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
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