COMMENTS:
Fast food. Cable. Images of rich and famous people living dream lives. Etcetera.
by mojo on Sun Nov 12, 06 6:10am
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Voted : Because many non-Americans simply like it and find it appealing
It really is quite simple. American culture is popular because it is quite appealing. No one is forced to eat McDonalds for example- McDonalds doesn't force people to eat its products. The reason why McDonalds can even exist outside of the USA is because it is simply appealing in the rest of the world as well, many people simply enjoy it. The same goes for the status of American film, television shows, music and so on- they are as dominant as they are outside of the US, simply because there is a demand for it, it is appealing, and many people enjoy it.
I think most Anti-Americans whom also happen to be quite jingoistic, are just frustrated that their fellow nationals actually like and enjoy a lot of what the US has to offer.
Its like the rising popularity of Japanese cartoons. Its simply popular and many outside Japan enjoy it. Don't get angry because at a culture for being successful.
Voted : Because it is more entertaining than local alternatives
What is more fun: Watching AHNOLD in Terminator (I'll be back) or some dopey French film with women with hair under their arms?
America is entertaining.
Voted : Because many non-Americans simply like it and find it appealing
People are voting with their wallets. Companies only sell a product if there is a demand for it. If our culture is spreading to new countries (McDonalds, hollywood, our music and literature, etc) then that is only because the people want it.
Voted : Because it is addictive
Flash that plays to root hungers of the masses will always get the most attention, no matter where in the world it comes from :)
by Jyl on Sun Nov 12, 06 9:01am
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Damnmed if I know. I live here, and I question its appeal daily.
Ghandi was once asked what he thought of British civilisation, he replied 'It would be a very good idea.'
One could ask the same about American 'culture' and the same reply could suffice, I say that with respect.
In all honesty I'm not sure it has the same appeal it had in times gone by, Europeans, Canadians and Australians could argue that we have more freedom - and like Ireland even more per-capita wealth now than the USA - something which has a lot of validity now because of that bastion of American freedom, that 'piece of paper' that Bush referred to after tearing it up - the Bill of Rights, which protected American freedoms, has been replaced by these 'patriot acts' 1 and 2 which have removed many of the freedoms you took for granted because they were enshrined in the bill of rights, and there is lot of zenophobia that has creeped into the collective American conscience in recent years, mainly due to the fake war on terror which manifests itself - before you even get into the country proper -in mad way over the top airport security, liquids being the latest thing to be banned, what next? - Explosive T-shirts or clothing? - "For security measures will passengers please remove all clothing before alighting the plane, thank you"
Voted : Because many non-Americans simply like it and find it appealing
I like a lot of cultures and consume much of it.
America gave us Rock N Roll, so they cannot be all that bad 
I also love curry (India, Asia) Pasta (Italian) Brie (French) Good beer (German) and many more.
I think that the prevalency of DRD4 7R gene made the US what it is in terms of innovation and ultimately succes at many fronts.
^The adventurists of the world settled here in high concentration.
It appeals to the lowest common denominator, isnt challenging, and is a lot easier to digest than something slightly more substantial.
i.e. dopey French movies with women with hair under their arms.
Well there's jazz, Hollywood, and cars. It's everybody's dream fantasy come true...if someone in the world has dreamed of something shiny and alluring, you can bet somebody else in America has already created it.
It's probably the media. Europe isn't keeping up with the US in terms of how they advertise their celebrities. There aren't that many European MTVs that show off how European celebs live or how wealthy, spoiled, American kids live. It could also be the weak amount of resistance that Europe and non-American places put on American culture. So that's basically it. Europe isn't focused on preserving its culture so American culture is on the offensive.
FiddleFaddleOnLSD- "some dopey French film with women with hair under their arms?"
- It is actually possible to discuss the success of American culture without aggresive remarks against others. Anyway, French films are quite popular internationally, as are Japanese... although both are no where near the success of the US.
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