language. The best movies are produced in the United States, which is why our Hollywood celebrities are being watched in other countries. Artists and other American entertainers are always just as popular in England and China as they are here. Unlike in the U.S., we generally don’t listen to foreign music. Foreigners are also familiar with our American television shows such as Saturday Night Live and MTV. If you asked me about a foreign show or network, I wouldn’t know of any;most Americans watch American shows the majority of the time.
Another aspect of our culture that has spread to many other countries is the fast food industry. McDonald’s, Burger King, and Dairy Queen can all be found on any street in Japan just like here in the United States. Often, our fast food places offer many benefits to smaller countries because we boost their economy by giving them these food chains. Although some countries have the same exact menus as we do, others like India have special selections to fit their population. For instance, the McDonald’s there provides mostly vegetarian food, and they serve no hamburgers. Generally speaking, American food presence in other countries is accepted and liked by the citizens.
The majority of Koreans are Buddhists, but America has such an impact across the world that they join us in celebrating Christmas. Now that I am working with two Korean interns, I’ve learned that they have no idea why their country celebrates this American holiday, but they do. This is very strange to our American society because we don’t participate in foreign countries’ holidays. If the Koreans are joining in on the fun, they probably aren’t the only country to follow our American holidays and traditions.
Economically, we have a huge impact on other countries around the world. We have the power to impose sanctions on their people. Yes, some Middle Eastern countries can raise our oil prices, but there are only a few. On the other hand, we can impose taxes on many countries including Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and England if we wanted to. Our sway around the world is strong and present, much different from the influence other countries have on us.
Our democratic government is also something that is sought after by other countries. Australia, Taiwan, France, and Finland have followed the U.S. in adopting a democratic government. Our government has proved to be the most successful around the world, which is why countries are striving to switch so often. The American government is viewed as superior to other nations’.
American universalism is more common around the world, compared to globalization. Many
countries know more about our foreign policy than majority of Americans do. The Korean interns that I work with have told me a lot about the Bush Administration that I didn’t know. I’m sure if their country is informed, then other countries are as well. Other countries are so affected by us that they know exactly what’s going on. I was surprised that they knew so much. I can’t even name the president of Korea.
The examples I have listed above prove that America is influencing other countries more than they are influencing us. An example that I have that proves that the U.S. is not as influenced by the rest of the world is the metric system situation. All but three of the countries around the world have converted to the new metric system. One of those countries is the U.S., and the other two are so much influenced by us that they choose not to adjust either. America does not just follow other countries, we usually set the standards; but when we aren’t able to, we don’t conform to whatever the rest of the world is doing. "Speak in English, and Measure in Metric," is a common saying written on the U.S. Metric Association website.
America’s influence throughout the world is undeniable. American Universalism has been
occurring since we claimed our independence from Britain and began exploring inventions. TV, cars, music, politics, and even our diet are being copied in foreign countries across the globe. The political, economic, and cultural influence that we have on other countries will eventually lead them to live their life identical to Americans.
Works Cited
Liebes, Tamar. American Dreams, Hebrew Subtitles Globilization From the Receiving End. Cresskill: Hampton P, 2003. 165-89.
O'Donnell, Kathleen P. "Made in Democracies." Made in Democracies-List of Democratic Countries. 26 Nov. 2007 .
Salins, Peter D. Assimilation, American Style. New York: Basic Books, 1997.
"U.S. Metric Association." U.S. Metric Association. 26 Oct. 2006. Colorado State University. 20 Nov. 2007 .

