Oh how little most non-Americans actually know about the United States. This would not be so troubling if they were aware of their ignorance of us; instead, many very intelligent people believe they know a great deal about the United States, when in reality all they know is the rather trite, insipid, or simplistic version they see on their national television newscast and read about in their evening newspaper-- media outlets that are no less malevolent than those operating in Kansas City or Ft. Worth.
The "enlightened" foreigners' opinion of this nation, when ungilded, is akin to a primitive chant that is religiously shouted to the sky five times daily so as not to let in any contrary spirits: People good! Government bad! People good! Government bad! Imperialism, Guns, and Poverty! Imperialism, Guns, and Poverty!
And it's no wonder they have this one-eyed view of the United States. Consider the billions foreigners spend to import and surround themselves with the most popular and crass elements of American culture. If a Hollywood film about "life in America" makes $150 million at home it typically makes three times that much overseas.
To coin a phrase, it is much easier to educate the self-described ignoramous than to enlighten the self-deceived fool.
__________________
Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam.
Last edited by Aladdin Sane; 09-09-2005 at 08:20 PM..
|