Around the world there are many stereotypes pertaining to
cultures of countries but no reputation is better known than that of America.
Whether considered a famous, or infamous culture the stereotypical lap of
luxury, carefree lifestyle of America is known, and an influence across the
globe. Todd Gilton, a published author
and faculty member of Columbia University, addressed this world spread influential
American stereotype by writing Under the Sign of Micky Mouse & Co. Gilton
painted a picture of American culture and what it means to different countries
around the world. Written to a broad
audience with the hope of showing others how America has shaped the world we
live in today, it is an insightful article.
American culture affects counties across the globe; from
entertainment to trends other countries mirror this culture whether they want
to or not. Gilton uses the French as an example who stereotypically do not have
the most positive opinions of Americans as a country that despite not wanting
to be has been affected by American culture. For example Gilton tells the
reader, “Less well known, and rarely acknowledged by the French, is the fact
Teriminator 2 sold 5 million tickets in France the month it opened”(825). France was not forced into showing this film;
they did so due to the knowledge they possessed about the popularity of this
American film and the revenue that went along with it.
Yet another prime example given by Gilton to show this
influential culture Americans live in was, “...The little Japanese girl who
asks the American visitor in all innocence, ‘Is there really a Disneyland in
America’”(826). Despite there being a Disneyland in Tokyo she still wonders
about the Disneyland in America, the originals that was such happiness and
splendor surrounding them in advertisement and reputation. Such places in
America have reputations that are known worldwide.
However influential and well-known Hollywood and American
attractions are there are aspects of more simplicity such as brands and fashion
trends that also dominate the globe. American originated brands such as Coca-Cola
have spread to nearly every country as well as American trends such as baggy,
low riding pants for men and the stereotypical causality of the backwards
baseball hat.
The message of influence by American culture is not
negative, it is stated quite positively that this universal adoption of the
American ways give us all something to connect upon and relate to one another.
In a sense the knowledge of American culture and adoption of such is a world
spread bonding aspect, something we all can relate to. So whether one likes, or
dislikes American Culture Gilton shows that it is an unavoidable influence most
places in the world.
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