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  • The Americanization of the World

    Since the attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, many Americans are confused. Why would anyone hate us? The answer may partly lie with how America is perceived in many parts of the world.

    The United States is the world’s richest nation. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union more than a two decades ago, America is the only military superpower. America is a model for tolerance, diversity, and democracy. Nevertheless, many people disagree with American values.

    In traditional cultures with low crime and a strong family structure, many people around the world see America as a violent, permissive society. In his book Jehad vs. McWorld, Benjamin Barber argues that the culture of the United States and other western nations has replaced the traditional values of some societies. Young people around the world are wearing western clothes, listening to western music, and adopting western attitudes.

    In 1873, Jules Verne wrote an adventure story titled “Around the World in Eighty Days.” Today it is possible to circle the earth in less than a single day. People who were once isolated from one another are now part of a global community. Through television and the Internet, we have instant access to almost any part of the world. With that access comes a responsibility to understand other people and cultures. By learning about and understanding one another, we can hope that the citizens of the world can develop a sense of tolerance and respect for one another.




    McDonalds in Turkey.
    Two women at a McDonalds in Turkey.
    American products are sold almost everywhere on earth.


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