Mickey Mouse and Such

According to Gitlin, America presents the image that it is “fun.” However, the issue is deeper than that. Gitlin explains that some countries rely on America for entertainment, as well as inspiration and guidance. America’s entertainment industries, as well as its government and economy sectors, influence other countries.
America has a great influence over the world because America’s image and products are part of “a common imagination (826)” and are an escape. American films, for example, end happily. Most foreign films end with death, destruction, or a sense of lost hope, like the French film “Persepolis.” People of all nations want to believe that all will end well. However, unlike America, most countries know such a thing rarely happens, and their films reflect that. However, it’s nice to get lost in an American film where the characters ride into the sunset.
Furthermore, the youths of other countries are willing to listen to and, to some degree, adapt American culture. “Young people do not live in monocultures. They are not monocular (826).” Youths in South Africa and China “are both local and cosmopolitan (826).” They can embrace aspects of American culture without losing themselves. English further ties these young people to America. For many, English is a second language. And, fortunately enough, America’s goods tend to be in English. The ability to understand and relate to the Americans who also use these products and who also watch those films furthers the interest in American culture.
America might not shout “Fun!” to Americans, but that’s because we lose sight of how our culture, in general, is composed and safe. Yes, we have no health care. Yes, there are homeless and those without jobs. But there is no genocide occurring in our country. There is no famine. Our government is not in turmoil. Our society, our secure, rich society, “imposes few burdens. Attachments and affiliations coexist, overlap, melt together, form, and re-form (828).” To those in countries where potential violence looms constantly, and where unhappiness and stress reign, America looks pretty fun.