Should everything be less Americanized and Americans be open to other cultures?
By vegegirl
@vegegirl (828)
Australia
August 11, 2011 2:38am CST
I thought it was interesting when I was reading reviews of a cook book on Amazon for a convection halogen oven.
An Australian commented that the book had everything in it they wanted to know to use a convection oven, with great recipes. Meanwhile most of the other comments seemed to come from Americans who commented on the book having UK style recipies, with some even saying they wished it was more "Amercianised".
In Australia we have so many things coming from America - music and bands, books, moviestars and movies. A lot of this seems to be aimed at the American market and the general Australian market presumabally tags along and buys food from those healthy? food outlets like McDonalds.
I thought it was interesting that Americans really seem to notice when something isn't written specifically for them. They are just getting a dose how many people in other countries feel.
I hope this doesn't sound too mean but when we are so overdosed on America and it's unhealthy food and shallow movie stars I thought it was funny to see the tables turned for once, and the reaction to it. Do you experience too many McDonalds or other similar things where you are and think that Americans should be opened up to other cultures more?
Or are you an American who is embarassed that a lot of what we see of your culture is McDonalds. KFC and Hollywood?
3 responses
@arlerambabu (1079)
• India
11 Aug 11
To be Americanized or to Americanize depends on the capability of the influencing factor you have. If in India we’re influenced by KFC, its because, KFC has a strong influencing factor in it. If some Americans are coming to India to learn Yoga, Yoga is having a strong influencing factor in it.
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
11 Aug 11
I think even Americans get a fair dose of other cultures. It's even more multicultural over there than here. It seems Queensland, where you are, as a whole is more pro-American culture, whereas down here, we're more pro-British. I've visited many parts of SEQ on holidays every year, a few times each year, but mostly around Brisbane. I know we're all in the same country, but it seems poles apart from anything down here in nearly every respect.
Perhaps we can all get a little too "nationalistic" or "state-a-listic" at times & although we feel proud about our identity, the American culture does have its merits, probably better appreciated in smaller doses - like vegemite!
There's much more to American culture that most of us don't see, as I think you're also alluding to. Unless you've actually stayed with an American family for some time, even if not actually in America & experienced more of what it really means, you might not appreciate it to the extent of those who have.
There's much more to American culture that most of us don't see, as I think you're also alluding to. Unless you've actually stayed with an American family for some time, even if not actually in America & experienced more of what it really means, you might not appreciate it to the extent of those who have. @vegegirl (828)
• Australia
12 Aug 11
I don't think I'm that patriotic except at different times. I usually get a bit supportive of some things during the olympics, and Cadel's return in Melbourne is quite touching, I'm not into the national anthem though! And the voice over from the absent PM is pretty funny. The welcome from Aunty Joy representing the indegenous community was nice as well.
I certainly don't back up bad decisions by government about war etc.
@vegegirl (828)
• Australia
13 Aug 11
In the far north we have way more American restaurants that Japanese, although we do have lots of Chinese restaurants. I think we would still have more American places if you counted McDonalds, Gloria Jeans, KFC etc. Japanese food seems to be much healthier than American food - judging by the restaurants we see here, if they are authentic.
And we would definitely have more American shows on tv than Chinese or Japanes shows. We are a long way from Brisbane (around 1600 km I think from memory). We do have a Chinese community up here which is lucky because we do get to enjoy a Chinese New Year's night out.
@veganbliss (3895)
• Adelaide, Australia
12 Aug 11
To be quite honest, I thought the Asian Invasion was more of a threat to you guys up there. Trying to get from one end of Sunnybank in Brissy to the other is virtually impossible without having some ridiculous low speed collision either in front or behind you from "no respect for personal space" following distances. I hear it gets worse the further north you go. Japan practically owns most of northern Queensland & has for quite a while now.
@urbandekay (18278)
•
11 Aug 11
Yes, and here in UK with have US culture on telly and from Australia, recycled second-hand US culture on telly!
all the best urban
@vegegirl (828)
• Australia
11 Aug 11
We also have UK shows on our tv - Morse,Lewis,Silent Witness, Wire in the Blood, Bargain Hunt, Collectors and Midsummer murders. Actually Bargain Hunt is on right now with the stylish Tim Wonnacot! We are always amazed at how many people seem to get murdered in Midsummer, it seems like such a quiet small village/county :) I better run off now - to get a cup of tea and scone before they go to Auction.
@urbandekay (18278)
•
11 Aug 11
Yep, Midsummer is ridiculous. I trust you are enjoying the English Tea ceremony
all the best urban
