Does the world really view America as having air in its head?

Question

Recently I rolled across an article at the Guardian about pop-princess Rihanna. She said something at the end that caught my eye: "The American way is a fantasy. All they care in life is bling and luxury cars." I thought this was odd, considering she was in Europe, and Europe practically gave America luxury: from cars like Mercedes to brands like Chanelle. And the German government buys S-Class cars for its officials, which are absolutely decadent!

Then I did some more reading though, and it seems her opinion is not the only one on the same lines. From Japan to Singapore, Chile to Costa Rica, Capetown to Dubai, Istanbul to London, that seems to be a consensus of sorts: Americans only care for "bling" and expensive things. We are a country of funless wrecks with money on our minds and poor grades.

I know there are people like that in America, and hip hop culture (by extent therefor, American culture) does give off that aura. Yet here I sit, one of millions of American college students

who is flat out bored all the time not because I do not like to have fun but because all the old people have made any form of partying practically taboo. I strive for good grades, and would like to do fun things if not for restrictions made by law.

And to say that America is pre-occupied with wealth and "bling" I think is stupid. Maybe in hip hop culture sure, but I am not the only college student in America! I am not the only one who has seen pictures of Dubai, London, Prague, and Caracas! There to you find people who drive Porsche, wear Armani, and have big houses too!

I think the part that hurts is where I see that critism coming from. Rihanna is rich, wears expensive clothing, can afford to travel to Europe and eat at Da Silvano, yet complains about us being preoccupied with wealth. In France it strikes me how some of the critics of America drive a Mercedes and wear Chanelle.

What are these critics on about?

Ok, this was not about other cultures emulating America: if you look at our history, we, like everywhere else, are a mixture of cultures that come together in a pseudo-unique style.

No, what I am asking is where does the perception that America is pre-occupied with wealth come from? Is it just that we supposedly have it? Is it because what is actually a common class difference, even one that can be overcome, is seen as a cultural set?

It might also be a good idea to ask what other people truly consider to be the United States. I think most American intellectuals realize this country is more or less one of the least stable experiments ever created by a world view, but what about the rest of the world?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it is the way America is viewed. But then so are all the other Western Countries. but the problem is, when America sneezes, the world gets a cold. And a lot of today's culture comes out of America via TV and Hollywood, and America's obsession with their movie stars. It's fanatical. Over the top. That's why every women wants Chanel and Versace. Fast expensive cars etc. The stars have it.

The other thing is that people also see the Americans as, is very self-absorbed in their own culture and a bit clueless about the rest of the world.

Another one is that other countries don't like the image that the American Government sees themselves as the watchdog of the world, and also think that the American public follow their leaders blindly like a pack of sheep. And most of them (the Politicians) aren't worth a dime. I am talking generally now. I mean, how many Americans know that the Bush family were involved in business ventures with the Bin Laden family and they used to holiday together? And that is just a fact.

I really like the Americans, but I am afraid that the country is going downhill fast, and something big and bad is going to happen there soon which worries me. Because there are a lot of great people there. And Ilove your National Anthem too.

Answer 2

America is a rich country, and we are known for our big spenders. I can't imagine rihanna saying something like that considering her own lifestyle. that just sounds so hypocritical. We know that is not all this country is made up of, and i'm sure plenty of people outside of the USA are aware of it to. personally, i think there are worse stereotypes then "all americans are rich,party, and spend money", but that doesn't mean i plan on fitting that stereotype.

Answer 3

Well most of us true Americans don't really care what they think. We have it they don't. Can you say envy.
I have been here in the Philippines for going on two years and the first thing anyone I meet says is oh rich American can give to the poor, and yes I can.
Why they assume I'm rich I don't know. I wear jeans and a cheap cool shirt no money there.
Maybe because most foreigners are well off and live in the resorts doesn't mean we don't fight and scratch for our pay just like they do.
I didn't hear a vow of poverty in your little story. I guess you are going to college to be a teacher and make less money right?

Answer 4

i have traveled abroad quite a few times and have never met anyone unwilling to set aside preconceived ideas about americans and be willing to get to know me as a person (not as an american). of course, these were probably the open minded people while the others stereotyping us were not interested in talking to me at all.

Answer 5

You have to realize their opinion is based on the Media Coverage! What they see is what they believe! Girls Gone Wild videos advertised show them that college girls are wild party sluts, and Paris Hilton, Lindsy Lohan etc. show them that we are out of controll brats , our Politicians are soliciting Gay Sex in public Mens room! Get the picture?

Answer 6

people emulate americas because they have spent half a century trashing every other culture on the planet.

Not better but by saying it loud and long enough then people start to believe.

Answer 7

So is that why other countries try to emulate Americans? Hmmm? ( ^ _ ^ )