Why is the younger generation of Europeans so into theAmerican Life?

Question

The older generation of an example, the French, have so much Pride in their own country and don't really like the U.S. at all. But why are the younger generation like the French Teens so crazy about the U.S.? I'm American and my cousin from Belgium loves wearing American clothes, American movies, American music...etc? How come this sudden change just happened? Why did the French go from hating the U.S., and now the teens are in love with the US?

god! people i'm not siding with Americans. I'm just asking. I am asking the same question you are. i dont see why they love america so much..

Answer 1

I noticed that too. When I was in France I was expecting people to hate me but instead people were telling me how they wanted to live in the US and always asking me questions about America.

In all fairness this has happened in every country I went to. I think it has to do with American movies and music, it gives a false reality of America. Also many Europeans feel that there governments are working against there culture so they feel betrayed.

I would not say the older generation hate the US, Especially the people from Normandy. They are just proud of being French and are not shy to let people know it.

Answer 2

I have had this discussion with people my parents age. They were kids in WWII in the Netherlands, and when the war was over everything was named with English names, (pronounced the Dutch way as nearly nobody knew English.)
Those names were gradually replaced with Dutch names (or other English names that were pronounced better.)
That same generation was blaming their younger brothers and sisters, and the older of the nephews and nieces, on being crazy about American and English 'culture'. Being Elvis and the Beatles which they despised.

Every few years a new bit of popular American life is very much popular here, to disappear when the next group of teenagers comes along with yet an other bit.

In the mean time, all teenagers also like part of their own culture, some more, some less, and all have national pride.
And all Europeans only want a part of the American way of life, nearly non would want to live in the USA for good, and those that did emigrate often cling to the way of life of their home country as much as they can manage.

I give examples about the Netherlands, but it is about the same for all countries in western Europe.

We have a good idea about daily life in the USA, by reading translated American books, watching TV and movies and through news and Documentaries, and we also know that the average American has not as good a view on the European way of life. That is because the American TV and newspapers do concentrate more on the national news.
And because there are much less movies and books in the USA about Europe, and when they are available often they are written by Americans who have never been in Europe.

And about the European kids wanting to wear Amercan brands, don't the American kids dream about driving a Mercedes Coupe, or a Porche?
Don't they want to dress in the Top Fashions created by the great European designers?
Maybe a little less obsessed about it in daily life, but that is because they are not as often confrontated with the European way of life.

Answer 3

Don’t assume that fast that French teens love the United States. Many love it; but many express resentment against too!

Those, and the older generations, don’t have any personal grudge against U.S., actually. French media and leftist lobbies are largely responsible of this attitude. In fact, you’ll notice that they don’t know why they criticize U.S. that much. They’ll answer you two or three things about capitalism, Iraq, and George Bush; hardly more. They just repeat what the French media say, but they are unable to elaborate in most instances.

In France, anti-Americanism is just politically correct. French who say too loudly that they love the United States are much likely to experience some disagreements, such as more difficulties to find friends or a job (I live in France and I have this problem about which I guess I am knowledgeable). Anti-Americanism is especially present in French public schools and it is well encouraged by most French teachers through biased course's subjects.

However, here lies a paradox. For, French truly love American movies; McDonald (even though they repeatedly criticize it, in public); Harley Davidson and many U.S. cars; American style clothes; American singers and music; and more.

Another more recent paradox is that there are plenty of U.S. TV series on French TV and that the newly elected French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, seems to be pro-U.S.
But, on the other hand, critics and unfavorable allusions towards the U.S. are still quite frequent on the French media, overall. Especially on state controlled TV channels (!?)
I don’t know what to think about all this, as yet.

French anti-Americanism is an authentic subject of study and several books have been written on this matter alone. It is older than what many assume.

See my links for further information:

Answer 4

First of all: Just because the older generation of France (or any other country) is nationalistic, does not imply that they hate the United States (or any other country). One can simply have a healthy sense of national pride, WITHOUT it meaning that they hate anyone else.

Then, to answer your question. It's because the shallow, materialistic,drug addled, sex obsessed, morally deficient culture of Americas youth is as sweet as sugar, and as addictive as crack - it's for the weak.

It is much easier to sit around listening to (what passes for)music these days, worrying about Lindsay, Paris and Nicole, scamming enough money of your parents to by a skirt that is barely going to cover your ***, while you're out in da' club listening to that same god awful music - than it is to study, create art, help others, and improve the world.

What I'm trying to say is that, ANYONE who emulates the youth culture of this country (I'm an American) is NO better than those they are emulating.

We are poisoning the world, one lazy teenager at a time.

Answer 5

The young greeks aren't americanized and most of them are proud of their country but that doesnt mean that they are anti american.

I noticed what you say too in some countries, I saw many eastern europeans who dress and act like hip hop gangsters and that's just pathetic.

Music and cinema are arts and they are international, the usa is very influencial in that because it has the means.

Answer 6

NO, that is not true. I am from Europa. You are talking only about your Belgium cousin who like an American style. There are others few mill. who do not.
Sorry, not everyone is into an American culture.

Answer 7

this is nothing new - was like that 20 years ago too.

Answer 8

everyone wanst to be like us no clue why with the way we do things i think we are falling apart!!