Paper 4

Christian Based Laws?
Have you ever noticed how many of the United States laws have a Christian background? Many times laws are passed or vetoed depending on Christian morals. Although our nation was
founded on religious tolerance, occasionally the court system may refer to the Bible when
deciding a case. Religious persons make up 87% percent of the American population. Can
Americans expect our constitution to not be biased towards the nation’s leading religion?
In Christianity, modesty is the best policy. Christians frown upon showing too much skin
in public. The law prohibiting indecent exposure is based on this policy. My best friend Pamela
is a Mormon, and every Sunday they are allowed to take the bread and water if they have not
sinned that week. She was not able to take the bread and water one Sunday because the shirt
that she was wearing was considered to be too revealing. Right now, there is a case in court
about a man that flashed a hotel clerk, and now she is filing charges against him. Her Christian
parents said that he has ruined her purity. He was arrested and will be tried soon.
Embryonic Stem cell research is an issue that often leads to Christian protests. President
Bush just vetoed a bill stating that embryonic stem cell research “crossed a moral
boundary”(CNN). Bush, along with most Christians, believes that destroying embryos is
equivalent to destroying a child’s life. Many Christian activists were present at the Whitehouse,
protesting the passage of that particular bill. Christians consider this type of research murder.
The fact that this law was denied because of the Christian protest demonstrates how huge of an
influence Christianity has on our government.
Another law that has been derived from Christian beliefs is the law that prohibits gay
marriage. Just last year, it was legal for two people of the same sex to marry in certain states.
The law was too controversial because of Christian morals, so they revoked that right. Christians
say that in the Bible it states that homosexuality is a sin. They believe that some people may be
born attracted to someone of the same sex but, that the sin occurs when they give into those
desires. Laws regarding gay rights are struck down because of the large amount of Christians
that make up this country. For example, in 2000, the Supreme Court ruled that a man could be
fired from his job as a Boy Scout Leader because he was homosexual. He wasn’t considered a
suitable role model once they found out he was gay.
It is a common Christian belief that God should decide when we die. Humans are not
supposed to control when they die. When someone does plan their death, it is considered suicide, which is a sin. They believe that suicidal people will go to hell. It is no surprise that the Christian
population protests against assisted suicide. Doctors are often held accountable for their patient’s death if they fulfill their wish to help them die. Assisted suicide is legal in Oregon and the law has very strict conditions. Christians have caused the Bush Administration to appeal this law and they expect a response in early 2008.
Another controversial law that Christians have openly protested is the law prohibiting
cloning. They are struggling to make cloning against the law. They have proved victorious on
other similar issues and are hoping for the same outcome. President Bush is supporting the
Christians and their proposal to ban cloning. So far, the House has passed the bill, but they are
still waiting on the Senate (CNN). This is an example of how the Christian religion is persuading
our secular U.S. government.
It is against the Ten Commandments to commit adultery. In some states across our
nation, it is also against the law to commit adultery. Colorado, Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oklahoma all have laws against adultery (Wikipedia.com). These
laws are a product of Christian values. Different state laws have consequences that include
tickets, jail time, and divorce if there is evidence. Some of these states may choose not to enforce these laws but they are still considered valid. Again, the enactment of these laws, is proof that
Christianity influences the laws of our religiously tolerant nation.
The contentious laws that I have mentioned are examples of the Christian
sway on our government. Gay rights, adultery, indecent exposure, and embryonic stem cell
research are all issues that have resulted in laws favoring Christianity. The United States was
not established as a Christian based nation, yet my examples confirm that some of our laws
have a Christian background. Our founding fathers wrote the constitution with hopes that
America would be religiously tolerant. If they were alive now, would they consider these laws to
be constitutional?

The Oblivious Empire

I agree with what Mark Hertsgaard is saying in his essay. I know very little about what is going on in different countries. I do read the paper and watch the news but they can only tell me the governments side of the story. I try and stay updated with the news so that I can form my own opinions, but if I only hear what the government is saying then of course I end up siding with America. I truly beleived that the Middle Eastern countries hated us because of our power and our freedom. I never once stopped to think that that was exactly what I was being fed by the news. In the essay it describes the amount of economic sanctuations that we inflict on other countries and then it states how many of us, Americans, are aware of this. It just proves that I am very uneducated about our foreign policy. It is freightening to read about the problems that we are causing around the world.

Under th Sign of Mickey Mouse & Co.

The essay reinterated what Babel proved. It showed how a single situation can affect people throughout the world. In Babel, the American getting shot was displayed on the news in three different countries. Somehow that surprises me. I wouldn't think people from another country would care about what is going on in America. The essay describes how many of the items that we consider to be American, aren't so American afterall. Examples include: levi jeans, coca cola products, and Disney characters. These items are often manufactured in other countries like France, China, and Mexico. I know that whenever I talk to a foreigner, I ask questions like: "Do you'll have TGI Fridays?" It turns out that other countries are not so different afterall. In the essay Gitlin makes a point that Americans get rap, dance, and a lot of other entertainment from Africa. Our countries are alike in many ways. Across the globe we all have a demand for the same things. No matter what country we might be from people from the same age group probably value similar items. In other words no matter where you are from we all speak the same language when it comes to economics.

Is the Death Penalty ok?

A Kansas court just ruled death on Lisa Montgomery, for stealing an unborn baby from a woman's womb and then murdering her. In 2004 Montgomery met Bobbie Jo Stinett at a dog show and planned from then to kidnapp her child. Montgomery kept in touch with Stinett online and planned to meet with her again to purchase a puppy. The prosecutor proved that Motgomery planned this attack because she had been researching on how to perform a c-section. She had been in trouble before for faking pregnancies to reap financial benefits. This premeditated murder is a result of Montgomery's ex-husband threatening to expose those lies to her work. She broke into Stinett's home, tied her up and tried to perform a c-section. She was able to retrieve the baby and then killed Stinett. Montogomery was seen showing off the baby as if it was hers in her town Melvern, Kansas. The baby was born 4 weeks premature, yet Montgomery did not try to get medical attention for the baby. The baby, Victoria Jo , is three years old now and lives with her father. As for Montgomery, she is now on death row awaiting her fate for this heinous crime. I am personally against death row because i don't think that anyone has the right to kill someone else, but I don't know what the proper sentencing is for someone like this. Yes, I think she is mentally ill however, that seems too easy to let her sit in a mental institution. What do you'll think?

Religion

Religion has never been a big part of my home life. Yes, we pray before every meal and before bed, but we don't go to church every Sunday. At my dad's house I do go to church most of the time because my younger brother is religious and I go to support him. Like I said in class, I was randomly put in the Bible Literature class my sophomore year. I tried to get out of it but my counselor refused. By the end of the year, I loved that class because I had learned so much. At first though, I was really embarrased because every other student was a junior or senior and some kind of Youth Quake leader. We had random "basic" quizzes over imfomation that we were expected to know just from our knowledge prior to the class. I was the only one that would fail them. It was extremely difficult for me since I wasn't as educated on religion as everyone else. I received a B in the class but I could have done better if the teacher taught, instead of discussing issues in the Bible.