Why does she perceive these as America's values? Not because they are, but because she's out of touch with America. Those are Hollywood's values, not America's. Sure, American's like to live life comfortably. Sure, American's like to be successful. Do we like to do this at the expense of others? Not most of us, and not any more than anyone from another country or culture would. If all one does is look to celebrities and the most prominant 2% of Americans, then the only view of American values to be seen is the one Madonna describes. Rather, look to the countless blue collar workers, the farmers, the accountants, the secretaries, the chefs, etc, and you'll find that their values aren't greed, but simply success - to be the best at what they do. I wouldn't want to live in a place wheer striving to be the best wasn't encouraged. Do some people try to achieve this by stepping on others and cheating and deceiving? Of course. Do most? No.
I find it amusing that someone who now lives in London and has spent the past 20 years living a lifestyle unlike the vast majority of Americans feels qualified to speak about "American values."
__________________
Le temps détruit tout
"Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling
|