AmericaniZation : Inherently Negative?

In an article titled “ ‘Americanization’: Political and Cultural Examples from the Perspective of ‘Americanized’ Australia” by Phillip and Roger Bell, “American-ization” is understood as a process that is responsible for what is seen as “the growing homogeneity and interdependence of cultures”. In addition, “American-ization” is also understood to be the perpetrator in the “erosion of cultural diversity, ideological difference, and at times, political sovereignty”. These definitions shape “American-ization” into a very menacing form. While I find the “melting-pot” theories and movements to be increasingly unattractive in a globalizing world, I recognize that some homogeneity may be inevitable. The international world is so interconnected. Our ideas, our systems, our politics, economies, and our relationships all rely heavily on shared information and the collaboration and cooperation of actors that move and communicate freely across any and all borders.

Australia is commonly caught up in the theory of “American-ization” and the consequences and repercussions it holds for national cinema and cultural preservation. I can sympathize with those who feel cast under the shadow of the American dream and all its prosperities; I am from the country that humbly sits on its shoulder after all. This said, I think the situation is far more complex.

The United States of America, much like Australia and Canada, is a country that has grown because of large influxes of migration. While each nation has its indigenous histories and differences, these three countries, are made up of decedents of the same countries (predominantly in Europe). There will be natural similarities across states when ancestral backgrounds are shared.In lecture we spoke about the foundation of stories that are shared and passed on through generations. Mythology links lessons and messages that are embedded in films, literature, and art in every single country in the world. Why can’t we embrace these connections?

I will not argue against the obvious global spread of American taste. On an international scale, we have adopted many ideas, mentalities, and aspirations that have derived from what is considered to be American culture. Maybe in an idealist sense, we could consider all of these traits as international and not solely American. Perhaps these tastes have derived from a people that have evolved and transcended from global communities and are able to project and international conglomeration of concepts. It is hard to reject cultural cues that you agree with or enjoy. This should not be looked down upon or considered to be contributing to the “beige-ing” cultural diversity. I think that we need to embrace differences while promoting what we have in common as well. “American-ization”, whether it means McDonalds on the streets of Pakistan or messages that can be understood and appreciated across nations, should be understood as a reality that is not inherently all that bad.